Eric Shim of Wakefield, a senior at South Kingstown High School, is one of 237 young Americans ages 17 to 23 to receive a 2008 Congressional Award Gold Medal. It was presented by U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin during a ceremony June 19 on Capitol Hill.

The Congressional Award was created by Congress to promote and recognize achievement, initiative, and service in America’s youth, and has honored young people who are making a difference in their communities since its establishment by the Congressional Award Foundation in 1979.

Shim was recognized for his volunteer work at Women & Infants Hospital, for tutoring other students, developing a Web site for the Korean-American community, and for his accomplishments in music and tae kwon do.