Palmer students earn national "I Dare You" leadership award

Two Palmer students were recently honored with the "I Dare You" leadership award, presented by the Mat-Su District 4-H Club.

Calvin Kenley and Travis Steward of Palmer were awarded the national leadership award "in recognition of their personal integrity, balanced living and potential for leadership," according to a press release.

The award is presented each year by the American Youth Foundation in cooperation with principals, counselors, 4-H agents, church groups and other participants across the country. The award was first offered in 1941 by William Danforth, founder of Ralston Purina Co., who challenged young people to achieve their highest potential and to influence others through community service. The award is named after the book "I Dare You!" written by Danforth, in which he commends the balanced life concept of mental, physical and spiritual development as the backbone of leadership.

Kenley and Steward both received a certificate of recognition, a copy of "I Dare You!" and a scholarship opportunity to attend the American Youth Foundation's International Leadership Conference, located in Michigan and New Hampshire.