Congressional Award Presented to Shore Regional Student

Shore Regional High School setudent Shannon Wedel has been working hard to receive her Congressional Award Silver Medal over the last year.

Wedel, an incoming senior from Monmouth Beach, was given the medal on Monday morning by Congressman Frank Pallone  (D-6) at his Broadway office in Long Branch.

"Congratulations on all you've done, it's really unbelievable," Pallone said.

To earn a Congressional Award, Wedel set and achieved goals in four program areas; voluntary public service, physical fitness, personal development and expedition/exploration.

Wedel volunteered over 250 hours of community service to Sandy relief efforts, Monmouth Medical Center, and the local food pantry. She said her relief efforts included helping an 82-year-old man clean out his house which received flood damage from Hurricane Sandy.

Wedel also worked part-time at Caputo’s Bakery Shoppe, taught Sunday school, played on the Shore Regional soccer team and was a member of the school dance team. 

She completed her expedition goal by planning a three day and two night trip to Deleware Water Gap.

"We did a lot of outdoor activities and learned about the culture of the area," Wedel said. 

The Congressional Award is a public private partnership created by Congress to promote and recognize achievement, initiative and service in America’s youth, ages 14 – 23, according to a release from Pallone's office. 

Wedel said she is already working on the Congressional Award gold medal while planning her future by looking at colleges where she hopes to study business.