QUALITIES TO BE DEVELOPED

Courage - Bravery in the face of opposition and danger; determination and force to do right without public applause and regardless of personal advantage: a quality of the intellect.

Honor - Highly-developed moral character; moral excellence; strength and stability of character; high standards of conduct; devotion to duty; adherence to truth; keen sense of what is right; practice of clean speech and thoughts.

Leadership - Ability to lead and to accomplish through group action; ability to work in harmony and in unison with other leaders in accomplishing group results; desire and ability to fill the voids in the lives of others caused by timidity, illness and other handicaps.

Patriotism - An ideal of loyal Americanism, religious tolerance, righteous freedom and the willingness to defend our Flag against all enemies - foreign and domestic.

Scholarship - Attainments in school studies; quality of school work reflecting the fine traits of industry; perseverance; efficiency and intelligence,

Service - Kindliness; unselfishness; fellowship; protection of the weak; promotion of the interests and the welfare of associates and constructive aid for the support of schools and community.

AWARDS

This medal is the highest honor awarded American youth by The American Legion. It is a medal that proclaims to the world that this boy or girl is the kind of young person we believe worthy of such an honor.

The recipients (one boy and one girl) are selected from the graduating class of elementary, junior high or middle schools, senior high schools and college. In schools where there are many graduates or where students are grouped (such as sixth grade centers or special interest schools), special arrangements may be made to cover the situation. This is up to the discretion of the Post Committee in conjunction with the school authorities.

SELECTING THE RECIPIENT

The Post Commander will appoint a committee of not more than three members to contact local school authorities. Through them a basis of friendly cooperation with school officials should be established. In this way it will be possible to design and activate a smooth, coordinated program.

Arrangements between school and Post on how the recipients are to be selected should be made well in advance of the presentation date. The aforementioned character traits should be the basis of selection. The sole purpose of this program by The American Legion is the cultivation of high character and wholesome ideals in youth approaching active citizenship. No trace of politics, sectarianism or favoritism should be allowed to attach itself to the School Award Program.

The award should be presented by a member of The American Legion. However, all plans should be made with the cooperation and consent of school officials.

OBJECTIVES