Young volunteers

Eleven local students were recently recognized for voluntarily completing nearly 3,000 hours of cumulative community service.

Republican Whip Eric Cantor, Culpeper’s congressman, presented Congressional Awards to the young people from Virginia’s 7th District during a ceremony Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

Students receiving the awards volunteered at least 100 hours in the community, as well as achieving physical fitness and personal development goals.

“I congratulate these students on their outstanding dedication and achievements while working to receive this prestigious award,” Cantor said.

Gold medalists

* Jacqueline Bedsaul of Culpeper logged more than 400 hours as a volunteer with Reva Fire and Rescue, CCHS physical education departments and Impact Virginia. She was selected for the field hockey all-state team and planned a camping trip to North Carolina.
* Taryn Bierhuizen of Culpeper completed more than 400 hours of public service as a junior auxiliary member at Culpeper Regional Hospital and fundraising for Relay for Life. She improved her photography and writing skills and was promoted to editor at her school’s newspaper. Taryn traveled with her brother to Holland, where she studied the culture and learned a new language.
* Courtney Owens of Culpeper completed more than 900 hours of public service, coaching youth field hockey and tennis and assisting the Culpeper school system with moving furniture, sorting papers and cleaning during the summer. She took tennis lessons, decreased her 5K time and went camping during a nor’easter.

Silver medalists

* Richard DeJarnette of Culpeper completed nearly 250 hours of service by volunteering for a number of nonprofits. He taught swimming to beginners and served as a teacher’s assistant. Richard became a certified U.S. Soccer Federation referee, made the varsity lacrosse team and camped in state.
* Carlyle Dodson of Culpeper finished nearly 250 hours of service by volunteering at his school, assisting at community concerts, serving as a counselor at a sports camp and participating in efforts to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He improved at lacrosse, broke his record of 25 minutes to run a 5K and went camping in North Carolina.
* Jake Maloy of Culpeper completed 200 hours of service by assisting young readers and teaching beginner swimming. He qualified for the state championship meet in swimming and camped in North Carolina.
*  Courtney O’Donnell of Leon finished 200 hours of community service as a youth baseball coach and 4-H counselor. She was involved in varsity basketball and took a trip to New York City.

Bronze medalists

* Sarah Adams of Culpeper completed more than 100 hours of volunteer work at CRH, working with children and teaching soccer. She worked as a cashier at a grocery store, made her varsity soccer team and went four-wheeling in West Virginia.
* Jenna Godfrey of Culpeper completed more than 100 hours of service volunteering at the library. She also made the school’s tennis team and took a backcountry trip to Shenandoah National Park.
* Caroline Massie of Amissville completed 127 hours of service volunteering at the 4-H summer camp. She improved her writing, achieved a higher rating in the Pony Club and orchestrated a family camping trip.
* Vincent Verado of Culpeper finished 100 hours of volunteerism as a youth lacrosse coach. He also improved his own lacrosse skills and trained to run a seven-minute mile. Vincent camped for the first time as well.