WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Congressional Award is one of the highest honors Congress can bestow upon America’s youth. It's awarded based on four criteria: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration.

Last June, Luke Cooper traveled from Fleming Island to the nation's capital, where he was joined by 724 youth awardees from 47 states and territories to be awarded the Congressional Award Gold Medal. 

In 2023, Luke received the Congressional Award Silver Medal. Because service hours for the program carry over, Luke set a goal to earn 150 additional volunteer service hours to qualify for gold. For Luke, his gold medal is a culmination of his public service. 

"I set the goals and kept volunteering," Luke said. 

It also comes with some bragging rights. His older brother, who was three years older, once earned the silver medal. 

"My brother had gotten silver, so I wanted to one-up him."

Luke earned more than 400 public service hours volunteering with the Safe Animal Shelter and as a teen attorney with Clay County Teen Court. He garnered 200 hours in physical fitness and personal development, plus a four-night trip to Boston he planned for the expedition portion.

Luke and his family traveled to Washington ahead of the three-day summit. During his trip, he met U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean for the second time.

“It was really fun. We went up there a week early to see the museums. I was able to see the Smithsonian, and that was really cool. I got to meet with Aaron Bean again, and that was a big honor. He gave us a private tour of the Capitol," Luke said.

Bean represents Florida's 4th congressional district, which includes Clay, Duval and Nassau counties. Luke won his award alongside Dhruv Pandya, a resident of Jacksonville.

“Dhruv Pandya and Luke Cooper are a prime example of the star quality of Florida’s Fourth Congressional District, and I am proud to congratulate them on their impressive achievements. It is a testament to their remarkable initiative, community service and personal achievements,” Bean said.

His mother, Tracy Cooper, was overwhelmed.

"Luke continues to be a pillar of the community and an example of what determined young people can do and the impact he is having in Clay County," Tracy said.

Luke is a high school senior enrolled in the dual enrollment program at St. John’s River State College. He will graduate with an AA (associate of arts) degree in May.