SAN ANTONIO – On Friday, U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro presented Isabella Hicks with the Bronze Congressional Award during a special ceremony at the Federal Building downtown.

Hicks, a 12th grader at Harlon High School in the Northside Independent School District, earned the award by volunteering more than 280 hours with various organizations in San Antonio. The Congressional Award is considered the highest honor from Congress that a young American can receive.

Hicks’ many hours of service include caring for children with illnesses and disabilities at summer camps and writing letters to some of our deployed soldiers. She has also volunteered at the San Antonio Food Bank and local elementary schools.

Castro said Hicks’ commitment to volunteer service is a reminder that there are incredible young people in San Antonio with incredible character and incredible accomplishments. He believes the city’s future is bright in the hands of Hicks and like-minded members of the next generation. He said with awards like the Congressional Award, recipients learn that their contributions are important not only to the community they are a part of, but to our nation as a whole.

“This is Congress’s way of recognizing the achievements of young people. So it’s very special to be able to present this award because our young people have to meet certain standards of community service and service to the people of the city,” Castro said. “And that’s why this is special.”

Hicks said that for more than two years, she was encouraged by her parents and mentors to continue doing what she was passionate about. The encouragement she received is the same she gives to others who have a calling they are passionate about.

“Do your best. Do everything you can, whether it’s volunteering, organizing a cross-country meet or anything else,” Hicks said. “It can be the smallest thing to the biggest thing. It will all add up.”

Hicks is currently finalizing her post-graduation plans. She hopes to follow in her father’s footsteps by continuing her commitment to service and joining the United States Air Force.

She said she hopes to attend the Air Force Academy. Hicks also said she is interested in attending the University of Texas at Austin or Texas A&M University and then studying medicine.

The Congress Award is open to young people aged between 14 and 24 who have registered by the age of 13.5 to be considered for the award. Participants in the award program must complete self-selected goals and activities in four different categories: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition or exploration. The program has six different levels that participants complete at their own pace. The levels that can be achieved are bronze, silver, gold certificates or bronze, silver and gold medals.