NCHS Graduate Wins Award for Citizenship

Cara Egan, a 2012 graduate of New Canaan High School, was recently named the winner of the Jack Jacobs Congressional Medal of Honor Award for Citizenship.  A fund to endow this award was established at the New Canaan Community Foundation in 2008 and named in recognition of Jack Jacobs for his unparalleled service to our Country.  Jack Jacobs is a retired colonel in the United States Army and received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War.

The recipient of the award is selected each year by the staff at New Canaan High School, and is someone who has demonstrated selfless leadership and service to others during their four years of high school in an area where their contribution made a significant difference to others, their town or the United States. The recipient’s involvement may be through a program at the High School or another organization. Winners receive a financial prize as well as a copy of the Medal of Honor book, Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty, signed by Mr. Jacobs.

Cara was surprised by this recognition for her exemplary citizenship as a student, saying she "wasn't expecting to win this award".  She "feels very honored to be associated with the heroes" who serve our country and receive the Medal of Honor award.  During her four years at NCHS, Cara volunteered for Best Buddies, a club devoted to helping young people who are physically challenged or have difficulty with social interaction.  She was also a co-captain of the Girls Swim Team.    Cara is beginning her Freshman year at Loyola University in Maryland where she will continue her tradition of serving as a role model for other students.