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September 2021

Spirit of America Program 2021
 
By: Bella Benson, Editor
"My time at the SOA Retreat was nothing short of transformative. Whether we were learning in the lecture hall, or competing in the Constitution Bowl, one thing was for sure: my classmates and I were learning in a way that drew us together as friends, as Americans, and as human beings. I will certainly carry many of the experiences I had in Squaw Creek for a long, long, time." - Justus Dittemore

This past April, many students, including myself, were very privileged to attend the The Spirit of America Youth Program. The Spirit of America Youth Program, or the SOA trip, was an experience I will never forget. Not only was it fun, it was a true learning experience. Excitement and education sum up a truly enjoyable weekend. 

    It began on a Thursday evening at John Adams Academy-Lincoln where we enjoyed a lovely dinner, get-to-know-you games, a workshop, and an exciting presentation of a colonial printing press.

    The next morning we arrived at the Tahoe Tree Top Adventure Course where students bonded among the redwoods. Some activities included zip-lining, obstacle courses, and lots of team building. I personally learned to conquer a fear of heights and it was a wonderful opportunity to befriend others on the SOA trip.

"What I enjoy the most about the Freedoms Foundation are the people that are involved. Prior to joining the student board I was scared, and didn’t know how others would treat me. Everyone who is involved is very hard working and very accepting. The trip introduced me to new friends and new opportunities. Overall, I really enjoyed and learned a lot during my trip. I look forward to the next group of students experiencing what I was able to experience."-Justin Hwang

 

"The Spirit of America trip was quite possibly the best weekend of this year for me. It taught me a lot about topics that are extremely relevant now, and it inspired me to want to protect the Constitution. It was incredible to see so many other youth who actually have a vested interest in our country, it’s heritage, and it’s preservation. While I find most of the time that I know a lot more about America than most kids my age, I felt like a high-school basketball player in the NBA. Everyone knew so much. I was able to make friendships that had a basis of real in-depth conversation about something that is very important to everyone there. I still hang out with some of the people who I didn’t even know before the trip. It was just amazing."  -Avery Fry 

From there we traveled to the Resort at Squaw Creek. It was a gorgeous venue; we were extremely fortunate to be there. The views of the snow-capped mountains were breathtaking and the Ski Village offered a pleasant feeling of hygge—coziness and comfort.

    During our weekend at Squaw Creek we enjoyed the wonderful Ski Village, nighttime s'mores, and the Resort's ambiance. 

     Along with the trip's fun activities, our weekend at Squaw Creek also offered a number of learning experiences. We were privileged to hear from many excellent speakers, both in-person and virtually, including Mark Freestone, Sarah Gillette, Gove Allen, Dr. Andrew Carico, Dr. William Allen, John Kincaid, Dr. Roger Smith, Dr. Kermit Roosevelt, Brandon Dell Orto, Ryan Pinney, and Gregg Hardy. We were also fortunate to hear from David Harmer, the President of The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. From these speakers we learned more about the Constitution, our country’s heritage, and what we can do to protect it. We gained new perspectives on American history and were led through some extremely valuable discussions. 

"The SOA trip really opened my eyes to how grateful I am to live in America! I was able to meet the most amazing people who share the same passion for our country and what it stands for! Along with making some great friendships, I was able to hear and discuss new ideas and different points of view! I'm so thankful for this motivating and uplifting experience! "- Isabelle Call

     Not only did the speakers provide new educational insights, activities such as the Constitutional Bowl expanded our knowledge while adding a competitive flare. Acting as a tournament, the Constitution Bowl put our U.S. History knowledge to the test. We competed on teams to see who knew more about one of our country’s founding documents. We also participated in a Free Enterprise Challenge, seeing which team could come up with the most efficient product and financial plan. From this we gained a greater idea of how free markets run. We also planned service projects to encourage community outreach. It was very fun to participate in one of the projects as a group after we had returned from the trip. Something I love about the Freedoms Foundation is that it helps encourage students to become servant leaders rooted in patriotic principles. 

"In April I had the opportunity to go the SOA conference!  I loved getting to learn about the founding fathers and the creation of our country! They had many speakers and activities that where so amazing! I learned so much and it gave me a deeper love for my country! I am so grateful for the freedoms I have! Overall the SOA conference was awesome and I'm glad I went! "-Kathryn Smith

"Attending the Spirit of America trip was a really meaningful experience to me because I got to be surrounded by civil debate and amazing minds. Everyone came together to discuss the importance of our Constitution, as well as what it may mean today. In a world where politics are so divisive and hostile, it was inspiring to see so many young adults come together to discuss many controversial topics in a respectful, inclusive and educational manner". -Sienna Pinney

One of the most impactful experiences of the trip for me was the Signing Ceremony. In this ceremony each student signed their name on a copy of the Declaration of Independence: a perfect end to the weekend where my appreciation of my nation increased ten-fold. 

     I loved the fun activities, the workshops, and the camaraderie I felt while up at Squaw Creek. Being with like-minded students is truly a wonderful experience. I am extremely grateful for my time at the SOA trip and for everyone who made it possible. 

"I first heard about the Freedoms Foundation when my brother went on the SOA trip to Philadelphia as a junior. I wanted to go on the same trip and was so excited for the opportunity when I was old enough. After I submitted my application, I was notified later that I was accepted to go on the trip. I was so happy! When the time to go on the trip finally came, I didn't know what to expect but I was excited to participate. Although we were unable to go to Philadelphia, the trip was still amazing.  Interesting classes, fun activities, sight seeing, competitions, delicious food, and random adventures were some of the many things we participated in. I learned so much about the Constitutioon and the values of our country. I also enjoyed hearing the voices of my peers as they expressed their views on important issues. We also had the opportunity to plan service projects and came up with a plan to carry them out once we got back. The Spirit of America trip was such an amazing experience and I would reccomend it to anyone and everyone!" -Ally Wright
To see more photos, check out our flickr account
Upcoming Events 
By: Sam Hendrickson, Editor

Nov. 4 – Constitution Bowl
Returning for its third annual run, the Freedoms Foundation Constitution Bowl has become a highlight of the year. Schools teams will be challenged through questions ranging from knowledge of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the history surrounding the documents. The event will take place at John Adams Academy-Roseville. Learn more at our website: Constitution Bowl 

Dec. 1 – SOA Applications are due
After over a year of closure due to COVID-19 the Valley Forge Freedoms Foundation campus has re-opened. The Sacramento Chapter will be attending in March/April 2022. The exciting weekend will include events such as: the Mock Congressional Debate, a rough simulation of Congress through the debate of a current events based bill. In the Free Enterprise Challenge, students will explore the world of entrepreneurship and free markets. Participants will also be involved in the Leadership Workshop, in which students will learn about the Five Pillars of community service through the study of Medal of Honor recipients.They will be challenged to create their own service projects based off of these principles. To top off these exciting events, students will visit historic Philadelphia and Valley Forge to gain a live perspective on history. To find out more check out our website. To apply for this trip, click on the link below: 
SOA Application

Dec. 1  Deadline for Contest Essays  The annual essay contest serves as the gateway to many incredible opportunities with the Freedoms Foundation. As well as being a requirement to participate in the Spirit of America trip, the essay is a key element in earning Freedoms Foundations scholarships. The top three winners of each age group will receive a cash prize. Learn more at our website: Essay Contest 

Jan. 29 – Mock Article V Convention
The Mock Article V Convention is a rising star of the chapter as it returns for a second time. Simulating a Constitutional convention, students will present their ideas for amending the Constitution as detailed in Article V of the Constitution. Schools will assemble teams to brainstorm new amendments. Students will vote on each amendment as a team and individually to simulate the ratification of an amendment under an Article V situation. The event will take place on January 29th from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. Learn more at our website: 
Mock Article V Convention 


Feb. 26 – Awards Banquet
In order to honor the contributions of all those involved with Sacramento Freedoms Foundation over the past year, an awards banquet will be held on February 26th. Such awards as the Local Hero Award will be presented alongside awards to the essay contest among other awards. Entertainment and catering will be provided.

 

Remembering
Sgt. Nicole Gee
By: Sam Hendrickson, Editor
One of the final pictures taken of Sgt.Gee, posted on her Instagram captioned with the statement, "I love my job."
On August 26th 2021, as the United States was withdrawing from a near twenty year conflict in Afghanistan the earth lost 182 souls in one deadly attack. 169 innocent Afghans taken, 13 valiant US soldiers lost, 4 great Californians sacrificed, including an outstanding member of our local community. Our very own Sgt. Nicole Gee was one of these victims. Sgt. Nicole Gee served a double pronged personal mission: serving others and being her best self. One of her high school teachers, now Superintendent John Becker, reflected, “You can go back in time to high school, it all makes perfect sense, she was a hero, she lived to serve.” She had a constant devotion to service even before her Marine career. In her high school years she devoted her time to assist in teaching preschoolers. She was kind, compassionate, and caring with the children. She could never sit still and in bootcamp, complained of not getting a workout enough, and she graduated as a squad leader. She pushed all those around her to be the best versions of themselves. She gave her life in the service of the people in Afghanistan. On September 1st hundreds of members of the community attended a vigil in her honor. Both friends and family, as well as complete strangers, came together to honor her memory. Brigadier General Bob Hipwell urged, “In order to have Nicole's legacy live on I challenge everybody to lead a good life." At the close of the vigil Roseville Mayor Krista Bernasconi pleaded, “My hope is that we each take a piece of her example with us. In her honor let's move forth with our life with compassion for each other and for the most vulnerable among us.” Let us all honor her memory by living this challenge.
A Message From Our Outgoing President
Larry Brasher 



    It has been a great privilege to serve as president of the Sacramento chapter of Freedoms Foundation for the last four years.  We have been blessed with amazing board members, including amazing student directors, as well as generous support from sustaining members, local businesses, and educators – both teachers and administrators.  It is most gratifying to turn over the leadership of the chapter to Emily Matthews, who will do remarkable things during her term as president.   

    Best of all, I am able to continue on the Chapter Board. In addition, I have been invited to serve as a member of the National Board of Directors. In that capacity I will be able to help develop the excellent educational programs of Freedoms Foundation, as well as strengthen local chapters under the direction of fellow national board member, Sandy Cook, one of our chapters long-time supporters. I look for great things to happen at both the chapter and national level!

Please support our programs!
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This newsletter was made with the help and participation of various attendees of the past SOA trip and current directors on the Freedoms Foundation Sacramento Chapter Board. A special thank you goes to Isabelle Call, Kathryn Smith, Justin Hwang, Sienna Pinney, Avery Fry, Justus Dittemore, Ally Wright, and Larry Brasher for their submissions.
A special thank you to our readers--we look forward to publishing more for you! 
-Bella Benson & Sam Hendrickson 
Chief Editors 
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To learn more about Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, visit our website:  https://www.freedomsfoundation.org/california/sacramento-area-chapter/

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Sacramento Chapter of Freedoms Foundation · 4120 Douglas Blvd, Suite 306-130 · Granite Bay, Ca 95746 · USA

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