Norton to Go to the White House Friday to See Two Distinguished Residents get President Obama’s Citizens Medal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced that Norton will go to the White House tomorrow morning, February 15, 2013, for President Obama's 2012 Citizens Medal ceremony, where two of her constituents will be among the thirteen recipients. The President chose Maria Gomez, President and CEO of Mary's Center, and Harris Wofford, civil rights and Peace Corp veteran, out of nearly 6,000 public nominations.

"This town is full of residents who could have received this award, but Maria Gomez and Harris Wofford would be on everybody's list," Norton said. "I know I speak for our fellow Washingtonians when I express my congratulations and our collective great pride to Maria Gomez and Harris Wofford, who are among the chosen few receiving this high honor from the President."

Norton has worked with both medalists. She served with Harris Wofford when he was a senator in the early 1990s, but knew him from his earlier, noteworthy work in the civil rights movement. Maria Gomez currently serves on Norton's Congressional Latino Council.

Before founding Mary's Center in the 1980s, Maria Gomez served as a nurse with the D.C. Department of Health and worked with the Red Cross. Gomez also assisted with the launching of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Read! Let's Move Campaign!" Harris Wofford is a known public servant. He served as a U.S. Senator (D-PA) from 1991 to 1995, and is a well-known leader of the civil rights movement.

Published: February 14, 2013