Incoming student earns prestigious Congressional Award
Loriana Walter was honored for public service, personal development and physical fitness.
Incoming NDSU freshman Loriana Walter of Cheyenne, Wyoming, has earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the U.S. Congress’s highest youth recognition for voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and exploration.
Walter, a graduate of East High School and a member of NDSU’s cheer team, completed the rigorous Gold Medal requirements over a minimum of 24 months. She logged at least 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development and 200 hours of physical fitness and spent at least five days and four nights on an expedition or cultural exploration.
“I’ve been dancing and cheering since I was two and was on my junior high and high school squads,” Walter said. “My tumbling goals for the award included a standing back handspring and a round-off back handspring — and those skills helped me earn a spot on the NDSU cheerleading squad. I’m continuing to work toward a back tuck. Go Bison!”
Created by Congress in 1979, the Congressional Award is designed to honor and inspire America’s youth by encouraging them to set ambitious goals in four key areas. It remains Congress’s only charity, and each Gold Medal recipient must demonstrate sustained effort and achievement across all program components.
Walter’s achievement reflects the university’s commitment to developing leaders with a strong sense of purpose and community. The Gold Medal joins a growing list of distinctions for the university’s incoming class.
The Congressional Award program is open to motivated young people ages 13½ through 23, adaptable to their interests and abilities. It has become a hallmark for youth determination and civic involvement.
At NDSU, she joins a community known for academic excellence, leadership and engagement, attributes embodied in her Gold Medal achievement.
Walter in high school was active in National Honor Society, yearbook, dance, cheer and several other clubs and activities outside of school. She plans to study agriculture communication and business at NDSU.
For more information about the Congressional Award and how young people can get involved, visit congressionalaward.org.