EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern fencer Julia Abelsky was awarded a Gold Congressional Award Medal this week and will travel to the White House in June for an official ceremony.
Abelsky was named as a Gold Medalist from Georgia's sixth congressional district for her outstanding efforts in service, development and fitness.
Recipients of the award must volunteer for 400 hours of service, spend 200 hours each on personal development and physical fitness and go on a five-day expedition.
Abelsky excelled in each of the areas, creating a service initiative to bring smiles to those in economically disadvantaged areas in Atlanta by partnering with shelters and schools in the city to provide gifts and food, among other items. She explored career areas for personal development, used her fencing success for physical fitness and planned a hiking and camping trip to the Red Rock region of Sedona Arizona for her expedition.
"I could not be more excited and honored to have won the Congressional Gold Medal," Abelsky said. "It represents the culmination of effort over several years. I learned so much about myself with each of the projects providing a unique challenge."
The Congressional Award is the United States Congress' award for young Americans. It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. The program is open to all 14 to 23 year-olds, and participants may register when they turn 13 1/2 years old and must complete their activities before their 24th birthday. Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Medals.
In addition to her work outside of the gym, Abelsky had another terrific season for the Wildcats. She boasted an impressive 45-18 record that helped the saber weapon team to a 35-10 record and a Midwest Fencing Conference championship.
In three years, her career accomplishments include a 173-84 record, along with a top-10 NCAA Midwest Regional finish last year and another top-10 placement at the Midwest Fencing Conference championships this season.
Abelsky will try to build on her postseason success with another strong showing at the Midwest Regionals before she enters her senior season next year.
Abelsky was named as a Gold Medalist from Georgia's sixth congressional district for her outstanding efforts in service, development and fitness.
Recipients of the award must volunteer for 400 hours of service, spend 200 hours each on personal development and physical fitness and go on a five-day expedition.
Abelsky excelled in each of the areas, creating a service initiative to bring smiles to those in economically disadvantaged areas in Atlanta by partnering with shelters and schools in the city to provide gifts and food, among other items. She explored career areas for personal development, used her fencing success for physical fitness and planned a hiking and camping trip to the Red Rock region of Sedona Arizona for her expedition.
"I could not be more excited and honored to have won the Congressional Gold Medal," Abelsky said. "It represents the culmination of effort over several years. I learned so much about myself with each of the projects providing a unique challenge."
The Congressional Award is the United States Congress' award for young Americans. It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. The program is open to all 14 to 23 year-olds, and participants may register when they turn 13 1/2 years old and must complete their activities before their 24th birthday. Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Medals.
In addition to her work outside of the gym, Abelsky had another terrific season for the Wildcats. She boasted an impressive 45-18 record that helped the saber weapon team to a 35-10 record and a Midwest Fencing Conference championship.
In three years, her career accomplishments include a 173-84 record, along with a top-10 NCAA Midwest Regional finish last year and another top-10 placement at the Midwest Fencing Conference championships this season.
Abelsky will try to build on her postseason success with another strong showing at the Midwest Regionals before she enters her senior season next year.