[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 21, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATING THE INCREDIBLE SERVICE OF DHRUV SURYADEVARA

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                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 21, 2023

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give special recognition 
to Dhruv Suryadevara of Ellington, Connecticut on his receiving The 
Congressional Award Gold Medal. This is a truly remarkable, once-in-a-
lifetime achievement, and one that he worked incredibly hard for.
  Those who receive Congressional Award Gold Medals have undertaken a 
rigorous course of community service and self-improvement. This 
involves four components: 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service, 200 
hours of Personal Development, 200 hours of Physical Fitness, and a 
five-day, four-night Expedition/Exploration. By completing this 
process, participants learn new skills which they will utilize to make 
the world a better place. I would like to outline Dhruv's activities to 
show my colleagues the remarkable kind of young man he is.
  For his public service, Dhruv worked with the New Hartford Voluntary 
Ambulance, where he took vitals, managed medical equipment, and 
documented calls. He exhibited personal development by enrolling in 
Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development's Psychology 
course, which he passed with flying colors, as well as obtaining his 
EMT certification.
  Dhruv's physical fitness was demonstrated through his membership of 
the Founders League's JV baseball team, as well as being wide receiver 
and cornerback on the Kingswood Oxford varsity football team. Lastly, 
he backpacked through Olympic National Park in Washington state for his 
expedition, inspired by his family's tradition of visiting different 
national parks across the Nation.
  Clearly, Dhruv has shown himself to be exceptional, as well as fully 
deserving of The Congressional Award Gold Medal. I urge my colleagues 
to pay tribute to his accomplishments.

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