Rockford senior Ashley Gremel has been recognized by the United States House of Representatives with the highly prestigious Congressional Medal of Merit. Gremel was recognized at a ceremony Saturday, April 17 at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids.
Ashley Gremel, awarded the Congressional Medal of Merit, is pictured with Dan Zang, her Rockford High School principal, Superintendent Dr. Michael Shibler and Fred Reusch, her AP calculus teacher.
Congressman Vern Ehlers stated, “This award is being presented to you in recognition of your many achievements in the areas of academic excellence, school citizenship and community service. Your enthusiasm and dedication are qualities that all good leaders possess and strive to instill in others. You are truly an outstanding example of what is good about our young people today.
Ashley’s nomination from Rockford High School read, “Generous spirit seeks to help the less fortunate: are the words used to describe Ashley. This exceptional young woman has a jovial spirit and is captain of her swim and water polo teams. She also serves as Youth Initiative Treasurer, Blood Drive Coordinator, and Founder of the Cast Off the Cold Knitting and Donation Program. Through this effort, volunteers have donated over 1400 scarves to the homeless in Grand Rapids and Lansing. Ashley founded Cast Off in 2007, when she was just 15.
Always upbeat and positive, Ashley is a Dartmouth Book Award Winner, is recognized on the Principal’s Honor Roll, and is a YWCA Tribute Award Nominee. She is a Four Year member of the Varsity Swim and Water Polo Teams and band, twice recognized as Academic All State, and she scored over 30 on her ACT. Ashley believes in changing the world from a place where people are focused on serving themselves to a world where people are focused on serving humankind.
The Congressional Medal of Merit is bestowed on one outstanding senior from each high school in the Third Congressional District (45 high schools total).
These students have demonstrated exemplary citizenship and academic excellence in their high school careers. They have been leaders in the areas of peer respect, community service, school citizenship, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
The students who receive a Congressional Medal of Merit have significantly contributed to making their school a better place and did not seek or expect recognition for their extraordinary efforts.
Where can I find a photo of the Congressional Medal of Merit?