Wittman Congratulates Congressional Gold Medal Award Recipient

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) met with a winner of the 2026 Congressional Gold Medal Award, Sanaya Bothra. Ms. Bothra is a student from Glen Allen.

"It was my privilege to meet and congratulate Sanaya Bothra on her outstanding achievement," said Rep. Wittman. "Ms. Bothra spent over four hundred hours teaching science, technology, engineering, and math to underprivileged children and those with autism, over two hundred hours conducting scientific research - resulting in two published papers, over two hundred hours doing physical fitness activities, and twelve days on a trip she organized to Norway, Austria, Prague, and Budapest. Her commitment to giving back to our community is truly remarkable, and I was honored to celebrate this achievement with her."

"Participating in The Congressional Award broadened my perspective beyond academics and school activities. It encouraged me to be a strong leader and pursue work that meaningfully impacts my community, fostering a stronger sense of pride and connection to the place where I live. The program also taught me how to set clear goals and work toward them with discipline & purpose. By dedicating consistent time to these goals, I have grown in self-development, learning to take ownership & accountability." - Sanaya Bothra

The Congressional Award is the highest award for America's youth presented by the United States Congress. Participants can earn bronze, silver, or gold Congressional Award Medals. The award is designed to acknowledge set and completed goals in voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. The Congressional Award recognizes initiative in fulfilling these obligations in local communities - encouraging young Americans to become active and responsible citizens. This program is run by the Congressional Award Foundation.