To recent Winnebago Public Schools graduate, Ayden Littlegeorge-Cloud, history is more than a subject- it’s a passion. When asked what history means to him, he replied that “history is the culmination of all of the world’s knowledge… from BCE to now, AD.” Given that statement, it comes as no surprise that he was the Nebraska winner of the Billy Michal Award. The Billy Michal Award is presented to one student from each state who embodies the values of leadership, teamwork, creativity, and perseverance, especially as they relate to history. Ayden was nominated for this award by his teacher Andrew Halsey. Andrew stated that for Ayden, history is not just a school subject, it’s a hobby. We asked Ayden what achieving this award means to him, and he said “It means something powerful,” winning this award is especially meaningful because he is the first winner in Winnebago history.
One of the qualities that a winner of the Billy Michal Award must possess is being an active and engaged member of the community. Andrew Halsey said that once he heard about this award, Ayden immediately stood out. Andrew knew Ayden would be a good candidate because “he (Ayden) approaches challenges with determination, treats others with respect, and demonstrates a genuine willingness to learn.” Ayden shares that for him, being an active and engaged member of the community means participating in events, whether it is volunteering or helping around the community. He also states, “As long as you are a positive influence on the community, I think you are actively engaging and helping everyone else out.”
Those qualities not only earned Ayden the award, but also an opportunity to travel to New Orleans to accept it.He shares that people will probably want to know if he visited Bourbon Street, to which he responds, “I stayed in a hotel nearby.” His highlights from the trip are eating alligator, which, according to Ayden, does taste like chicken. Additionally, he fondly remembers the luncheon where all the award-winners got to meet. In New Orleans, he was able to get in contact with Iris, a “Rosie”, or one of the Rosie the Riveters, who helped in the Allied War effort. Iris was born in Nebraska and voiced to Ayden that she has no doubts about his future endeavors. Ayden aspires to become the first Native American Nebraska governor by first serving as a legislator of the seventeenth district, where he currently resides. He is excited to attend University of Nebraska Lincoln in the fall on a full scholarship. He feels that winning this award has given him a confidence boost for his future.
When asked what advice he would give to younger students who have similar goals, he remarks “Just believe in yourself.. And never falter in your beliefs”. He also tells students that if they do not have the support they need, try to contact one of their teachers. They will support them along your journey. Ayden spent almost all of his educational career at Winnebago Public Schools, he shares that WPS has influenced his journey greatly. Ayden feels that the staff are really supportive and always so kind. He states “I’d say, it was a great environment to be in”.
