CCM Prep student named 2020 Congressional Award Gold Medalist

The Clermont Sun recently published a profile story on Joshua Siderits, a pre-collegiate student at CCM who was named a 2020 Congressional Award Gold Medalist. Siderits has studied classical guitar with faculty member Rodney Stucky for the last 11 years through CCM Preparatory and Community Engagement's program offerings.

The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans. Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Certificates, in addition to Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration.

Siderits is the only 2020 recipient from this region of Ohio. He completed 400 volunteer hours, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness and a five-day/four-night exploration, all spread across a minimum of 24 months. Siderits told the Clermont Sun: "I saw this as an opportunity to creatively stretch myself further in what I was already doing while volunteering in my community and learning about my family heritage through an exploration. The award took me four and a half years to complete."

Siderits was inspired to apply for the honor because he wanted to expand his dedication to some of the areas he was already prioritizing. For his personal development pursuit, Siderits decided to further hone his classical guitar skills and stretch himself further by entering the junior level of the Parkening International Guitar Competition, which is the most prestigious classical guitar competition in the world. "I dedicated an entire year to practice the repertoire required for submission to the competition," Siderits explained.

"Joshua is a joy to work with and always has been,” said Stucky, who serves as a master teacher and head of classical guitar studies at CCM Prep. "He is someone who is not afraid of hard work and consequently has done very well. I always look forward to his lessons."

Read the full story on the Clermont Sun's website

CCM Preparatory and Community Engagement (CCM Prep) offers a relaxed, welcoming environment for students of all ages to explore their artistic interests. Programs in music, dance and theatre arts are available for both the arts enthusiast and the talented, pre-professional student. Opportunities include lessons, classes and summer programs for both adults and children. Students wishing to take private lessons may have the option of Suzuki (string or piano) or traditional teaching. There are no audition requirements for acceptance, only for placement in some classes.

Learn more at ccm.uc.edu/prep

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Featured image at top: CCM Prep student Joshua Siderits with his classical guitar instructor, Rodney Stucky.