PRESS RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

SJR State dual enrollment student Luke Cooper earns Congressional Medal

Luke Cooper was presented with the Congressional Award Gold Medal this summer in Washington.

Congratulations to SJR State dual enrollment student Luke Cooper. He is the recipient of one of the highest honors Congress can bestow upon America’s youth. Luke was awarded the Congressional Award Gold Medal this summer in Washington for his initiative, service and achievement.

Criteria for the award includes voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration. Luke earned more than 400 public service hours, including volunteering as a teen attorney with Clay County Teen Court. This was Luke’s second trip to the capitol, having earned the Congressional Award Silver Medal in 2023.

He traveled with his family to Washington in June to attend the Gold Medal Summit and met U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean for the second time. Bean represents Florida's 4th congressional district, which includes Clay, Duval and Nassau counties.

Luke graduates in May with his A.A. degree and plans to attend the University of Florida to major in economics and ultimately law school.

Luke Cooper stands with his parents and U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean after receiving the Congressional Award Gold Medal this summer in Washington.