I DARE YOU AWARD
| Contact Information: |
American Youth Foundation
Attention: I Dare You Committee
Department 620
St. Louis, MO 63179
314-646-6000
www.ayf.com |
William H. Danforth’s book, I Dare You, was first published in 1931. It is still considered one of the most influential books in the area of personal motivation. The book is published and distributed by the American Youth Foundation through its I Dare You committee. The I Dare You Leadership Award is not a contest or competition. High school principals and county agents are asked to select (or have a staff or committee select) nominees. The award consists of a copy of I Dare You, a certificate, and an invitation to apply for a scholarship to attend a 7-day International Leadership Conference (ILC) at one of A.Y.F.’s three sites ( Michigan, New Hampshire and California). The award recognizes excellence in character, well-balanced personal development, and potential for leadership. A prepaid processing fee of $20.00 is required whether one or two selections are made. The fees must accompany the selection forms. I Dare You application forms and ILC brochures, posters and information packets are available from the American Youth Foundation.
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GOLD STAR
| Contact Information: |
Dr. Toby L. Lepley
Extension 4-H and Youth Development Specialist
7607 Eastmark Dr, Suite 101
College Station, TX 77840
979-845-1212
tlepley@ag.tamu.edu |
The Gold Star Award is the highest county achievement award and will be awarded only once in a member’s 4-H career. Counties have award quotas based on the number of senior 4-H members. The award is presented to the most deserving young people without regard to sex. The following are minimum requirements that must be met.
The member must be at least 15 at the time of application and must have completed at least 3 years in 4-H, including the current year.
The 4-H member must submit an awards program recordbook in the year he or she is to be considered for the award.
The 4-H member must have completed projects in three different project areas, have submitted appropriate record forms, and have participated in one or more activities in at least three of the following areas:
- Educational Presentations
- Citizenship activities
- Projects
- Project exhibits
- Camps
- Leadership labs
- Public relations (speeches, poster displays, radio, TV, newspapers)
Other (includes exchange programs, fundraising, State and National Congress, etc.)
Note: The requirements for projects and activities do not all have to be completed in the current year. They may have been accomplished over the entire period of time the person has been in the program.
The member must have exhibited leadership skills by serving as a 4-H officer or committee chairman (club county, district or state), and/or as a junior or teen leader in an activity or project with or under the supervision of an adult volunteer leader. The 4-H member must have participated in one or more community service activities. Examples are working with or counseling junior 4-H members; participating in community service projects (individual, group or club); and motivating other 4-H members through participation in demonstrations, projects and/or exhibits.
HISTORY OF THE GOLD STAR:
The following information was prepared by Mr. Lynch in a memorandum to Director
Gibson on December 9, 1952.
“The presentation of the Gold Star Pin was begun in 1933, the first year Mr. E.C.
Martin was Boys 4-H Club Specialist. Mr. Martin tells us the pin was prompted by an
effort to recognize the people who did the work rather than the agents.
Previous to this time, the agents submitting the largest number of 4-H records
received the recognition.
Records in the Fiscal office the first Gold Star Pins were purchased in 1933.
For the first several years the Gold Star Pins were presented at a dinner during Short
Course at College Station.
In the beginning each county made a nomination of their outstanding 4-H member and 100 members were selected to receive the award. After several years, the awards
were presented to the outstanding 4-H boy and 4-H girl in each county." (Cox, et. al)
In 1985, the Gold Star begin to be awarded to the top 4-H members in a county, regardless of gender. The number of Gold Stars are determined based on the membership of the total county 4-H enrollment.
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CONGRESSIONAL AWARD
| Contact Information: |
Dr. Toby L. Lepley
Extension 4-H and Youth Development Specialist
7607 Eastmark Dr, Suite 101
College Station, TX 77840
979-845-1212
tlepley@ag.tamu.edu |
The Congressional Award is the U.S. Congress’ award for young Americans. It is nonpartisan, voluntary and noncompetitive. The program is open to all 14- to 23-year olds. Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas—Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. Earning the Award is a fun and interesting way to get more involved in something you already enjoy or something you’d like to try for the first time. You move at your own pace, on your own or with your friends. This is not an award for past accomplishments. Instead, you are honored for achieving your own challenging goals. Regardless of your situation, you can earn The Congressional Award. The Congressional Award has no minimum grade point average requirements. It accommodates young people with special needs or disabilities who are willing to take the challenge. The Congressional Award is open to all. For more information: http://www.congressionalaward.org/
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