NEW ORLEANS, LA – Congratulations to Jair Arroyo for being chosen to represent the state of Arkansas as the Billy Michal Student Leadership recipient.
Jair went to the conference with his chaperone, Coach Haydon, to New Orleans to receive his award. The Billy Michal Student Leadership award is presented annually to one student from each state and the District of Columbia who embodies the American spirit in his or her community.
When six-year-old Billy Michal from Zimmerman, Louisiana, helped his one-room school win a statewide scrap metal collection contest during World War II, he understood that every citizen – no matter how small – could contribute to our victory in the war. His example, and the actions of millions of other students on the Home Front, reminds us that service to country and community helps create active, engaged citizens. Through this award, The National WWII Museum promotes these values to students nationwide and honors those who exemplify them.
This trip to represent Arkansas at the 2026 American Spirit Awards was held June 4th through 7th in New Orleans, LA. All the chaperones and students were able to receive behind-the-scenes access to the Museum, participate in leadership activities with their cohort and attend an awards ceremony to honor their accomplishments.
