Saint Thomas Academy Senior Wins Natl Leadership Award

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans has named Saint Thomas Academy senior Patrick Koegel of Mendota Heights a 2024 Billy Michal Student Leadership Award recipient. This national honor is awarded annually to one student from each state and the District of Columbia who embodies the American spirit in their community through strong records of volunteerism, school and community activism and creative problem-solving. The honorees were flown to New Orleans to participate in the Museum’s American Spirit Awards program on May 23-24.

The leadership award, which the Museum first presented in 2017, was created in honor of Billy Michal, who was a child living in Louisiana during World War II. At only 6 years old, Michal helped his one-room school win a statewide scrap metal collection contest during the war, proving that every citizen could contribute to America’s victory. His example, and the actions of millions of other students on the Home Front, illustrates that service to country and community helps create active, engaged citizens and continues to inspire students across America today.

“During World War II, America was united under a common goal: securing freedom and democracy around the world. Here at the Museum, we strive to honor the service and sacrifice of the WWII generation while fostering these values in future generations,” said Stephen J. Watson, President & CEO at The National WWII Museum. “We are extremely proud to be able to celebrate the achievements of these student honorees and recognize the impact they’ve had on their communities across our nation. Much like Billy Michal nearly 80 years ago, this next generation of American leaders proves that positive actions, no matter how big or small, can make a difference.”

Koegel is an astute, charismatic and meticulous leader. He has been engaged in all facets of student life inside and outside the Saint Thomas Academy community during his four years at the Academy, enabling him to grow into a confident leader. As an Eagle Scout and the second-ranking cadet in the school's military leadership program, he consistently lends a hand and supports those around him. Koegel has served as a volunteer at the Neighborhood House, which primarily helps low-income Hispanic families in the greater metropolitan area. Having a mother from the Dominican Republic has exposed him to an international community, and he hopes to expand this knowledge in college, studying international business with a focus in Spanish and political science. Koegel has focused his community service in the fields of veterans affairs, the Hispanic community and politics.

The National WWII Museum’s American Spirit Awards — presented by Hancock Whitney — celebrate individuals who exemplify the outstanding qualities of the American spirit and inspire these values in others. The multi-day event at the Museum included the formal American Spirit Awards gala as well as the Student Leadership Forum presented by Kevin G. Clifford Family, where the 51 student recipients of the Billy Michal Award were recognized alongside the 2024 American Spirit Award honorees: the trailblazing Tuskegee Airmen represented by Lt. Col. George E. Hardy, four-star US Army Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody and acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg. During their time in New Orleans, the students also participated in a community service project to help beautify the playgrounds and classrooms of a local school.

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.
For additional event details, visit americanspiritawards.org or contact fundraisingevents@nationalww2museum.org.

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, the institution celebrates the American spirit, teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front. For more information on Tripadvisor’s #1 New Orleans attraction, call 877-813-3329 or 504-528-1944 or visit nationalww2museum.org.