Yashvir Sabharwal, a senior at Battlefield High School, has been awarded the Congressional Award – Gold Medal, the highest recognition presented by the United States Congress to young Americans. This honor acknowledges his extensive volunteer work, personal development, and physical fitness achievements over the past two years.

Sabharwal met the award’s rigorous requirements by dedicating 400 hours to volunteer work, 200 hours to personal development, 200 hours to physical fitness, and completing a weeklong expedition. His notable contributions include his work with the Civil Air Patrol, where he delivered COVID-19 test vaccinations to the University of Virginia Medical Laboratories, conducted geospatial damage assessments during Hurricane Ida, and supported local air shows. His personal development projects in neuroscience and medicine earned him accolades at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the National STEM Challenge.

Among his standout initiatives was co-founding the world’s first International Research Olympiad (IRO), which aims to spread research and STEM concepts to students globally. The IRO reached over 1,000 participants from 43 countries in its first year and provided $6,000 in financial aid.

A memorable and touching story centers around Zwelethemba High School in Worcester, South Africa. Thanks to Sabharwal’s initiatives, the school formed a robotics team that competed internationally in the United States, a first for the town. The team, dubbed “Team Einsteins,” won the competition. Sabharwal recalls the joy on the students’ faces during Zoom calls and the excitement of their first visit to the U.S. “Seeing their smiles and knowing I played a part in their success was incredibly rewarding,” he said.

Sabharwal attended the Congressional Gold Medal award ceremony this past summer where he met U.S.  Sen. Mark Warner and staff members from U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton’s office. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “I believe the secret lies in the results that are produced from giving back to your community. Everyone benefits from your actions. Providing help and spending time to make a difference builds citizenship and character. Above all, volunteering is fun!”

Looking ahead, Sabharwal plans to either commission in the United States Air Force as a combat pilot or pursue a doctorate in neuroscience after graduating in 2025. He will continue his work with the Civil Air Patrol and the International Research Olympiad and contribute to scientific research at organizations like the Medical AI Research Center.