Local youths receive 4-H leadership awards
Kevin Becker of Hampshire and Carolyn Gehrke of Elgin recently were awarded the national "I Dare You Leadership Award" in recognition of personal integrity, balanced living and potential for leadership.
The honor was presented by Deanna Roby, 4-H Youth Development Educator at the Kane County 4-H Youth Recognition Program held in conjunction with the Kane County 4-H Fun Night on Oct. 17 at the Kane County Fairgrounds.
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 Co. 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 a scholarship opportunity to attend AYF's Leadership Conference located in Michigan.
More than 7,000 schools, 4-H programs and other organizations take part in this award program yearly at Miniwanca in Shelby, Mich.
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 grade, 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. For information on the National Leadership Award, call (231) 861-2262 or visit www.ayf.com.
For information about this event or about 4-H, call University of Illinois Extension in Kane County at (630) 584-6166.