PCA Student Receives Prestigious Leadership Award!
PCA’s mission is equipping students to pursue Jesus Christ passionately as they impact the culture. And for one Junior, Parker Bradford, living out that mission resulted in him winning an impressive leadership award.
Bradford was surprised to receive the incredible news that not only had his English teacher Kristi Ugland nominated him for the prestigious Billy Michal Student Leadership Award, but he had won! This award is presented annually to only one student from each state who demonstrates the American spirit in his or her community. The award takes into consideration the student's values of leadership, teamwork, tolerance, creativity, and perseverance. In order to be nominated candidates should, “have a strong record of volunteerism, school and/or community activism, or implementing creative solutions to recognized problems.”
“While attending the WWII Memorial Museum's Teachers Fellowship in August of 2021, I learned about the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award for high school students,” explained Ugland.” I thought it sounded like a wonderful opportunity and honor, and that it would be great to nominate a student from PCA at the appropriate time. Having Parker in my Holocaust History and Literature Elective this year gave me the opportunity to learn more about him as a person outside of the regular classroom. We discussed his various service projects, his interest in history and the outdoors, and his family's service to our country. I was so impressed by
Parker's willingness to help, to reach out to others, and to work hard for a goal that I knew he was my candidate! And like me, the WWII Memorial Museum thought he was a great choice too! Great job Parker! We appreciate you!”
This June, Bradford and his father will be traveling to New Orleans where they will be attending the American Spirit Awards Luncheon and Student Leadership Forum. Bradford will be able to participate in a Q&A session with American Spirit Medallion recipients, be featured on the Museum’s American Spirit Award website as well as receive recognition during the American Spirit Awards Luncheon and Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum along with the other student representatives from the remaining 50 states.
“The moment I received the award I was blown away,” explained Bradford. “I had no clue that I had even been nominated for the award. I am so grateful to have won and I can't wait to see what God has in store for me down the road."