Congressman Paulsen Presents Wayzata College Kid with Service Medal

On Wednesday, Congressman Erik Paulsen presented Blake graduate Paimon Pakzad with the prestigious Congressional Award Medal. Youth Congressional Awards for Volunteer Services recognize young people who exemplify the principles of service to others, initiative, and achievement.

To earn the award, students must set and achieve goals in four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration. Students register with the Congressional Award Foundation, set his or her goals, and work with advisors to achieve those goals.

Paimon received his Congressional Award Silver Medal for completing over 100 hours of volunteer service at his local library—helping shelve and organize books and assisting at many library events. Paimon also volunteered at North Memorial Hospital.

For personal development, Paimon took a class on laboratory sciences and learned to utilize different research techniques in various experiments. He participated in a People to People ambassador program and traveled to the British Isles and enjoyed a home stay to immerse himself in the culture. Paimon also loves to play soccer.    

“It was a privilege to present Paimon with this well deserved recognition,” said Rep. Paulsen. “Paimon’s work at his local library and at North Memorial Hospital should stand as an example for all Minnesotans. I know we will continue to see great things from Paimon as he pursues his degree at Princeton.”