The first time ACGC student Cooper Overson and social studies teacher Sarah Anderson crossed paths in the classroom was when he was in sixth grade as part of a summer school program. Knowing that Cooper’s older brother was interested in history, Anderson shared a book with Cooper called “A Higher Call” about aviation during World War II. While the book did ultimately make it to his brother Mason, it was also a spark of excitement for Cooper, who has only grown in his passion for history and aviation since, especially WWII.
As a sophomore at ACGC, Cooper is an active student who enjoys digging into the human side of historic events. Teachers share that his incredible work ethic, quiet leadership, and commitment to helping others show a passion for community and learning as much as possible. These qualities led Anderson, along with Social Studies teacher Sutton Junkermeier, to nominate Cooper for the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award from the National WWII Museum. The award is given to one student from each state who embodies the American spirit in their community. The award is named after Billy Michal, who, as a six-year-old from Zimmerman, Louisiana, helped his one-room school win a statewide scrap metal collection contest during World War II, showing that anyone can make a big contribution to the country.
“In the letter of recommendation, I wrote a lot about Cooper’s work ethic and leadership and how he is someone you can count on to show up,” said Anderson. “He is super curious about history and about people around him. Students like him are encouraging because if there are people like Cooper in the world, I know we’ve got a chance to succeed!”
Coming up in June, Cooper will travel to New Orleans, Louisiana, along with his parents, to attend the 2026 American Spirit Awards at the National WWII Museum. He will receive exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Museum, participate in leadership activities with his cohort, and attend an awards ceremony to honor his accomplishments. There will also be speakers and presentations as part of the event.
“I am so excited to be able to represent the state and spend a couple of days including the anniversary of D-Day, at the museum,” said Cooper. “I am really looking forward to seeing the B-17 bomber that was used in WWII and to be able to connect with veterans who witnessed the war firsthand. The things the pilots did back then were truly incredible and it will be great to see some of those items up close.”
The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world, including why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. The museum says it does all of this so that all generations can understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.
“Sarah and I were able to go down to the museum last year and we kept talking about how much Cooper would love it,” said Junkermeier. “He has a genuine concern and desire to help others. I try to teach students to remember the humanity of history because the people you learn about have lives and emotions and to be able to see that side makes for a more well-rounded person. Cooper does that so well and is able to take that into other parts of his life.”
Cooper shares that his favorite WWII related programming is Masters of the Air, a war drama mini-series that also focuses on the B-17 Flying Fortress and the accomplishments of pilots and aviators at the time. He is considering a future in aviation himself, possibly as a pilot with potential to be a crop duster pilot in order to also support his interest in agriculture.
When asked what he is hoping to get out of the trip, Cooper kept it simple.
“I am hoping to have a dang good experience!”