Newton Falls student earns medal from Congressional Award Program

According to a news release, a student from Newton Falls High School has earned a Congressional Silver Medal, awarded by the United States Congress.

Ellie Falb is the first student in Newton Falls history to receive this recognition according to the release.

To earn the silver medal, Falb committed to setting and accomplishing goals in key areas of the Congressional Award Program. 

According to the release, Falb logged the following hours in key areas of the Congressional Award Program:

• Physical Fitness - 195 hours
• Personal Development - 255 hours
• Voluntary Public Service - 503 hours

Falb is now looking to achieve the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor in the program, and attend the national award ceremony in Washington, D.C. in June of 2026.

The requirements for the gold medal are as follows, as found on the Congressional Award website in its Program Book:

• Physical Fitness - 200 hours over the course of 24 months
• Personal Development - 200 hours over the course of 24 months
• Voluntary Public Service - 400 hours over the course of 24 months
• Expedition/Exploration - 5 days, 4 nights

Special thanks are given in the news release to Brian Bugos, a Newton Falls High School teacher, for being an advocate for Falb to achieve the Congressional Silver Medal.

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