Washington County 4-H’er Carmen Sieren was awarded the national I Dare You Leadership Award in recognition of personal integrity, balanced living and potential for leadership at the 4-H Awards Celebration November 7.  This is the highest honor given to Washington County 4-H youth.

The I Dare You Leadership Award is presented each year by the American Youth Foundation (AYF) in cooperation with principals, counselors, county 4-H agents, church groups, and other organizations across the country.

The award was first offered in 1941 by the late William H. Danforth, founder of the Ralston Purina Company in St. Louis, who challenged young people to achieve their highest potential and to influence others through lives of service.  The award takes its name from the book, I Dare You!, written by Danforth, in which he commends the balanced life of mental, physical, social and spiritual development as the backbone of leadership.

“Uniquely all three of the recipients this year are the youngest in their families and I had worked with their older siblings too and I just continue to be amazed at how kids are good and giving and smart and they just keep getting better,” shared Amy Green, Washington County 4-H & Youth Coordinator. “As nine-year members, these young people have done a lot of learning and growing invested in this program.  We are so proud of them and know they will continue to make the best better after their 4-H experience.”

Sieren, the daughter of Jason and Katherine Sieren, is a member of the Dutch Creek Flyers 4-H Club and 4-H County Council.

“It is hard to know where to start when listing good things about Carmen.  You might recognize her as the 2021 Washington County Fair Queen where she was on every inch of the fairgrounds 1001 times where she represented the program so well,” said Amy Green, Washington County 4-H & Youth Coordinator.  “It is near impossible to see Carmen without a smile but what’s even more impressive is her constant willingness to volunteer, fill a need, come up with a new idea or welcome someone to the group.”

In addition to a certificate of recognition, these honored 4-Hers received a copy of Danforth’s inspirational book, I Dare You! This award is sponsored in Washington County 4-H by Moore’s Towing. To learn more about Washington County 4-H or how to support youth leadership awards and events, contact Amy at Washington County Extension, 319-653-4811.  Follow “Washington County 4-H – Iowa” for more photos on the 4-H Awards Celebration.