Page 32 - Florida Sentinel 10-2-20

Local
Tampa Resident Presented Congressional Award Gold Medal
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last Saturday, 478 young adults attended a virtual program were honored by members of the U. S. Con- gress and presented the Congressional Award Gold Medal. This is the first time the event was held virtually. The youth represented cities from across America.
One of those recipients of the medal is N’Jhari Jackson, of University of Florida. The medal honors youth for their commitment to voluntary public service, as well as personal develop- ment and physical fitness.
N’Jhari said, “As the grandson of a Purple Heart Veteran, it was my goal to not only make my granddad proud, but more important, also to not only help dis- abled veterans, but to learn from our nation’s patriots.
“My favorite and most memorable experience on my journey was the confi- dence gained at each step of the way whether it was con- fidence of planning how to best serve my community, executing the plan, or envi- sioning the manifestation.”
N’Jhari graduated from Carrollwood Day School, where he was the Co-Cap- tain of the Football team and Co-Captain of the Swim team. He is the son of Ms. LaShina Lewis.
N’JHARI JACKSON ... Presented the Congressional Award Gold Medal
Some of his accomplish- ments include being a Coca- Cola Scholar; a 4-time Carson Scholar; Eagle Scout of the Year; AXIA Achieve- ment Scholar; recipient of the Heart Of A Champion Award; and the recipient of the Bronze and Silver Con- gressional Medals.
He also entered the dual enrollment college program and graduated during the summer with his A. A. De- gree.
Despite having Juvenile Arthritis, the age of 16, N’Jhari had written three books, and founded three non-profit organizations as well as participated in sports at school.
He is currently a student at the University of Florida. He is majoring in Business Economics and Legal Stud- ies. He has chosen Chinese as his minor. His future plans are to become a Sports Attorney or Commerce Law Attorney.
The Congressional Award Gold Medal is the most prestigious award Con- gress bestows upon a youth civilian.
Each Gold Medalist accu- mulated over 800 hours over the span of at least two years in the program areas of Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, and Physical Fitness in addition to planning and going on an in-depth Exploration/Expe- dition.
N’Jhari shared his proj-
ects in each area.
“I volunteered at the Vet-
erans Hospital and helped disabled veterans who com- pete in wheelchair volley- ball. For personal achievement, I published my 4th book titled, “Thoughts, Just A Teen In Today’s America,” and won national recogni- tion for my writing in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Program.
“For Exploration, I took an adventure and explored the Japanese Gardens and the works houses of Frank Lloyd across the country. The program begins at the level of earning certificates and works up to the level of medals becoming more dif- ficult with each level.
“I am currently a stu-
dent-athlete at University of Florida. Disciplining myself and maintaining focus on my physical fitness goals has served me well as a team member of the Florida Gators Football Team.
“This past Spring I got to study abroad in Paris with the UF African Americans in Paris Program, which was one of the greatest experi- ences of my life.”
The medalists were mailed their Gold Medals and ceremony gifts prior to the event.
The ceremony closed with virtual panels on four topics of interests to the medalists: Women in Lead- ership, Non-profit Leader- ship, Race Relations & Social Justice, and Entrepre- neurship.
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