Your Legislators: Garrett Presents Award to Ridgewood Teen for Community Service

Congress hasn't done much since April 15, but that doesn't mean hard-charging Republican Congressman Scott Garrett is off. The Wantage-based Republican congressman of New Jersey's Fifth District presented Congressional Awards to four residents in his constituency, including one Ridgewood teen for his considerable community service.

Daniel Choe, a high school junior, took home a silver medal for his 200-plus hours of volunteering at Camp Sunshine as well as performing orchestral pieces at nursing homes.

In a statement released on April 22, Garrett said the Ridgewood teen also helped promote the commemoration of the Korean War on its 60th anniversary. Garrett reported that Choe spent two weeks in Korea with his father "to gain knowledge of his Korean heritage and expand his worldview."

A junior varsity tennis player, Choe also practices the viola and is a member of the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra, where he's received honors.

“The Congressional Award is a great way to recognize young men and women who have taken the initiative to improve their communities,” said Garrett in a statement. “I congratulate the worthy recipients for their hard work over the past year. I hope their work will inspire other civic-minded citizens to give back to their local communities and our great state.”

The award is a joint public-private partnership initiated by Congress to recognize community service among American youth.

Participants between the ages of 14 and 23 are eligible to win the award by completing goals in four specific areas – voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration.