DAR Youth Leadership Medal
About the Medal
The DAR Youth Leadership Medal was established to foster among school‑aged children a greater appreciation of the qualities of citizenship Americans must possess if our country is to remain sovereign and independent. The award is presented to students who exemplify the highest standards of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.
The medal includes a 1.25‑inch bronze bust of George Washington draped on a red, white, and blue ribbon, along with an official certificate.
Eligibility & Criteria
The DAR Youth Leadership Medal is open to:
Grades 5‑11 (male or female students)
One medal per grade per school per year
Youth service and patriotic organizations (or their members) may also receive the medal if they demonstrate the required qualities (e.g., scouts, police cadets, community service organizations)
Note: The DAR Youth Leadership Medal (grades 5‑11) is a different program from the DAR Good Citizens Award (grade 12 only). Please contact us if you are interested in learning about the Good Citizens Award.
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Honesty, high principles, trustworthiness, loyalty, truthfulness, punctuality, moral strength and stability, cleanliness in mind and body
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Meritorious behavior benefiting school or community, kindliness, unselfishness, true Americanism, individual responsibility to God, Home, and Country
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Mental and physical determination to overcome obstacles
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Personality, originality, ability to lead others, good sportsmanship, responsibility
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Fundamental Americanism
Nomination & Selection Process
Medal recipients are selected by school teachers, principals, or youth organization leadership. Teachers, counselors, and administrators are encouraged to nominate students whose personal acts and attitudes consistently reflect the five core qualities.
The process:
Nomination – A school official (teacher, principal, or counselor) submits a student’s name to the Chakchiuma Chapter NSDAR, along with a brief explanation of how the student demonstrates the required qualities.
Review – The chapter reviews the nomination to ensure the student meets the eligibility requirements.
Approval – Once approved at the chapter level, the medal and certificate are ordered.
Presentation – The chapter presents the medal and certificate to the student, typically at a school assembly or special ceremony.
How to Nominate a Student
If you are a teacher, principal, or youth organization leader and would like to nominate a student for the DAR Youth Leadership Medal, please contact the Chakchiuma Chapter NSDAR.
Please provide the following information with your nomination:
Student’s full name and grade level
School or organization name
A short description of how the student exemplifies honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism
Your name, title, and contact information
We will respond promptly to begin the nomination process.
Recent Recipient
We are proud to recognize Natalie Butler, an 11th‑grade student at Pillow Academy, as a recent recipient of the DAR Youth Leadership Medal. Natalie was honored for her outstanding character, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.