On May 2, 2025, following a speech by Founder & Historian Ryan Sisak for the Senior Leadership Award at a North Texas high school, Mr. Sisak presented CPL Rubin's Medal of Honor challenge coin to the awardee.

In addition to the awardee's cultural connection to CPL Rubin, Mr. Sisak had just received the challenge coin from CPL Rubin's only daughter a few weeks prior, at the Medal of Honor Host City Museum's grand opening. It was a great honor to pass it on in service of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's mission to "honor the sacrifice; inspire the future."

The speech

The following student is one who exemplifies a rare combination of excellence, confidence,  and empathy, yet is most skilled when it comes to rallying classmates around a common goal. In the realm of Calculus, the challenge is arduous. Students wither, and many question their capabilities. But this student has always believed they can persevere through difficulties. This student has always been determined to never walk away lacking understanding. More importantly, though, this student inspires others to rise to that level of commitment. Without addressing the issue, his actions say, “calm yourselves, grab your tools and follow me.” This is the mark of a true leader.

According to one of his orchestra teachers, as a performer, the awardee is captivating. He always maintains a positive, infectious energy that makes others want to join him in the fun he has. He leads with inspired ideas and an open mind to the contributions of his peers. He does not hesitate to say yes to opportunities made available to him, yet attacks projects with his best. 

As his other orchestra teacher said, this awardee embodies the charisma of a revolutionary general, the idealism of an upstart tech mogul, the encouragement of a kindergarten teacher, the confidence of a political incumbent, and the solidarity of your best friend. He genuinely cares about others. In orchestra, he has been our chief cornerstone. 

As the awardee's Calculus teacher and one who champions who he is, I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize this young man, whom I believe has the potential to lead others through the most worthy of challenges. 

The Medal of Honor is the highest award given to U.S. military members for courage and sacrifice. In my hand is the official Medal of Honor challenge coin of the late Recipient CPL Tibor Rubin. This coin was personally given to me by his only daughter a few weeks ago. Although I desperately wanted to keep this coin for myself, I cannot pass up the opportunity to give you this priceless token of inspiration. 

Just as your family’s heritage is Hungarian, sir, so was CPL Rubin’s. CPL Rubin grew up a Hungarian Jew who was forced into the Mauthausen Concentration Camp near the end of World War II. Despite already surviving brutal captivity once, nearly ten years later, while fighting for the United States in the Korean War, CPL Rubin was captured, and again had to fight to survive—for two-and-a-half years as a Prisoner of War. In addition to his valor on the battlefield, he was credited with saving 40 Soldiers—at a time when roughly that many were dying each day.

Sir, I hope that you feel inspired by CPL Rubin’s legacy of tireless leadership, even when the situation is most difficult. May you learn to lead despite the most grievous odds. “Honor the sacrifice, inspire the future,” sir!