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. The values of leadership, teamwork, tolerance, creativity, and perseverance can and should be learned and lived by all Americans, regardless of age. 

The 51 selected student leadership award winners will travel to New Orleans on May 29-June 1, 2025, along with a parent or chaperone, all expenses paid, to attend the 2025 American Spirit Awards, where they will represent their state at the event. Students will receive exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Museum, participate in leadership activities with their cohort and attend an awards ceremony to honor their accomplishments. 

Nomination criteria:

· Nominees must be in grades 8–12.

· Only individual students can be nominated, not groups.

· Students cannot be nominated by a family member.

· Students must be in public, private, parochial, or home school in the United States.

· Nominations must be submitted through the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award webpage by April 11, 2025.

Awardees will be selected based on their demonstrated commitment to making a positive contribution to their school, community, country, and/or the world. Only fully completed nominations will be eligible for consideration.