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Andrea Jones and Jessica Masters have been awarded the American Youth Foundation's National Leadership Award in recognition of personal integrity, balanced living and potential for leadership.

The honor was presented by Larry Jones, president of the Randolph County 4-H Foundation, at the Randolph County 4-H awards ceremony hosted at Camp Pioneer on Nov. 13.

Jones and Masters are longtime members of the Ski Hi 4-H Club and seniors at Elkins High School.

Jones is the daughter of Larry and Linda Jones of Elkins and Masters is the daughter of Keith and Jeanie Masters of Beverly.

The National 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 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.

More than 7,000 schools, 4-H programs and other organizations take part in this National Leadership Award Program yearly at Miniwanca in Shelby, Mich. In addition to a certificate of recognition, each recipient received a copy of William Danforth's inspirational book, "I Dare You!," and an opportunity to attend AYF's Leadership Conference in Michigan.