The American Legion 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. The Legion has recognized such students with its School Award Medal Program since 1926.

The School Award Medal Program was created for the purpose of instilling character and helping 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 casting. Post 178 makes the final selection upon receiving recommendations from students and faculty. Each awardee receives a certificate and a medal with the six qualities listed on the face of the medal.

Please contact Terry Gilbert, Vice Commander-Programs, for additional information.