Teens Get Congressional Medals

Jessica Geiser and Mathew Morgan are the sort of teens most parents would love to have -- industrious, athletic, outgoing and community-minded.

On Tuesday, Geiser, 17, a senior at Nordhoff High School in Ojai, and Morgan, 18, a freshman at USC, each took home a congressional medal in recognition of their initiative, dedication to public service and personal achievement.

“I can’t think of anything that gives me more personal satisfaction than to work with young people who have distinguished themselves,” said Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley), who recommended Morgan of Camarillo for a gold medal and Geiser for a bronze.

The awards were presented during a ceremony at Gallegly’s Thousand Oaks office.

Morgan, receiving his third medal from the congressman, helped establish the youth emergency service, an arm of the American Red Cross in Ventura County. The 6-foot-5 Rio Mesa High School graduate played basketball and volleyball, served as a page for the U.S. Senate and is now learning to play bass guitar.

After being awarded bronze and silver, the gold medal acknowledges that Morgan has performed 400 hours of public service, 200 hours of personal development and another 200 hours of physical fitness. He also arranged and completed a four-night journey or expedition.

Geiser, whose award signifies 100 hours of public service and 50 hours each of personal development and physical fitness, assisted the Ojai branch of the Humane Society of Ventura County, helped start Club MAD (Making a Difference) at Matilija Junior High and worked with Interact, which is affiliated with a local Rotary Club.

Geiser was a guard for two years on the Nordhoff basketball team and was prop mistress for the theater department last year. She has applied to six colleges, including UC Berkeley and Columbia University.

“It’s an indication at a very early age that you’re a very selfless individual,” Gallegly said.

The Congressional Award program, which dates back to President Jimmy Carter’s administration, was designed to reward people ages 14 to 23 who perform community service. The program is funded by private donations.