American Spirit Awards
The American Spirit Awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose work reflects the values and spirit of those who served our country during the World War II years. We honor those who inspire others through their own acts of courage, sacrifice, initiative, and generosity—particularly in the areas of leadership, service to country or community, and education.
The Billy Michal Student Leadership Award is presented annually to one student from each state and the District of Columbia who demonstrates 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.
Proceeds from the American Spirit Awards support educational programming at The National WWII Museum—including the ongoing development of classroom materials and professional-development opportunities for teachers in schools across the country, as well as online experiences that bring the Museum and its resources to students around the world.
THURSDAY, June 4, 2026
American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion
Cocktail Attire
Kick off the weekend at this welcoming cocktail reception with live, local music and cuisine.
FRIDAY, June 5, 2026
Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon
Presented by Kevin Clifford Family
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Business Attire
Leading through example is a hallmark of the Museum’s honorees, and at the Leadership Forum and luncheon, American Spirit Award recipients will share their experiences with student leaders from throughout the country, offering motivating advice to tomorrow’s leaders.
2026 American Spirit Awards Gala
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Formal Attire
Join us for an elegant black-tie gala on a night that will truly inspire. Following a three-course dinner, the Museum will present its highest honor to the deserving Americans who inspire greatness in all of us.
For more information, contact us at fundraisingevents@nationalww2museum.org.
Can't Attend This Year's Event?
Make a donation in support of the American Spirit Awards Education Fund.
This year’s American Spirit Awards honorees will be announced soon!
2026 American Spirit Awards Selection Committee
- James E. Maurin, Chair
- Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson
- John M. Hairston
- Jeffrey D. Hildebrand
- Suzanne T. Mestayer
- Pete November
- Glenn J. Solomon
- Ted Weggeland
- Stephen J. Watson
If you are interested in supporting the American Spirit Awards as a sponsor, please contact Fundraising Events at FundraisingEvents@NationalWW2Museum.org or 504-528-1944 x 806.
All sponsorship levels include recognition on official event materials, on The National WWII Museum’s website, and in the Museum’s Annual Report, in addition to the tiered event benefits outlined below.
American Spirit Awards Gala Supporting Sponsor: $150,000
Includes:
- 20 invitations to the American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party (June 4)
- 1 table (10 invitations) at the Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon (June 5)
- 2 tables (20 invitations) at the American Spirit Awards Gala (June 5)
- 20 invitations with reserved seating to the Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration (June 6)
- Verbal recognition at American Spirit Awards Events
American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party Presenting Sponsor: $150,000
Includes:
- 20 invitations to the American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party (June 4)
- 1 table (10 invitations) at the Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon (June 5)
- 2 tables (20 invitations) at the American Spirit Awards Gala (June 5)
- 20 invitations with reserved seating to the Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration (June 6)
- Verbal recognition at American Spirit Awards events
American Spirit Awards Entertainment Sponsor: $150,000
Includes:
- 20 invitations to the American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party (June 4)
- 1 table (10 invitations) at the Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon (June 5)
- 2 tables (20 invitations) at the American Spirit Awards Gala (June 5)
- 20 invitations with reserved seating to the Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration (June 6)
- Verbal recognition at American Spirit Awards Events
Gold Sponsor: $100,000
Includes:
- 20 invitations to the American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party (June 4)
- 1 table (10 invitations) at the Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon (June 5)
- 2 tables (20 invitations) at the American Spirit Awards Gala (June 5)
- Verbal recognition at American Spirit Awards Events
Silver Sponsor: $50,000
Includes:
- 10 invitations to the American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party (June 4)
- 1 table (10 invitations) at the Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon (June 5)
- 1 table (10 invitations) at the American Spirit Awards Gala (June 5)
Bronze Sponsor: $25,000
Includes:
- 10 invitations to the American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party (June 4)
- 1 table (10 invitations) at the Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon (June 5)
- 1 table (10 invitations) at the American Spirit Awards Gala (June 5)
Patron Sponsor: $10,000
Includes:
- 4 invitations to the American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party (June 4)
- 4 invitations to the Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon (June 5)
- 4 invitations to the American Spirit Awards Gala (June 5)
Individual Tickets
$1,500 Patriots Circle Member Ticket* (Limit 2)
Includes admission to the:
- Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon
- American Spirit Awards Gala
- Active Patriots Circle Membership required
$2,500 Individual Ticket (Limit 2)
Includes admission to the:
- Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum: Luncheon
- American Spirit Awards Gala
Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum Presenting Sponsor
Kevin Clifford Family
Bronze Sponsors
Michael S. Bylen
First Horizon Foundation
Jimmy and Lillian Maurin
Ted Weggeland, Greg Kowalksi, and Glenn Solomon
Patron Sponsors
Nims Carazo Foundation
Christine T. Whitman
Stay at The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center, the official on-campus hotel of The National WWII Museum!
American Spirit Awards Block and Rates Available June 4-6*
*Rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Higgins Hotel block rooms are not guaranteed to be available for all American Spirit Awards attendees.
