Paxton K. Baker, Stephen Hoefer, Pete Sessions, and Francisco Canseco

On June 20, Cistercian Preparatory School senior Stephen Hoefer, son of Steve and Bursley Hoefer of Highland Park, joined other distinguished youth from around the nation on the floor of the House of Representatives to receive the United States Congressional Gold Award.

The Gold Award is the highest granted by  Congress to recognize a young person’s exceptional initiative, achievement, physical fitness, and community service. Stephen qualified for this recognition by serving more than 900 volunteer hours and helping to raise $80,000 for the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, along with numerous other volunteer and leadership efforts. CNN Broadcaster Wolf Blitzer was on hand to host the 2012 award ceremony and aired portions of the event, including a shot of Stephen, on “The Situation Room.”