Press Release

Two high school students from Elk Grove recently travelled to Washington and met Congressman Ami Bera to receive separate Congressional awards.

Alec Gonzales, a student at Christian Brothers High School, received the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest Congressional honor for youth. Christopher Chen, a junior at Franklin High School, was the winner of the 7th district's Congressional High School Art Competition.

"Alec and Christopher have made Elk Grove proud," said Bera. "Their talent and accomplishments should serve as an inspiration to other local students."

Congressman Bera with Alec Gonzales, who earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal.

Congressman Bera with Chris Chen, who won the Congressional Art Competition.

Gonzales received the award for setting and achieving challenging goals in 4 focus areas: volunteer public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition. He met these objectives by volunteering at the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, becoming a certified open water diver, playing on his high school football team, and completing exploration trips in multiple national parks. He was honored with 266 other recipients at a reception in the U.S. Capitol attended by local community and corporate leaders.

Chen's portrait, entitled ‘Bob the Veteran', was selected from dozens of submissions in the district. Chen received two round-trip tickets to Washington D.C., where he saw his artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol and met Bera to receive his award.