(a) The governor is authorized to award a state medal for heroism directly or posthumously to any citizen of the state in recognition of a valorous and heroic deed performed in the saving of a life or for injury or death or threat of injury or death incurred in the service of the state or the citizen's community or on behalf of the health, welfare, or safety of other persons. The medal shall be awarded by the governor with an appropriate ceremony.
(b) The governor shall make arrangements for the designing of the medal for heroism through a statewide design competition participated in by the school children of the state.