Gopinath Thangada, a senior at TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas, received a Congressional Award silver medal Sept. 15, presented by U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith in his district office.

The Congressional Award is a program of the U.S. Congress for young Americans, ages 14 to 23. Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Thangada has previously received the Congressional Award bronze medal and has earned his Gold certificate, with the medal to be presented June 2015 in Washington D.C.

Each level of the award involves setting goals in four categories – personal development, physical fitness, voluntary public service and an expedition/exploration. Thangada began working toward his awards in ninth grade, pursuing studies in foreign languages and vocal music, swimming and yoga, tutoring at St. Peter-St. Joseph’s Children’s Home and volunteering at the Good Samaritan Senior Center. For his expedition he spent overnights in Austin learning about the lives of military veterans by researching wars, visiting military cemeteries and visiting VA facilities to interview veterans about their war experiences.

“It is always rewarding to recognize young Americans who are driven and ambitious,” said Smith, a member of the TMI class of 1965. “I am pleased to congratulate Mr. Thangada on his hard work to achieve his goals.”