This summer, the United States Congress honored 252 young people for excellence in voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration.  The King’s Academy’s Nicole Provenzano, Dustin Provenzano, and Dylan Provenzano were among the winners of the prestigious Congressional Award Gold Medal.

The Provenzanos followed unique paths to the award.  Nicole, a 2009 graduate of The King’s Academy, traveled with the People to People program in Japan and volunteered as a summer counselor at a camp for young children.  Dustin, a senior at The King’s Academy, volunteered to feed the needy in Palm Beach County and planned and executed a survival trip in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Dylan, a senior at The King’s Academy, volunteered hundreds of hours as a summer camp counselor and at local feeding programs and developed the necessary rafting skills to navigate Class IV rapids.  Of the award, he said, “By working through the levels of the Congressional Award program, I have learned how to set goals and develop the discipline required following through with them, while helping others in the process.”

In 1979, the United States Congress established into law the Congressional Award to honor, encourage and inspire America’s youth.  In the ensuing years, Congress has recognized thousands of outstanding young Americans who have earned and deserve recognition.  Through the Congressional Award, Congress challenges young people to challenge themselves.  Youth, ages 14 to 23, may participate in the Congressional Award by setting and achieving individually challenging goals in four program areas:  Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.  The only other medal awarded by the United States Congress in the Medal of Honor.

The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through twelfth grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International, and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach and Hendry Counties at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach, its Clewiston campus on Caribbean Avenue, and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens, and Royal Palm Beach.  More information about The King’s Academy is available online at www.TKA.net.