The mission of International Leadership Network (ILN) is to develop and implement programs that empower young people to succeed.

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Dare to LEAD
In conjunction with the Young Achievers and Leaders of Tomorrow programs, ILN honors outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses that embody the positive attributes it encourages among today's youth. ILN annually recognizes adult leaders who have made significant contributions to help young people achieve

International Leadership Network's 2012 Dare to Lead Awards Breakfast was held on Friday morning, May 4, 7:30 a.m. at the Renaissance Hotel - St. Louis Airport.

Lifetime Achievement Award:

2009 - Lisle M. Ramsey
Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the International Leadership Network

Dare to Lead Award Recipients:

2012 - Gary H. Rieman
Mr. Rieman is a youth leadership advocate. He had a 25-year career as Director of the Illinois State Scholarship Commission's Designated Account Purchase Program. Gary helped to organize the National Council on Youth Leadership, which he has served as Chairman of the Board, and is presently the NCYL Secretary. (NCYL sponsors the Town Meeting on Tomorrow at Washington University in St. Loiuis.) He has long served as the ILN Treasurer.

2011 - Dr. James Henry
The Director of Choral Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Dr. James Henry holds degrees in vocal music education, music theory and music composition. In addition to teaching and conducting the university choirs, he is the musical and artistic director of the acclaimed Ambassadors of Harmony, a 160- voice men's a cappella chorus. He is the only man in history to win an International Competition as a singer and as a director in the same year.

2010 - Carol Loeb
A true community servant, Carol Loeb is an outstanding philanthropist, establishing the Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Teaching Fellows, Professorship in Medicine, and Professorship in Orthopaedic Surgery. A passionate supporter of excellence in teaching and education, particularly in all levels of mathematics, she has been recognized with the DuPont Foundation Scholarship for Excellence in Teaching, and the Washington University Robert S. Brookings Award. A dedicated volunteer, she is on the boards of many scientific and charitable organizations in St. Louis.

2008 - Don Wainwright
Chairman and CEO of Wainwright Industries, Don Wainwright has received numerous awards including the coveted Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award. and the Manufacturing Council of the United States International Leadership Award. He travels extensively as a guest lecturer throughout the United States, Europe and Asia and is involved in numerous civic and pubic projects serving adults and youth.

2007 - Kurt and Brenda Warner
As a football player, Kurt Warner understands the importance of teamwork in turning dreams into reality. Kurt and Brenda believed and never gave up on his life long dream of success in the NFL, their faith and family being the fabric that held everything together. When Kurt's dream became a reality in 1999, the Warners wanted to share their blessings and beliefs with others who have lost hope. In 2001, they established the First Things First Foundation, a public charity which serves as a vehicle for them to reach out to the community and help those in need.

2006 - Colonel Norm Balchunas
Col. Balchunas is the Director of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp headquartered at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. In this position, he directs the world's largest and most comprehensive aerospace science education program, responsible for the Air Force's High School citizenship training program for more than 102,000 students at over 850 high schools worldwide, managing over 1, 800 instructors.

2005 - Loudon County Education Foundation
Established to positively impact lifelong learning in its community, the foundation supports many programs under the direction of its Executive Director, Betsy Morrow. These include Young Achievers recognition, Outstanding Teachers recognition, classroom grants, student scholarships, leadership programs, school-to-career programs and continuing education grants for teachers.

2004 - Larry C. Spears
Larry Spears is the President and CEO of The Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership in Indianapolis, Indiana. Under his leadership, The Center experienced tremendous growth with nine branch offices located around the world. Mr. Spears is editor of nine books and has published over 300 articles, essays and book reviews on servant-leadership.

2003 - Dr. Alma C. Hobbs
Deputy Administrator for Economic and Community Systems, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., Dr. Hobbs provides national leadership and support for research, education and extension programs. Her contributions to 4-H Youth Development have made a difference in the lives of many.

2002 - Dr. Kenneth Gray
Professor of Education in the Workforce Education and Development Program, College of Education, Penn State University. Dr. Gray is a national advocate for students from the academic middle. An international speaker, he is frequently quoted in the press and widely published on career choices. His most recent book is "Getting Real -- Helping Teens Find Their Future".

2001 - ILN Dare to Lead Program canceled because of 9/11.

2000 - Benjamin F. Edwards, III
President, Chairman and CEO of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., St. Louis, Ben Edwards heads one of the nation's largest brokerage firms. An untiring advocate of city schools and quality education, he has earned the deep gratitude of all who care about young people.

1999 - Thomas H. Jacobsen
A member of the National Executive Board, Boy Scouts of America, Tom Jacobsen has served as Activities Chairman, Finance Chairman, Vice President and Chairman of the Greater St. Louis Council. An outstanding business and community leader, he is chairman of the Board, Firstar Corporation.

1998 - I.E. Millstone
Founder of the Millstone Construction Company, I.E. Millstone is internationally known for innovations and contributions in construction. Through the B'nai B'rith Millstone Award and Young Achievers scholarships, he encourages young people to greater service in their communities.

1997 - Elinor Johnstone Ferdon
Elinor Ferdon is the National President of the Girl Scouts of the USA, the largest organization for girls in the world. She was elected to its highest volunteer position in 1996, having served as President of the World Foundation for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, Inc.

1996 - V. Milton Boyce
For thirty years, Milton Boyce served the United States Department of Agriculture's Extension Service, developing and administering the 4-H program. He received the 4-H Alumni Award and Superior Service Award for his outstanding leadership, commitment and dedication to young people.

1995 - Sanford N. McDonnell
Sanford McDonnell is Chairman Emeritus of the McDonnell Douglas Corporation, one of America's foremost aerospace companies. He is past president of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America and developed a character education program taught in school districts nationwide.

1994 - The Danforth Family
Donald Danforth, Chairman, Vector Corporation and Kennelwood Village, Inc.; Dorothy Danforth Miller, homemaker, wife, mother, volunteer; John C. Danforth, former United States Senator; and William H. Danforth, Chancellor, Washington University, are exceptional community/youth leaders.

1993 - W. Clement Stone
Founder/Chairman Emeritus of Combined Insurance Company, Clement Stone is a philanthropist, civic leader, author and business executive. His Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) philosophy is carried worldwide to millions of people through books and articles.

Regional Dare to Lead Award Recipients:

Gateway East

2009 - Dr. Lyn Huxford
Coordinator, Center for Public Service, McKendree University, Lebanon, Illinois

2008 - Jackie Joyner Kersee
Founder, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Youth Center

Gateway West

2007 - Martin L. Mathews
President and CEO, Mathews-Dickey Boys' & Girls' Club

2006 - Mark Lamping
President, St. Louis Cardinals

2005 - Andrew S. Baur
President, Community Banking, Southwest Bank

2004 - Jerome T. Loeb
Former Chairman, May Department Stores

2003 - David C. Darnell
President, Commercial and Real Estate Banking
Bank of America

2002 - James McLeod
Vice Chancellor for Students and Dean of Arts and Sciences
Washington University in St. Louis

2001 - Terry Schwarck
Scout Executive, Greater St. Louis Area Council
Boy Scouts of America

2000 - Richard D. Baron
President & Chief Executive Officer, McCormack Baron & Associates, Inc.

1998 - Theresa E. Loveless
Executive Director, Girl Scout Council of Greater St. Louis

1996 - Terry Jarchow
President, Junior Achievement of Mississippi Valley

Missouri Valley

2009 - Judge Stanley D. Williams
Associate Circuit Judge, Drug Court Judge, Franklin County

2008 - Dr. Edward Hillhouse
Presiding Commissioner, Franklin County

 

Applause Award Recipients:

2011 Terry Dale Cruse
Dean, Enrollment Services, Missouri Baptist University
Ina "Cookie" Hays
Vice President, Student Development, East Central College
2010 Dr. Lee A. Drake
Chairman, Art Department, Webster Groves High School
David O. Herries
Owner, PC Pros
2009 Kristal Riehn
Special Education Department Chair, Cleveland Navy JROTC High School, St. Louis

Nancy Thater
Odyssey Gifted Program, Meramec Valley R-III School District, Pacific
2008 Daniel A. Geiger
Director, Product Management, Express Scripts, Inc.

A. Edward Heins
President, Education Media, Inc.
2007 Dr. Connie K. Calloway
Superintendent, Normandy School District

Dr. Craig H. Larson
Superintendent, Rockwood School District
2006 Liz Gibbons
Director, CharacterPlus

Roxanna Mechem
Director of Social Studies, Character Education & Assessment
Rockwood School District
2005 Jessie R. McCoy
Campus Director, Southwest Bank

Alice Terrell
Smaller Learning Communities Coordinator, Roosevelt High School
2004 Dr. Marvin W. Berkowitz
Sanford N. McDonnell Professor
of Character Education, UMSL
Maj. Deborah Sims, USAF (Ret.)
Air Force JROTC Unit, Soldan High School

Rosanne Vrugtman
PathFinder Coordinator, Program Director
St. Louis Partnership for Excellence in Urban Teacher Preparation
2003 John S. Gaal
Director of Training & Workforce Development
Carpenters' District Council of Greater St. Louis

Jeff Holland
4-H & Youth Development Educator, Purdue University
Cooperative Extension Service, Monroe County (Indiana)
2002 Linda McKay
Director, CharacterPlus

Dave Phillips
Major League Umpire, Gateway Community Leader
2001 Vaughn "Bing" Devine
Vice President, St. Louis Sports Commission

Joyce Pillsbury
Chairman Emeritus, Missouri Baptist Medical Center

Dr. Debbye Turner
CBS Early Show News Contributor, 1990 Miss America
2000 Cassie George
Counselor, Bowles Elementary School

Timothy F. Hanser
Cardinals Care

Dr. John Oldani
Superintendent, Rockwood School District
1999 Mary Jo Barker
Bowles Elementary School, Gateway LEAP

Dr. Michael Coleman
Pastor, Hannibal, MO LEAP

 

 

Home | About ILN | Founder | Board of Directors | Alliances | Sponsors | Wall of Leadership
Programs: Young Achievers | Leaders Of Tomorrow | LEAP | Dare To Lead |
Contact ILN

Many resources for our youth

International Leadership Network
P.O. Box 190216, St. Louis, MO 63119-6216
Phone: (314) 961-5978
E-mail: ILNleadnet@aol.com