Former Malibu High School student John Caridad, 18, is considered one of the strongest teens in America. He is six feet, two inches tall and weighs 315 pounds. With a 56-inch chest, 20-inch arms and the ability to do a 30-inch vertical jump and a 500-pound bench press, he is a force to be reckoned with. But this national-competing powerlifter who holds various records statewide and nationally is also a good community servant.
Just prior to the U.S. Congress recessing for the summer, Caridad was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. The Congressional Award is one of two awards presented in the name of the Congress; the other is the Congressional Medal of Honor. The award ceremony took place in the Cannon House of Representatives Building, followed by a banquet at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Building. Caridad was congratulated by members of Congress, sports and movie luminaries such as New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and entertainer Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Caridad completed countless hours of community service to help others in his city, state, country and internationally. He served as a city of Malibu youth commissioner for two terms, interned with California state Sen. Tom McClintock and, most recently, as a Congressional Intern in Virginia with Congressman Tom Davis.
Caridad was selected as one of 30 high school leaders from across the country to attend the Economics for Leaders Program at William and Mary University in Williamsburg, Virginia. He attended a week-long program where he learned economics and worked with the other 29 students on leadership initiatives.
He was the recipient of the Hugh O’ Brian Award and served as a Youth Ambassador at the World Leader’s Congress in Washington D.C. He was also selected and attended the Presidential Classroom week-long program on National Security at Georgetown University.
Caridad was the president of Junior State and was a co-founder, along with his sister, of Operation Airborne Angels in coordination with the Los Angeles Police Department Airborne Division, along with corporate and celebrity involvement. This organization solicits private donations and was first dedicated to helping orphans in Mexico, but has since been expanded to help others in need, including to those across the United States.
Caridad also trains and competes in Strongman competitions. He was ranked by the Nike SPARQ combine in the top 10 percent of defensive lineman nationwide. He also splits his time playing fullback at George Mason University, putting him in the ranks as one of the largest fullbacks in the nation.
Caridad graduated in May and is a freshman at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., where he is majoring in Government and International Politics, with a minor in Sports Management.