Honolulu teen earns Congress top youth award after 420 volunteer hours

Jessica Lee, a 17-year-old senior at Punahou School in Honolulu, has earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest youth honor presented by the U.S. Congress. This recognition follows hundreds of volunteer hours, years of dedication to golf, music, an expedition, and a commitment to continuous learning beyond the classroom.

Lee received the medal in August, joining 877 other young people nationwide who were honored with the award this year. The Congressional Award Gold Medal is presented to individuals who successfully complete a demanding two-year program consisting of voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and an expedition or exploration.

Lee surpassed the required 400 hours of community service with 420 hours, much of which focused on health care and older adults. Her interest in health advocacy was inspired by her grandfather's struggle with lung cancer and the challenges he faced navigating diagnosis and treatment due to misinformation. At St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaiʻi, Lee volunteered with elderly patients, interacted with medical professionals, and observed healthcare settings firsthand.

She also recognized the impact of language barriers on patients' ability to understand medical information and participate in their care. Lee's community work extends to Punahou School, where she leads Caring of the Elderly, a program that serves kūpuna monthly. In addition to her volunteer efforts, Lee has excelled in golf, competing on Punahou's Varsity I girls golf team, which won the state championship three consecutive years.

She also finished second in the state in 2024. Lee plays the violin and has participated in her school's orchestra. She has also traveled to Boston to explore cultural heritage and advocate for greater inclusion of Korean language and heritage in school curricula. Congressman Ed Case presented Lee with her Gold Medal and a certificate of special recognition, marking her as the seventh person from his district to receive the honor in the past 25 years.

Lee, who is considering colleges, plans to pursue a career in medicine with a focus on health literacy and patient advocacy.