Arkansas educators are encouraged to nominate students in grades 8–12 for the 2026 Billy Michal Student Leadership Award, an annual recognition program coordinated by The National WWII Museum. Each year, one student from every state and the District of Columbia is recognized for exemplifying the American spirit in their local communities. The award highlights young people who demonstrate creativity, leadership, perseverance, respect for others, and teamwork as they contribute to their schools and communities in meaningful ways.

Students chosen for this recognition will travel with a parent or chaperone to New Orleans, June 4–7, 2026, on an all-expenses-paid trip provided by The National WWII Museum. Throughout the visit, awardees will participate in leadership experiences alongside peers from other states, receive special behind-the-scenes access to the Museum, and be honored for their achievements at the American Spirit Awards ceremony.

Nomination Criteria:

• Students must be enrolled in grades 8–12 in a public, private, parochial, or home school within the United States.
• Nominations are limited to individual students; group submissions are not eligible.
• A family member may not serve as the nominator.
• All nomination materials must be submitted by January 23, 2026, for consideration.
• Awardees will be selected based on their demonstrated commitment to making a positive impact on their school, community, country, and/or the broader world. Only complete nominations will move forward for review.

For nomination details and to access the online nomination form, please visit the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award on the National WWII Museum webpage: https://nationalww2museum.submittable.com/submit

For assistance, contact Ronda Smith, Social Studies Program Advisor, at Ronda.Smith@ade.Arkansas.gov