Student Spotlight: Alex Bland

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School rising senior Alex Bland recently earned the highest honor that youth civilians can receive from the United States Congress—the prestigious Congressional Award Gold Medal.

The Congressional Award program is designed to help young people unleash their potential by achieving personal goals focused on volunteerism, character, and fitness. To qualify for the Congressional Award Gold Medal, participants must complete 400 hours of public service, 200 hours of personal development, and 200 hours of physical activity, as well as plan and organize an expedition that covers at least four consecutive overnights. 

For the avid soccer player and Boy Scout from age five, the program was right in Alex’s wheelhouse. The award recognizes his efforts and personal growth through volunteering at a local nursing home and youth summer camps, helping to run soccer clinics, participating in leadership programs, playing on the PWHS Boys Soccer and Colonial Soccer teams, and completing the requirements to become an Eagle Scout. 

"Through scouting, community engagement, and my dedication to soccer, I’ve learned that service isn’t just an act," said Alex. "It’s a mindset that shapes how I lead, connect, and grow."

For his expedition, Alex planned a five-day family trip to Canada, where they explored several cultural and historic sites, including Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is a military fort from the War of 1812.

In June, Alex accepted the Congressional Award Gold Medal at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. He also had the opportunity to meet with Pennsylvania legislators Madeleine Dean, John Fetterman, and Dave McCormick.

Looking back on the hundreds of hours it took to achieve the award, Alex found the experience to be rewarding. “Through hard work, dedication, and thinking of others more than yourself, you can do some pretty great things,” he said.

The Congressional Award program recognizes youth aged 14-24. Since the program’s inception in 1979, only 4,000 individuals across the United States have earned this honor.