SAN ANTONIO – U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro recently honored Isabella Hicks with the prestigious Bronze Congressional Award during a special ceremony at the downtown federal building.

Hicks, a dedicated senior at Harlon High School in the Northside Independent School District, was bestowed with the award for completing over 280 volunteer hours with various esteemed organizations in San Antonio. Regarded as the highest honor a young American can achieve, the Congressional Award recognizes exceptional commitment to community service.

Hicks’s remarkable service hours encompassed assisting as a camp counselor for children with medical conditions and disabilities, corresponding with deployed servicemembers, volunteering at the San Antonio Food Bank, and contributing at local elementary schools.

Expressing admiration for Hicks’s outstanding dedication, Castro emphasized the importance of nurturing the potential of such exemplary individuals for shaping a brighter future for San Antonio. He reiterated that acknowledgments like the congressional award underscore the significance of individuals’ contributions to both their communities and the nation at large.

Grateful for the unwavering support from her parents and mentors, Hicks encouraged others to pursue their passions wholeheartedly. “Do your best. It’s all gonna add up,” she advised, reflecting on her enduring commitment to excellence in various endeavors.

Currently charting her post-graduation path, Hicks aspires to emulate her father’s footsteps by enlisting in the United States Air Force. With ambitions to attend the Air Force Academy, the University of Texas at Austin, or Texas A&M University, followed by medical school, Hicks exemplifies the spirit of service and academic excellence.

The Congressional Award program, open to individuals aged 14-24, offers participants the opportunity to pursue self-selected goals in voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition or exploration. Award levels include certificates and medals in bronze, silver, and gold, fostering personal growth and civic engagement.