High School Student from Cold Spring Harbor Achieves Top Honor: Congressional Award Gold Medal

COLD SPRING HARBOR, NY — The school district reported that Ryan Smith, a senior from Cold Spring Harbor High School, has been awarded the Congressional Award Gold Medal, which represents the highest recognition given to non-military youths by the U.S. Congress.

"The distinguished award honors Ryan’s remarkable dedication to community service, personal growth, and active participation in civic duties," the district stated.

Furthermore, Smith was honored with a special distinction as a STEM Star, recognizing his "exceptional" achievements.

Contributions in STEM fields.

Created by Congress in 1979, the Congressional Award is an impartial, optional scheme aimed at acknowledging the drive, accomplishments, and contributions of young Americans. To earn the Gold Medal, participants must fulfill demanding criteria which encompass a minimum of 400 hours dedicated to community service, 200 hours focused on self-improvement activities, another 200 hours engaged in physical activity, as well as completing a five-day, four-night adventure or discovery trip meant to enhance their understanding of different cultures and spur individual expansion.

According to the district, Smith devoted more than three years to fulfilling these criteria.

His achievements encompass his work at Northwell Health’s 3D Design and Innovation Lab, where he created an app to track oxygen levels in portable tanks utilized during patient transportation—improving both security and effectiveness.

In pursuit of deeper understanding, Smith expanded his expertise in computer science, artificial intelligence, and mathematics via supplemental summer classes.

Smith has received an invitation to participate in the 2025 Congressional Award Gold Medal Summit in Washington, D.C., scheduled from June 11 to June 13. At this event, he will interact with congressional representatives, prominent figures in commerce and civic leadership, as well as other Gold Medal recipients nationwide.

His schedule will feature sessions with lawmakers from New York as well as an official welcome hosted by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

"Ryan embodies the principles of leadership, service, and intellectual curiosity," stated the district.

The Cold Spring Harbor Central School District applauds him for this outstanding accomplishment and anticipates further successes ahead."

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