Recognize youth for character, citizenship

Recognize youth for character, citizenship

As the 2016-2017 school year dawns, American Legion post members are encouraged to visit their local schools and promote the Legion’s School Award Medal Program.

Youth are often awarded for their scholastic achievements, but The American Legion believes they should also be praised when they demonstrate strong qualities of character and good citizenship. That’s why, since 1926, the Legion has recognized such students with its School Award Medal Program to instill character and help perpetuate the ideals of Americanism among youth.

The award is given to a boy and a girl in the graduating classes of elementary school, junior and senior high school, and college. Those who receive a medal must exemplify six qualities that define character: courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service.

Candidates for the award are voted upon by a school's faculty and members of the candidates' graduating class through a secret ballot. The local Legion post involved with the shcool makes the final selection upon receiving recommendations from students and faculty. School Award Medal certificates, medallions and a lapel pin are available for purchase here for presentation to the awardees.

The program’s success for the past 90 years has been prominent. In 2015, more than 25,100 students received The American Legion School Award Medal, which was an increase of 6,230 medals from the previous school year.

Download The American Legion School Award Medal Program brochure here.