BY KAREN BOSSICK
Benjamin Boccabella, a student at Wood River High School, has been awarded the 2023 Congressional Award Gold Medal.
Boccabella was honored at the 2023 Gold Medal Summit in Washington, D.C., during which gold medalists met with members of Congress.
“Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting with two incredibly bright students from Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District,” tweeted Congressman Mike Simpson of his meeting with Boccabella and Hannah Sturtevant.
The award was established in 1979 to inspire American youth to voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and exploration. Each medalist must complete 400 hours of voluntary public service and 200 hours of personal development involving hobbies or interests. They also must complete 200 hours of physical fitness activities and immerse themselves in a new environment or culture for five days and four nights.
Boccabella spent two years—the minimum time frame—to earn the medal. His pursuits included competitive swimming and tennis.
“Benjamin has truly earned this incredible honor,” said Julia Grafft, Wood River High School principal. “This medal requires an immense amount of self-discipline and determination. We are incredibly proud of Benjamin and we cannot wait to see what he goes on to accomplish in his future.”