ROUND ROCK, T.X.- Congressman John Carter (R-TX31) is proud of the youth in his district. On Monday, he presented Congressional Awards Medals to two very deserving central Texans. Grant Kjeldsen and Travis Purser are both received bronze medals.

The Congressional Award was established in 1979 as a way to recognize the service and achievement of young people. In order to receive the bronze medal, both Kjeldsen and Purser achieved 100 hours of voluntary public service, 50 hours of personal development, 50 hours of physical fitness, and one overnight expedition.

Participants must set goals in four areas:
Voluntary Public Service- Providing a service to others and to the greater community
Personal Development- Developing personal employment and social skills
Physical Fitness-Improving quality of life and health through physical fitness
Expedition/Exploration- Undertaking an outdoor or wilderness experience

“The Congressional Award takes dedication and commitment and these two young men exemplify those qualities. I’m proud that we have some very dedicated youth in Central Texas, working to not making them better citizens, but making our district a better place to live. I encourage more of our youth to get involved,” said Congressman Carter.

In order to receive the bronze medal, Grant Kjeldsen helped the Brushy Creek Marlins swim team, teaching ideal strokes to various age groups. For his physical fitness goal, Kjeldsen also decreased his 100 yard breaststroke by 10 seconds. He also attended religious education classes that focus on faith and schisms in religion for his personal development goal. He also was able to meet his expedition goal by traveling to Austria to learn about their culture.

Travis Purser achieved the bronze medal through many hours of public service to the Boy Scouts of America, teaching core values and leadership skills as a team guide for a leadership camp. He also met his personal development goal by joining Venture Crew. Purser’s physical fitness goal was met by increasing his hiking speed with a 40lb backpack from 3 mph to 5 mph. His expedition goal was met by traveling to Philmont Scout Ranch for a 10-night backpacking trip.

Travis Purser recieves his award from Congressman Carter

Grant Kjeldsen receives his award from Congressman Carter.