Waipahu senior Shayna M. traveled to New Orleans this summer to be celebrated as Hawai‘i’s recipient of the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award. Presented by The National WWII Museum, recipients are chosen for their strong record of volunteerism, school and community activism, and for implementing creative solutions to problems. The award recognizes one student from each U.S. state and the District of Columbia. Please enjoy her reflections on the event.
“As I stood on stage receiving the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award for Hawai‘i, I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions: gratitude, pride, and a deep sense of responsibility. This recognition wasn’t just an acknowledgment of my efforts; it was a reflection of the journey that brought me here and the impact I hope to continue making.
Attending the ceremony in New Orleans was an unforgettable experience, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of something so meaningful and powerful. There were some really amazing speakers who left us with a lot of valuable advice about being leaders. I made new friends. And visiting the museum was incredible, especially the immersive film about World War II, which made me feel truly patriotic.
Receiving the award felt both surreal and incredibly validating. Behind this honor were countless hours spent balancing academics, extracurricular commitments, and community service. It wasn’t always easy, but each challenge taught me something meaningful about leadership, perseverance, and purpose.
The Billy Michal Student Leadership Award stands for more than personal achievement. It reflects the incredible support and mentorship I’ve received from teachers like Mrs. Francis, who believed in my potential; to my friends and peers in HTA’s Pacific & Asian Affairs Council club and the National Honor Society who pushed me to dream bigger. They reminded me that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about being someone others can trust, turn to, and grow with.
This award also represents the strength of our school community. Every classroom discussion, group project, and schoolwide initiative helped shape the leader I’m becoming. Our community showed me that change starts locally (with the people around you) and that collective impact is always greater than individual effort.
As I head into my final year of high school and begin preparing for college, I know the lessons I’ve learned through leadership will stay with me. This journey has taught me to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and step into challenges with courage. I now understand that leadership isn’t a role you earn once — it’s a lifelong commitment to growth, impact, and responsibility.
My commitment to creating positive change beyond our school has deepened. This award doesn’t mark the end of a journey; it’s a reminder to keep going, to keep serving, and to never stop believing in the power of youth leadership.
In the end, this honor is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who has supported and guided me. The Billy Michal Student Leadership Award is more than an award. It’s a celebration of growth, gratitude, and the difference we can all make when we lead with intention and heart.”
