Queen Creek sisters receive Congressional Award

Crismon High School students and 2020 Queen Creek Hometown Heroes Alyson and Elyzabeth Small are the recipients of a Congressional Award gold medal.

The twin sisters were honored in June and spent a week on Capitol Hill connecting with leaders, exploring Washington, D.C., and enhancing their leadership skills.

“As two of only six medalists in Arizona and the only ones in our Congressional District, they truly exemplify dedication and achievement,” a press release from the Queen Creek Unified School District stated.

The U.S. Congress established the Congressional Award in 1979 to recognize initiative, service and achievement in young people, according to the program’s website.  The Congressional Award is a private-public partnership that is completely funded by the private sector.

The program is open to all youth in the U.S. between the ages of 14 and 24 “regardless of ability, circumstance or socioeconomic status.” Participants earn bronze, silver and gold certificates, and bronze, silver and gold medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration.

In 2020, the Small sisters were named Leaders of Tomorrow by the Queen Creek Independent as part of its Queen Creek Hometown Heroes project.

Volunteering since the age of 5, the Small sisters have raised thousands of dollars for schools, organizations and individuals in the Queen Creek and San Tan Valley communities.

This year’s Queen Creek Hometown Heroes Awards luncheon takes place Wednesday, Aug. 28.