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 school makes the final selection upon receiving recommendations from students and faculty. School Award Medal certificates, medallions and a lapel pin are available for purchase at Emblem Sales for presentation to the awardees.