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Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) presented Sylvania’s Karen Pan with a Congressional Award Silver Medal today during an event at the Sylvania City Council Chamber. The Congressional Award was established by Congress in 1979 to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. To earn the award, recipients must be between the ages of 13 ½ and 24, set goals in four different program areas, and meet specific benchmarks in pursuit of those goals. The four program areas are voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration.

Karen Pan, a graduate of Sylvania’s Northview High School, completed the voluntary public service portion of the award through the foundation of a music nonprofit, the Toledo Initiative for Musical collaBoration, Research, and Education (TIMBRE). The nonprofit performs free music events for the community. For personal development, Karen created pieces of music to perform at these events. To accomplish the expedition/exploration portion, she took the nonprofit overseas to Vienna, Austria to perform at the Summa Cum Laude International Music Festival. For physical fitness, Karen participated in cheerleading at Sylvania Northview. All Silver Medal winners must spend more than 400 hours over a minimum of 12 months to achieve the award.

Karen is currently a student at the University of Pennsylvania.

“I commend Karen for her dedication, commitment, and initiative in achieving the Congressional Award Silver Medal,” said Latta. “This award was established by Congress in 1979 to recognize teenagers and young adults who are getting involved in their local communities and investing in their own personal development. I always appreciate the opportunity to meet with young people that are giving back, and Karen’s efforts through the nonprofit she founded are inspiring. Congratulations to Karen on her achievement!” 

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