Integrity was at the heart of the day when Arlington ISD students visited the National Medal of Honor Museum last week. The museum, which honors the courageous men and women awarded the Medal of Honor, provides a powerful reminder of the values – courage, selflessness, and integrity – that define true leadership.
As part of the Dallas Cowboys’ annual Salute to Service Week, and in partnership with ESPN and Arlington ISD, 200 students and teachers attended a Character Playbook live event designed to bring these lessons to life. The program featured a panel discussion focused on integrity and leadership, with speakers including Chris Manhertz of the New York Giants, JJ Russell of the Arizona Cardinals, Brooklyn Davis from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Jake Ferguson of the Dallas Cowboys, and Medal of Honor recipient James C. McCloughan.
“In the moments when you’re tired, push through,” Manhertz said. “Not only will it make you better, but someone is always watching, and it’ll motivate the next person to give them that confidence and motivation to get through what they’re facing.”
All 10 junior high schools were invited to select 18 eighth-grade students to attend, along with two chaperones per campus.
“I am really honored to be here,” said Young Junior High eighth grader Bailey Goodwin. “My grandpa is a veteran, and he has a Medal of Honor, so it’s really awesome to get this experience.”
Students also explored the museum, learning firsthand about the heroic acts recognized by the Medal of Honor and the lasting impact of moral courage.
“This was truly a one-of-a-kind experience for our students,” said Arlington ISD social studies coordinator Shay Stavenhagen, who helped coordinate the trip. “They had the chance to learn from a Medal of Honor recipient and connect those lessons with leadership, character, and integrity in a real and meaningful way. Being able to do that alongside the Dallas Cowboys and NFL players made the moment even more memorable. It’s not something they’ll soon forget, and it elevated the importance of the message in a way that really resonated with them.”
Seeing the event come together after extensive planning was especially rewarding.
“Watching the students engage, connect, and genuinely enjoy the event made all of that effort worth it. It affirmed why we do this work – these are the kinds of moments that shape kids’ confidence, leadership, and sense of self,” Stavenhagen said.
One of the most impactful moments came from seeing students internalize the values being discussed.
“My favorite part was watching students make personal connections to the values being discussed – courage, integrity, sacrifice, and service. You could see the moments where something clicked for them. And beyond that, seeing their excitement walking into the museum, meeting some of the speakers, being treated like the experience was truly for them – that joy and pride was the best part,” said Stavenhagen.
By connecting the stories of Medal of Honor recipients and professional athletes to real-world leadership lessons, the Character Playbook event inspired students to lead with integrity, courage, and purpose – values they can carry with them every day.