St. Paul, Minn. – Macalester sophomore Daniel Saphiere ’18, from Mazatlan, Mexico, has received the Congressional Gold Medal, the United States Congress’ highest award for young Americans. It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive.

“The Congressional Gold Medal is the culmination of several years of service and encouragement from many of my friends, colleagues, advisors, and parents,” said Saphiere. “I applied because many of the requirements were already being fulfilled in my daily life through scouting, school, and travels.”

Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.

Saphiere will be traveling to Washington, D.C. in June to receive the award.  He’ll go to the White House for a ceremony and dinner with members of Congress and meet President Barack Obama and Speaker Paul Ryan.

After he graduates from Macalester, Saphiere would like to apply his studies in Geography and Economics towards working in the area of community improvement by returning to Mexico or relocating to South America.

Macalester College, founded in 1874, is a national liberal arts college with a full-time enrollment of 2,138 students. Macalester is nationally recognized for its long-standing commitment to academic excellence, internationalism, multiculturalism, and civic engagement. Learn more at macalester.edu.

 

March 30 2016

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