SIS student’s achievements win congressional recognition

Linxi Cai of Saipan International School meets with CNMI Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP) soon after being presented with the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress on the nation’s youth. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

WASHINGTON, D.C— Linxi Cai of Saipan International School, who was in the school’s Class of 2023, was one of several students nationwide who have been awarded the esteemed Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress on the nation’s youth.

Cai, who was the only CNMI student receiving the award this year in Washington, D.C., was presented with the medal at the 2023 Gold Medal Summit, which was hosted by The Congressional Award Foundation in Washington, D.C. from June 20 to June 22, 2023.

Cai was the Class of 2023 Salutatorian and will attend Amherst College, the No. 2 ranked liberal arts college in the United States, in the fall.

The Congressional Award recognizes the remarkable initiative, service, and achievement demonstrated by the medalists. As the first in-person Gold Medal celebration since 2019, The 2023 Gold Medal Summit served as a platform to celebrate their efforts and inspire the next generation of leaders.

The summit brought together exceptional young individuals who had earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal, showcasing their outstanding accomplishments and commitment to community service.

During the event, gold medalists had the unique opportunity to meet and engage with Members of Congress, fostering a deeper understanding and connection between these exceptional youth leaders and their elected representatives. Over 100 individual meetings with members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate took place, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and enabling participants to discuss important issues and share their personal experiences.

A notable highlight of the summit was the lineup of dynamic panel discussions on key topics. In collaboration with the Congressional Award’s STEM Stars initiative partner, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, the “STEM Education” panel focused on promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. The “Service & Advocacy” panel highlighted the significance of community service and advocacy efforts in driving positive change. The “Women Empowerment” panel explored the role of women leaders in society and emphasized the importance of gender equality. The “Pathway to Career” panel provided insights and guidance on building successful careers and pursuing meaningful professional pathways.

The gold medalists also had the chance to network with distinguished board members and industry leaders who shared their passion for community service and personal development. These connections sparked valuable insights and inspired participants to further their own initiatives.

“The 2023 Gold Medal Summit was an incredible celebration of the exceptional achievements of our Congressional Award Gold Medalists from across the country,” said Paxton Baker, chairman of the board of directors at The Congressional Award. “We witnessed firsthand the transformative power of youth leadership and their commitment to making a positive difference in society. The summit provided a platform for recognition, inspiration, and networking that will propel these young leaders to even greater heights.” (PR)