Boothbay Region High School (BRHS) freshman Adaline Barter spent a whirlwind weekend representing Maine’s American Spirit at the National World War II Museum.  

As previously reported in the Register, Barter received the 2025 Billy Michal Student Leadership Award. This annual award is presented to one student from each state and the District of Columbia who embodies the American spirit in their community and exemplifies the values of leadership, teamwork, tolerance, creativity and perseverance.    

Barter joined fellow students on an all-expenses-paid trip to New Orleans, May 29-June 1, where she took a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum, participated in leadership activities and attended an awards ceremony. She also met Billy Michal, a Louisiana native who, at 6 years old, helped his school win a statewide scrap metal collection contest during World War II. 

“We were there the perfect year because it was the (museum’s) 25th anniversary,” said Barter.  

Three of the museum's early advocates Barter also met were honored in light of the anniversary, including former Board Chairman Donald T. “Boysie” Bollinger, WWII veteran and former Board Chairman Paul Hilliard, and Museum Founding President and CEO Emeritus Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller.  

However, Barter said her trip highlights were meeting Archie Manning (father of football players Eli and Peyton Manning), receiving her award, and talking with her new friends while riding to the leadership activity.  

“It was super cool (meeting the fellow winners) because I got inspiration for what I want to do, and (how to) expand on what they did.”  One student used recycled plastics recovered from the ocean to make bracelets, while others have created apps, or radio talk shows. While unsure about the exact trajectory of her future projects, Barter knows she wants to do more work with veterans and their stories. 

This idea was partly drawn from a speech she heard while representing the Girl Scouts during a local Memorial Day parade. She recalled, “’If you see a veteran, don't just thank them for their service. Ask them how it was, ask them their story, and just take some time.’” 

Barter encourages fellow students to apply, not only to experience the events offered by the museum, but also the regional culture. The food especially left a lingering impression: ice cream-filled bubble waffles in the French Quarter, “the most beautiful plate” of freshwater drum fish and shrimp, and praline pecans Barter dubbed “the best thing in the whole entire world.” It’s not surprising one of her favorite souvenirs was beignet mix. 

“It was so good. My mom said she would go back there (to New Orleans) in a heartbeat, and so would I.” 

But Barter has already set her sights on applying to the WWII Museum’s Normandy Academy; an 11-day experience for high school and college students to learn more about the Allied Forces’ role during the Battle of Normandy while visiting the D-Day beaches. “I hope I get chosen. I would be honored to see it.”