Volunteering in your community can not only have national effects, it can earn you national recognition. Boothbay Region High School (BRHS) freshman Adeline Barter, 15, recently found this out when she received the 2025 Billy Michal Student Leadership Award.  

This annual award is given to one student from each state and the District of Columbia who embodies the American spirit in their community, and showcases values of leadership, teamwork, tolerance, creativity and perseverance.  

Barter joins her fellow winners on an all-expenses paid trip to New Orleans, May 29-June 1. Students will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the World War II Museum, participate in leadership activities and attend an awards ceremony.  

“I've been building up to this,” said Barter. 

It’s no exaggeration. For the past decade, Barter has garnered a plethora of volunteer experiences while serving the Boothbay region as a Girl Scout. She marches alongside local veterans during the annual Memorial Day Parade. However, an ill-timed injury for the troop’s leader prevented the scouts from participating in last year’s event.  

Barter, aware of the community's enjoyment in seeing the Girl Scouts represented, decided to strike out on her own. She was pulled to march at the front by Chris Armstead, Americanism Officer at American Legion Post 36. Her day was spent socializing with veterans as they rode to different locations along the parade route. This held extra significance for Barter, who has lost family in the armed services. 

“They told me all these different stories ... that I wouldn't have known if I hadn't been there. That was a great experience.” 

Barter’s volunteer work extends to out-of-state issues. Last October, Barter was part of the local crew that put together pallets of supplies for those in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene.

“Community service helps not only you be a better person, but helps the whole community, it helps America.” 

BRHS science teacher Emily Higgins, who nominated Barter for the award, added, “Boothbay kids are very good at representing the state and our community, and I think a lot of that comes from the intergenerational nature of our region, and the fact that the kids’ work ethic is really phenomenal.” 

The work students do either with their relatives or local businesses helps train them to be ambassadors who have an appreciation for familial and historical ties, Higgins said. There are opportunities that cater to those skill sets, and she encourages students to apply.

 "If you want to go to New Orleans, do your community service,” Barter said, laughing.