Elgin, Campton Hills teens earn national leadership award

Posted January 19, 2012 11:00 pm

Submitted by University of Illinois Extension-Kane County

Elizabeth Bretscher of Elgin and Larisa Sica of Campton Hills were recently awarded the national I Dare You Leadership Award in recognition of personal integrity, balanced living and potential for leadership. Each youth was presented their award at their local 4-H club meeting.

The National Leadership Award is presented each year by the American Youth Foundation in cooperation with principals, counselors, county 4-H Agents, church groups and other organizations across the country. The award was first offered in 1941 by the late William H. Danforth, founder of the Ralston Purina Company in St. Louis, who challenged young people to achieve their highest potential and to influence others through lives of service. The award is inspired by the book, “I Dare You!” written by Danforth, in which he commends the balanced life of mental, physical, social and spiritual development as the backbone of leadership.

In addition to a certificate of recognition each recipient received a copy of Danforth’s inspirational book, I Dare You! and an opportunity to apply for the “I Dare You” scholarship, which can be applied to the cost of the AYF’s National Leadership Conference located in Michigan.

More than 7,000 schools, 4-H programs and other organizations take part in this National Leadership Award Program yearly.

In 1924, Danforth helped establish the American Youth Foundation, a national, nonprofit youth development organization with headquarters in St. Louis, Mo., and regional centers in Michigan and New Hampshire. Through its summer camps, for fourth to 12th grades, Leadership Conference, and group and adult programs, AYF inspires people to discover and develop their personal best, to seek balance in mental, physical, social and spiritual living and to make a positive difference in their communities and in the wider world. AYF is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring that staff and participants come from diverse backgrounds. For information about the National Leadership Award and the AYF, visit their website at ayf.com, or call (314) 963-1321.

For more information about this award or about 4-H, call Doris at University of Illinois Extension in Kane County at (630) 584-6166.

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