Applications open for National WWII Museum student leadership award

12/2/2025

Educators’ student nominations due by Jan. 23 for national award

The National WWII Museum is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Billy Michal Student Leadership Award, and educators are invited to submit outstanding student leaders for consideration.

Each year, the museum honors one student from every state and the District of Columbia who exemplify the American spirit through leadership, teamwork, tolerance, creativity, and perseverance. These values can be learned and lived at any age, and the award recognizes young people who are already making a meaningful difference in their schools and communities.

Awardees will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to New Orleans from June 4-7, 2026, with a parent or chaperone, for the American Spirit Awards. They will experience exclusive museum tours, participate in leadership activities, and be honored at a formal awards ceremony.

• Nominees must be in grades 8-12.
• Only individual students may be nominated; group nominations are not permitted.
• Students may not be nominated by a family member.
• Nominees must be enrolled in a public, private, parochial, or home school program within the United States.
• All nominations must be submitted through the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award webpage by Jan. 23.

Award recipients will be chosen based on their demonstrated commitment to improving their school, community, nation, and/or the world. Only fully completed nominations will be considered.