Rising senior Arushi Sharma received a Congressional Award Gold Medal earlier this week. This award is granted to students ages 14-24 who have completed at least 400 hours of public service, 200 hours of personal development, an additional 200 hours of physical fitness and five days exploring a new culture. Established in 1979, the Congressional Award encourages American youth to get involved in public service, personal development and other activities that benefit their communities as well as themselves.

Sharma previously received a Congressional Award Silver Medal for her work with various community service organizations as well as leading efforts to support caregivers and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a sophomore, she won the President’s Volunteer Service Award for working with Compassion for Seniors, which organizes performances for seniors living with neurodegenerative conditions. Earlier this year, she performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the Winners Recital of the American Protégé International Vocal Competition.