Capital Preparatory Magnet School and Hartford Public Schools are proud to announce that senior Travis Terrence Richardson Jr. has been selected as Connecticut’s 2026 recipient of The National WWII Museum’s Billy Michal Student Leadership Award—a prestigious national honor awarded to only one student from each state and the District of Columbia.
Travis was nominated by a mentor for his demonstrated leadership, service, and positive impact within both his school and community. The Billy Michal Student Leadership Award recognizes students who embody the American spirit through leadership, teamwork, tolerance, creativity, and perseverance. The award is part of The National WWII Museum’s American Spirit Awards, which celebrate individuals whose work reflects the values of service and civic responsibility exemplified during the World War II era.
As Connecticut’s honoree, Travis will travel to New Orleans from June 4–7, 2026, for an all-expenses-paid leadership experience alongside fellow state recipients. During the weekend, he will participate in exclusive behind-the-scenes programming at The National WWII Museum, engage in leadership development activities with his national cohort, attend the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award Luncheon, and be formally recognized at the 2026 American Spirit Awards Gala. Travel, lodging, and meals are fully provided by the Museum for Travis and a chaperone.
This distinction reflects Travis’s commitment to service, leadership, and academic excellence at Capital Prep. His selection brings statewide recognition to our school community and highlights the strong culture of civic engagement and student leadership fostered within our district.
We congratulate Travis on this outstanding achievement and look forward to celebrating his continued success.