HCMP Junior Named Congressional Award Foundation ‘STEM Star’

April 25, 2019 – Last June, the Congressional Award Foundation honored student “gold medalists” for their work in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

Nicole “Nicki” Gray (NHS’20), a health care management & policy major who was in Argentina for coursework at the time and could not attend the ceremony in the Rayburn House Office Building, received her medal recently from U.S. Congressman Don Beyer (D) of Virginia.

“The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans,” the organization’s website says. “Our Foundation remains Congress’ only charity. The program is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive.”

Gray notes that awardees are recognized for activities that did not count toward academic credit.

“I served in excess of 950 hours feeding and clothing the homeless, volunteering at my local hospital, and working with children with disabilities,” her award biography reads. “I earned my EMT license, and I continue to volunteer with Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service (GERMS).”

Additionally, Gray explored her interests in global health by traveling to India for a twelve-day experience that “dramatically expanded my understanding of worldwide medical and environmental needs and the logistic and economic impacts of delivering care and resources.”

Gray, who is an avid runner and swimmer, was a silver medalist in 2015.

“In earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal my path continuously evolved as I learned more about myself and explored the opportunities of the disciplines with which I’ve engaged to better serve others,” her biography says.