WAVES OF IMPACT
Noah Richardson’s journey in competitive swimming began at the tender age of 6, sparking a lifelong passion for the sport. When he turned 13, Noah and his family felt he needed to move to a team that while still competitive, also had a healthier team culture. After hearing glowing reviews about the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s STORM team, they decided to explore the option. Noah tried out a few practices, connected with the coaches, and officially joined the team in 2021. Swimming runs in the Richardson family—both of Noah’s older sisters are also competitive swimmers – making it a central part of their family life.
In addition to their love for swimming, the Richardson family has another tradition: earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal. Both of Noah’s siblings have previously received this prestigious award, with Noah being the latest to earn his Gold Medal this past summer.
The Congressional Award was established by the United States Congress in 1979 to honor young people who demonstrate initiative, service, and achievement. It remains the highest honor a member of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives can bestow upon a youth civilian. Participants can achieve various levels, but from the start, Noah set his sights on the highest honor—the Gold Medal. To earn this, he had to complete a minimum of 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness, and a five-day, four-night expedition or exploration, all within 24 months.
Noah’s competitive swimming played a significant role in his pursuit of the award. He used his STORM training to fulfill the physical fitness requirement and approached his coaches to become a Volunteer Junior Coach, covering his voluntary service hours. “My goal was to make a positive impact on the younger swimmers of my swim team by being a Junior Coach,” Noah shared. “I always remembered being a young swimmer and appreciating it when some of the older swimmers on my team would help out at practice, and I wanted to be that older swimmer for my younger teammates.” Initially apprehensive, Noah soon learned to step out of his comfort zone. As a homeschooler, his swim team provided social opportunities in addition to helping him achieve his swimming goals. Coaching the 8-12-year-old swimmers allowed Noah to pass on valuable knowledge and become a mentor to the younger team members. Even though he has completed the required hours for the award, Noah plans to continue serving as a Junior Coach for the rest of the school year. “One day, these will be the top swimmers on the team, and I will be able to consider that I have been one of the people that helped them get there,” he said.
For his personal development, Noah explored his love for baking, researching recipes and experimenting in the kitchen. He even started his own website on the topic. For his expedition, Noah embarked on a three-week immersion trip to Peru with his sister, broadening his cultural horizons.
The two-year journey required immense self-discipline and dedication. Not only will Noah receive the Congressional Award, but he has also gained valuable life skills, stepped out of his comfort zone, and made a meaningful impact on the youth in his community. “The Congressional Award has made me a more well-rounded person through giving me the opportunity to serve others in my community, pursue hobbies and passions, work hard to achieve goals, and learn about other cultures. This experience has made me a better person, and I will carry the lessons it has taught me into the future,” Noah reflected.
Noah recently received his certificate and will be heading to Washington, D.C., in June to receive his award at the Gold Medal Summit. Congratulations to Noah on this remarkable achievement!
As we celebrate Noah Richardson’s remarkable journey and the achievements of young leaders in our community, we encourage your support. Your contribution will help us continue providing programs that inspire and develop young athletes like Noah, equipping them with the skills and values they need to succeed. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our youth.