Photo Credit: CFISDEducation
Cy Woods HS senior earns 2026 Congressional Award Gold Medal
Cypress Woods High School senior Shri Chada was recently announced as a 2026 Congressional Award Gold Medal recipient for her work in education equity, STEM outreach, healthcare and sustainability.
The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans which recognizes initiative, service and achievement. Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Medal Certificates and Medals by setting and achieving goals in voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition and exploration.
“To me, the Congressional Award is truly about setting goals that are important to you and following through on them over time,” Chada said. “Looking back, it was a lot of work, but I was doing things that I really like to do, and it was rewarding to see everything come together.”
Chada worked on several projects as part of the Congressional Award, including her nonprofit initiative, Artishri, which she founded to design, create and distribute hand-painted reusable tote bags which helps generate funds for pediatric patient care while promoting sustainability. In addition to Artishri, Chada also partnered with the NorthSouth Foundation to help develop curriculum and outreach materials for STEM outreach programs, including helping teach AP Physics 1 workshops. She also worked with Ekal Vidyalaya, an educational nonprofit that works to improve literacy, healthcare and economic opportunity in rural India.
“During the summer, I traveled to remove villages in India to teach hands-on vocational art classes that helped students develop creative and practical skills,” Chada said. “I worked with local organizers to create lessons and teaching materials, coordinated and distributed art supplies sourced from local vendors and later I created a video documentary to share the program’s impact and encourage future outreach.”
Due to her work with the NorthSouth Foundation, Chada also earned the Congressional Award STEM Star designation, which recognizes participants who demonstrated exceptional involvement in STEM.
Chada was officially recognized as a 2026 Congressional Award Gold Medal recipient at the Gold Medal Summit held June 8-10 in Washington, D.C.
“I had the opportunity to meet other Gold Medal recipients from across the country and speak directly with members of Congress about service and civic engagement,” Chada said. “It was very inspiring to be surrounded by so many students who are similarly passionate about making a difference in their communities. It was a great experience.”
The Congressional Award is open to all students starting at age 14. Participants move at their own pace to set goals, create an action plan and make a difference in their communities.
“The Congressional Award gave me a way to grow while giving back to others and I’m very grateful for the opportunities and people that made the experience possible,” Chada said. “I’d especially like to thank Professor Lalsinghani for serving as my mentor and guiding me during my Congressional Award journey, and Mrs. Rivard, my teacher and National Honor Society sponsor at Cy Woods, for her encouragement and support.”
Source: CFISD
