Richland student’s congressional medal is ‘highest recognition’ for youth
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- Richland High School senior Marjorie Bunch earned the 2025 Congressional Gold Medal.
- The award emphasizes public service, personal growth, physical fitness, exploration.
- Gold recipients get a D.C. visit, meetings with lawmakers and read into the record.
A senior at Richland High School has been named recipient of the 2025 Congressional Award Gold Medal, an honor the school district calls the “highest recognition” for young people.
Marjorie Bunch began her work toward the award in 2022, engaging in service, skill-building and exploration that reflects her dedication to community and personal growth, said the district.
The swim and golf student-athlete has dedicated volunteer hours to the Academy of Children’s Theatre, YMCA Camp Reed, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Tri-City Union Gospel Mission.
She’s also completed a two-year confirmation process in the Catholic Church and competed at the state level in mock trial.
Her journey also took her on a 5-day, 600-mile trip through the Pacific Northwest to immerse herself and a visiting Ireland friend in new environments and cultures, said the district.
Principal Nicole Anderson said she’s known Bunch since she was her elementary school principal.
“What I admire about Marjorie is her unwavering commitment to hard work and her determination to become the best version of herself,” Anderson said. “It has been an honor to watch her grow, and I am incredibly proud to call her a Bomber. She is a role model for future Bombers as well.”
Congress established the program through law in 1979. It’s the governing body’s only charity and its highest recognition for youth achievement.
It was created to honor, encourage and inspire America’s youth by challenging them to set and achieve individually tailored goals. It’s open to students ages 14-23, and emphasizes four areas: public service, personal growth, physical fitness and exploration.
The process to earn the medal takes at least two years to complete. Applicants must dedicate at least 400 hours of service, 200 hours in personal development, 200 hours in physical fitness, and complete a multi-day trip.
The program has no minimum GPA requirement and is accessible to students from an array of economic backgrounds, circumstances and ability.
Gold Medal recipients will have the chance to visit Washington, D.C., to engage in panels, meet with lawmakers and network with professionals in industries. Their names will also be read into the congressional record.