Three remarkable young leaders from Bucks County were honored on December 13 at the 2024 Congressional Award Ceremony for their dedication to service, leadership, and personal growth.
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) celebrated Ryan Kraychik, Sarah Liu, and Claire Titus, each of whom earned Congressional honors for their inspiring contributions to their communities.
Their achievements showcase just how powerful young people can be when they combine passion with purpose.
The Congressional Award, established by Congress in 1979, is the greatest honor for youth, designed to recognize initiative, perseverance, and public service.
This shows just how much young people can achieve when they step up to make a difference. And in Bucks County, this year’s honorees truly earned their recognition.
Ryan Kraychik, an Elizabethtown College freshman and Council Rock South graduate, has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for dedicating over 400 hours to volunteer work.
Motivated by a strong desire to support others, Ryan developed a virtual tutoring program to help children displaced by the war in Ukraine.
And during uncertain times, he offered these students academic consistency and a sense of hope, showing that compassion can reach any distance.
Ryan also volunteered as a translator at a hospital and started the Future Healthcare Professionals Club during high school.
Under his leadership, the club grew to more than 100 members, inspiring his peers to explore medicine and give back to their communities.
Sarah Liu, a Chalfont resident and senior at Germantown Friends School, earned the Silver Medal for completing over 200 hours of volunteer work, much of it focused on healthcare.
At the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Sarah contributed to areas like pre-admissions and the operating room, assisting with tasks such as organizing patient charts, preparing rooms, and stepping in to help wherever needed.
She also contributed to Jefferson Hospital’s oral and maxillofacial surgery department, assisting during procedures, managing patient vitals, and maintaining rooms.
But Sarah’s commitment didn’t stop there. Recognizing the students’ struggles with standardized testing, she organized SAT math boot camps to help her peers improve their final scores and confidence.
Sarah’s story is one of determination and heart, reminding us how even small contributions can make a big impact in the Bucks County community.
Claire Titus, a sophomore at Central Bucks West, received the Bronze Medal for completing over 100 hours of community service.
After noticing how difficult it was for kids to adjust to in-person social interactions following the Covid-19 lockdowns, Claire created a two-hour manners and etiquette program for children aged 9 to 12.
Her classes focused on key social skills, such as greetings, dining etiquette, and everyday manners, and that helped kids feel more confident in navigating social situations.
Following her Girl Scout Silver Award, Claire expanded the program to reach over 120 kids across several counties, which gave them the tools to succeed socially.
She’s also been a dedicated volunteer at the Doylestown Library since she was 12, putting in hundreds of hours and earning multiple President’s Volunteer Service awards along the way.
Claire’s dedication proves that small actions, like teaching simple life skills, can have a big impact on a community.
Congressman Fitzpatrick praised Ryan, Sarah, and Claire for their leadership, resilience, and willingness to serve others.
Their achievements are a bright spot in Bucks County news, reflecting the strength and compassion of the next generation.
The Congressional Award program encourages youth ages 14 to 24 to set ambitious goals in volunteerism, fitness and well-being, personal development, and exploration.
Whether they earn Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals, participants demonstrate that hard work and dedication lead to real change.
Ryan, Sarah, and Claire’s stories remind us of the incredible impact young leaders can have in their local communities and far beyond.
From helping children abroad to improving lives in hospitals and libraries, their efforts inspire hope, growth, and a brighter future for everyone.
And it’s proof that the Bucks County community is in good hands with these three young trailblazers leading the way.
