Island Teenager Tomas Young Honored With Congressional Award Gold Medal

At just 14 years old, Tomas Young had already become one of Nantucket’s youngest Eagle Scouts. Just a few years later, he has added another rare achievement to his resume: The Congressional Award Gold Medal, Congress’s highest honor for civilian youth.

The award was created to honor, encourage, and inspire America’s youth and is Congress’s only charity, established by law in 1979. In the ensuing years, Congress has recognized thousands of young Americans aged 13 to 23 who have earned and deserved the utmost admiration and recognition.

The award specifically recognizes those who dedicate themselves to voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration over an extended period. It is not earned through competition or nominations, but through hundreds of hours of work, planning, and tenacity.

For Young, the medal represents years of commitment to both personal growth and the Nantucket community.

The Nantucket teenager is no stranger to rare accomplishments. At 14, he became one of the youngest Eagle Scouts in Nantucket history as a member of Troop 97.

Only about five percent of scouts nationwide earn the Eagle Scout rank, which requires 21 merit badges, but Young went well beyond the minimum requirements. He earned 71 merit badges, completed an extensive community service project, and quickly developed a reputation among troop leaders for his focus and determination.

What stands out most about Young’s accomplishments is not the number of hours or awards he has earned, but the mindset he brings to them. When it came to the Congressional Award requirements, he approached the process methodically by setting smaller, more manageable goals over time.

“At first, the award looked daunting, so I decided to set a series of short-term goals for myself,” Young said. “With a calendar laid out, I never felt overwhelmed and was able to effectively get the work done.”

To earn the Congressional Award Gold Medal, participants must complete a minimum of 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development, and 200 hours of physical fitness, as well as spend several days exploring a new culture or environment.

Young spent more than 417 hours volunteering with organizations focused on environmental stewardship, mentoring younger citizens, and supporting Nantucket’s performing arts community. His work included time with the Nantucket Clean Team, Boy Scouts, Theatre Workshop, The Dreamland, and the Nantucket Film Festival.

Beyond volunteer service, Young completed hundreds of additional hours devoted to personal development and physical fitness through scouting adventures, acting and voice workshops, stage productions, camps, and other outdoor expeditions. Young noted that some experiences challenged him both physically and mentally, such as the week-long backpacking trek at Philmont Scout Ranch.

Young explained that one of the most valuable lessons he gained from the process was learning to manage his time effectively while balancing long-term goals. Those around him agree that his discipline and commitment are what set him apart. Nantucket Scout Troop Leader Jason Zinser described Young as someone who consistently arrives prepared and gradually grew into a strong leader within the troop.

“He has gone beyond just his Eagle ranking,” Zinser said. “He is a machine.”