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Just days before graduating, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Esmeralda Huerta, Battalion Commander of the Jefferson High School JROTC Mustang Battalion, will represent Texas at the American Spirit Awards Program hosted by the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.
Huerta will receive the prestigious Billy Michal Student Leadership Award, an honor presented annually to one student from each U.S. state and the District of Columbia. The award recognizes students who exemplify the American Spirit through leadership, service, and community impact.
Huerta was nominated by her JROTC instructor for her outstanding contributions to her school and community. Over her four years in the program, she participated in multiple service-learning projects, including teaching over 1,500 elementary students about financial literacy and career readiness through Junior Achievement of South Texas. She has also volunteered with the San Antonio Food Bank, visited veterans at senior centers, and supported community events with the Monticello Color Guard and Brigade Drill team.
An International Baccalaureate student in the top 10 percent of her class, Huerta credits JROTC for building her confidence, especially in public speaking. She began her education at Arnold Elementary with limited English proficiency and later joined LOTC at Whittier Middle School before continuing with JROTC at Jefferson.
From May 29 to June 1, Huerta and other award recipients will participate in leadership activities, gain behind-the-scenes access to the museum, and attend the awards ceremony in New Orleans.
Huerta will graduate from Jefferson High School on June 3. She plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio to study psychology and pursue a career in psychiatry, inspired by her own experience with anxiety.
The award is named in honor of Billy Michal, who at age six contributed to the WWII effort by helping his school win a statewide scrap metal collection contest. The museum states the award aims to promote values like leadership, teamwork, and perseverance among America’s youth.
