Lessons on the Road to the Gold Congressional Award

Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007; Jordan Dulcie (award recipient); Congressman Ron Klein; John Falk, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Congressional Award Foundation.

Jordan Dulcie
Suncoast Community High School
Riviera Beach, Florida

Jordan Dulcie was honored at the Gold Congressional Award Ceremony on June 19, 2007, in Washington, D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives Cannon Caucus Room. The Award is the highest honor bestowed by Congress upon young people aged 14-23; it was established in 1979 to "promote initiative, achievement and excellence" and is based on exemplary volunteer service and personal development.

There she was, Miss America. As I plunged my fork into my dinner in the atrium of the Ronald Reagan Building, my eye caught a glimpse of this beautiful woman seated just two tables away. On the eve of what was to become the culminating awards event of my long journey to the steps of the Capitol, they sent a beauty to share in the ceremonial glitz! What could those of us seated around our ornate tables in anticipation of the medal that would honor our years of hard work and personal achievement, have in common with this celebrity du jour? As I contemplated this thought, spotting yet other faces in the room seeming out of place among my peers, I was soon enlightened to the driving forces who had—without my knowledge–helped me to this honorable seat in downtown Washington on a hot, steamy summer night.

"... I now present to you, Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007." Amid the conversation at my table, I barely heard the presenter announce her name. Then I caught a full-view image of the poised woman walking to the podium. I was both humbled and awed by her gracious acceptance of honors fittingly presented by the Washington elite for her own tireless work on behalf of others. You see, Miss Nelson is far more than a pretty face. She has carved out her own niche in the world of humanitarian aid, by finding ways to protect children and enhance internet safety. She has used her style, means, and compassion for others, to make a difference; and in so doing, Miss Nelson has made enormous strides in her own personal development and become a role model for the youth of my generation. This was, after all, what those of us who were called to this very room, on this very night, from every corner of the country, were all about—enriching our own lives and purpose through acts of voluntary service and the attainment of challenging self-development goals, but moreover, establishing ourselves as the next positive role models for those following in our footsteps.

It all came full circle to me as I finished my chocolate mousse that memorable night. As other dignitaries got up to speak, from President Dwight D. Eisenhower's granddaughter to the honored Congressman Rush Holt and Senator Mike Enzi, I realized the true weight of the gold medal that would soon adorn my neck. Yes, I was being honored in our nation's capital with the Gold Congressional Award recognizing ‘Initiative – Achievement – Service,’ but my life's work was only beginning. By reaching this peak, I now carried a duty and responsibility—just like Ms. Nelson and others in attendance—to not only respect and share the glory with my fellow achievers, but to help lift, carry, and guide others along the path to their own personal successes.