The “I Dare You” Leadership award was first offered in 1941 by the late William H. Danforth, founder of the Ralston Purina Company in St. Louis. He challenged young people to achieve their highest potential and to influence others through lives of service. The award is inspired by 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.The sponsors of the award are Charles and Inga Atkinson.