VALLEY FORGE, PENNSYLVANIA

AMERICANISM COMMITTEE, NORTH CAROLINA CHAPTER #97 NATIONAL SOJOURNERS, INC. STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE JULY 24 - 27,2003 COMMENTS OF STUDENTS WRITTEN ON THE BUS ON RETURN TRIP ( LTC Andrew O. Drenkhahn USA (Ret), National President)JULY 24 - 27,2003

DOUGLAS BYRD HIGH SCHOOL 1. TANYA M. BECENA. Junior, Female, Key Club Division 10 Carolina District 10, Carolinas District Lt. Governor. Top 20%. TO: Cape Fear Kiwanis and NC Chapter #97, National Sojourners, Inc. "I cannot begin to thank you all for the wonderful opportunity to visit the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. This experience allowed me to enrich my knowledge of American History through visits from former Presidents such as Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and George Washington, as well as tours of Philadelphia and Valley Forge. I was introduced to the true meaning of American Spirit, all with your help. I met people from all over the country and I am quite sure that I have made friends that may very well last a life time. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing me the honor to attend the Spirit of America tour at the Freedoms Foundation. Thank you, /s/Tanya Becena." 2. MARK HARNEY. Sophomore, Male, Top 20%. Boy Scouts of America, Sophomore Class President TO: Cape Fear Kiwanis and NC Chapter #97, National Sojourners Inc. "I would like to thank you for sponsoring me, so I would have a chance to go to Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. I had a great time and learned a lot about how our Nation got their freedom. I learned many things, that will help me out in life, while having fun at the same time, I believe that all the future leaders of the United States should have a chance to come to this program. Thank you for your support /s/ Mark Harney" 3. KERSTEN McLEAN. Sophomore, Top 10%. Academy of Finance, Softball, Key Club. Student Body Secretary, Freshman Class President, NC Assn of Student Councils. TO: Cape Fear Kiwanis and NC Chapter #97, National Sojourners, Inc. "Thank you for giving me the privilege to attend a Freedoms Foundation Leadership Conference. This was a chance of a lifetime that many aren't offered. While we were there I learned a great deal about America, and learned it in an entertaining way. They used great teaching to encourage us to learn while holding our attention. I also made great friendships, that I hope will last a lifetime. Thank you again for supporting me and giving me this great opportunity. Sincerely, Kristen McLean." SEVENTY FIRST (71st High School). 4. DAVID BASCOMBE. Sophomore, National Honor Society, Prom Committee, Football Top 10%. TO: The Retired Military Association, Fayetteville, NC. "Dear Members of the Retired Military Association. Thank you very much for sponsoring me for the Freedoms Foundation trip to Valley Forge. This was a once in a lifetime experience and I am very grateful for your sponsorship. I had made lifelong friends and learned essential lessons in our Nation's History, and why it is so important. I passionately enjoyed the campus, and also the junior continental congress. It would be an honor if I was able to return to Valley Forge once again. I thank you, Sincerely, David Bascombe." 5. SABRINA RENA CARTER Junior. Key Club, Spanish Club, Kitty Hawk, T. L C., Track Top 50%. TO: Retired Military Association. "I just wanted to start this letter of appreciation off by saying that I am extremely grateful that your organization donated or shall I say sponsored us. We learned a lot of history that we did and did not know. I had a chance to get to know all type of people from different places. The counselors there were nice and very helpful. Unfortunately, I will not be able to return but I will remember this trip because of these simple facts..we had education, fun, friends, and a great experience. /s/ Sabrina Carter." 6. MICHAEL SANSOM Sophomore, Football, Baseball, Basketball. TO: " Phoenix Masonic Lodge #S, Creasy Proctor Lodge #679: 1 am an aspiring military leader. This trip has brought me closer to my country. I have learned so much, and I cannot begin to express my thoughtfulness. I will take what I have earned and apply it to becoming a better leader in my ROTC Unit, and eventually apply it to my serving of our country which all of us love, but take for granted too much. This trip opened my eyes in so many ways, but I will not bore you too much. All I can say is thank you and it was an honor to take this trip. Sincerely, /s/ Michael Sansom" 7. DOMOZIK DION HOLMES. Junior. National Honor Society, TO: Retired Military Association: "Dear Retired Military Association, I would like to thank you all for funding NC Chapter #97 trip to Pennsylvania. The National Sojourners Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge was a great experience that most people won't forget. Freedoms Foundation was a great place for leaders to identify their strengths and weaknesses as a leader. The educational aspect of Freedoms Foundation was extremely enlightening and fun in every way. What I have been taught over the past few days about American History has made me even prouder to be an American. I hope that this program continues so that the people who come after me can also express their thankfulness to you all through letter and/or speech. Sincerely, s/s Domozik D. Holmes." 8. GARY L. NORWOOD, JR. Junior, TO: Retired Military Association, "My name is C/lst Lt Gary L. Norwood, Jr.. I think that this leadership conference was a very good experience to all those who attended. We learned more about political and legal systems and had fun while doing it. We also met historic Figures who took us back in time and showed us how they lived. Some of the figures were very popular such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson. I think that more students should attend this next year and years after because it was a very fun, education4 and historical experience. Sincerely, s/s C/Ist Lt Gary Norwood." CAPE FEAR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 9. JACQUETTA AVAUNA WOODS. Junior Top 30%. Basketball. Future Career and Community Leaders of America. TO: Stedman Masonic Lodge #130 and NC Chapter #97, National Sojourners, Inc. "I think that this youth conference, was very informative and that more teenagers should be able to have this experience. I think that in order to become a leader you have to learn about previous leaders to build a foundation for yourself. All of the programs were good and all gave me ideas on ways to demonstrate positive leadership skills. The workshops also helped me to take care of my responsibilities. I had certain times to be at designated areas. I was most impressed with the presidents that visited us from the past. It was very interesting to get their views on important decisions they each made that affected our country in different ways. It was nice to hear point of views from the men that built this country. Lastly, I would thank you for funding my trip. Your money wasn't spent in vain and your concern for me is greatly appreciated. Thank you, s/s Jacquetta A. Woods." 10. KRYSTAL NICOLE OWENS. Junior Top 30%. Rifle Drill Team Commander Basketball, Academic Team, TO: Stedman Lodge #130, and Retired Military Association. "I just want to start out by saying thank you for giving me the chance to visit such a wonderful place. I learned a lot and met so many people who love this Country and care about making it better. These are friendships that will be special forever. Again, thanks for the chance of a lifetime. I would even love to go back if I could. Thank you, /s/l Krystal Owens." 11. NURTE E. NORRIS. Sophomore, Top 20% Key Club Treasurer, VP, State Beta Club Convention. Cheerleading and Soccer. TO: Stedman Lodge #130, Cape Fear Kiwanis, and NC Chapter #97, National Sojourners, Inc. "I cannot express to you the gratitude I have toward the members of your Lodge and Club. I greatly appreciate the financial support you have given me and the other students that attended the Spirit of America Youth Conference. The four short days I spent there were phenomenal. Not only the lessons learned were great, but the friendships started were even better. The students, chaperones, and staff were so wonderful. The program provided us with learning experiences that were fun and interesting. From meeting presidents such as Jefferson, Lincoln, and Washington, to being part of a mock session of Congress. Valley Forge is a wonderful place to be, and Freedoms Foundation is a wonderful organization. I hope your Lodge and Club will continue to support this program so that others will be able to experience what I have. May God Bless you all. Sincerely /s/ Marie E. Norris." 12. KATHEINE MONTGOMERY. Sophomore, NROTC, Science Academy, Science Club, National Honor Society, TO: Stedman Lodge #130, and Cape Fear Kiwanis, and North Carolina Chapter #97, National Sojourners, Inc. "The four days I spent with the Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge was a totally amazing experience. I had an excellent time on all the tours and listening to the historical speakers, for I have always enjoyed history. The speakers and tours made me feel like a part of the history. I might want to minor in history, so all of the presentations I saw were very informative. I also enjoyed the other speakers, whom without, my leadership skills would have stayed unimproved. Meeting other teenagers my age from all over the United States was something I couldn't have done without the Freedoms Foundation. Meeting in a mock Congress, the leadership carnival, and the dance are just a few of the things that made these four days truly awesome. I would like to thank the organization in Stedman that made these four days possible, because it was simply great. /s/ Katherine Montgomery." WESTOVER SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 13. JOEL C. MAYO. Sophomore, Male, Top 20%. ROTC Drill Team, Key Club, Color Guard. Football, playing saxophone. TO: Cape Fear Kiwanis Club, and NC Chapter #97, National Sojourners, Inc. 'My name is Joel Mayo, and I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to go to the Freedoms Foundation. Because of your sponsorship I was able to meet new people, travel to a different state, participate in group discussions, learn more about what a leader is, and be inspired to become a better citizen. Thanks to those of you who sponsored me, I have a greater respect for Old Glory and her creators. At Freedoms Foundation I participated in a discussion about laws, leadership workshops, and went back in time. I mean by going back in time that I've gotten the chance to listen to past presidents such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson tell their story. I've gotten the chance to also listen to James Wilson, one of our founding fathers. But there is much more than Presidents and discussions. I've also gotten the opportunity to work with new people and become a better leader, person, citizen, and most of all, a better American. Thank you for that chance. Sincerely, /s/ Joel Mayo." 14. CLARA T. LANG Junior, Key Club, Top 20%, Soccer, Dance TO: Cape Fear Kiwanis and NC Chapter #97, National Sojourners, Inc. "Thank you so much for sponsoring us to come on this learning filled trip to Valley Forge. The experience was rewarding. I learned about freedom and how to take a leadership role in America. I can truthfully say it's had a good impact on my life and so much more. /s/ Clara T. Lang." ALBRITTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL 15. REBECCA CECELIA HERNANDEZ. 9th grade, Builders Club Member, Plays flute. TO: NC Chapter #97, National Sojourners, Inc ."Dear NC Chapter #97 National Sojourners, Inc. I'd just like to give a million thanks for Your sponsoring me to attend the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge!! I had the best time there. To be honest with you, when I heard I was going I wasn't extremely thrilled and thought it was just going to be a bunch of boring lectures and very strict rules. Boy was I wrong! As soon as I arrived the staffs made me feels comfortable and were some of the friendliest people. I met tons of friends there from all over the country & shared lives, accomplishments and future plans with each other. Actually I was inspired to work hard by some of my new friends because they'd accomplished great things and have awesome plans. As for lectures .. well lectures there weren't boring when they're taught by T. Jefferson, A. Lincoln, and G. Washington. I specifically loved the speech by T. Jefferson. He was funny and very informative (He was my personal favorite). The tours were awesome too. The guides were friendly & one even played a fife. If I were given the chance I would most definitely go to the Freedoms Foundation again. As a matter of fact, me and someone I met there are really considering becoming counselors there in the future. The trip has really made me a lot more grateful for America, our independence, and important values and history. I couldn't thank you enough for giving me this awesome experience & I hope I'll get to go again in the future. Sincerely /s/ Rebecca Remand@ age 15, Albritton Junior High." 16. JANICE MARIE RAMUTEZ. 9th grade, NC Ambassadors Club, Cheerleading, Soccer and Dancing TO: NC Chapter #97 National Sojourners, Inc. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience this. h really taught me alot. I learned more about the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and of course how to be a better leader. Without your sponsorship none of us would be able to be here and wouldn't have the chance to meet and be a part of such a wonderful association. To add to this, I have never taken US History, so I was really learning as I went. It meant the world to me that I was chosen to do this. Sincerely, /s/ Janice Ramirez." PINE FOREST SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 17. BENJAMIN MICHAEL MYERS. Junior, Member of Youth Leadership Academy, Varsity soccer and traveling soccer. Top 10%. TO: Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Assn. and NC Chapter #97, National Sojourner, Inc., "The trip to Valley Forge has deepened my respect and honor for America through classroom seminars and guest speakers. I have learned more about the USA's past than in the 11 years I have been in school. I can not wait to the day when I too am a defender of this Country. Because of you and your generosity I have been able to have an experience that few have ever had. The people I have met and the ideals that have been put before me have changed me forever. Thank you so much for the chance. Sincerely, /s/ Ben Myers." 18. NICHOLAS PAUL CONSENTINO, Junior National Junior Honor Society, Junior Officers Training Corps, Fayetteville Youth Leadership Academy, Jr. Fireantz, Academy of Scholars, Varsity HS Soccer. "Dear Members of Piedmont Chapter #504, National Sojourners, Inc. Raleigh, NC. Thank you so much for sponsoring and allowing me to participate in the Freedoms Foundation Camp. Through the busy times, the loss of soldier's lives in Iraq, and other things especially, the criticism of our leaders, one could lose track of his pride for one's country. But, however, this camp has re-opened my heart to the freedom and patriotism that makes this Country so great. It has showed me and caused me to idolize many of our forefathers as I use to as a young child. Thank you again for showing me why this is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Sincerely, /s/ Nick Cousentino." E. E. SMITH SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 19. JESSICA MAREE SMITH - Junior, Top 10%. HOSA, SAVE, Key Club, Tri-Hi-Y, National Honor Society, Academy of Scholars, Math and Science Academy, Freshman Class President, Sophomore Class President, Key Club President. Marching Band, Cheerleading. TO: North Carolina Chapter #97, National Sojourners, Inc., "My name is Jessica NL Smith. In efforts of giving thinks of an opportunity that was truly a learning experience, I wanted to show my appreciation in form of a letter. If it was not for your chapter, I would never have experienced the history of our great nation or meet some of the most intelligent and interesting future leaders of Country. One issue that truly touched me this weekend was one of our speakers spoke on relationships, saying that our families are most important and that we should cherish our relationships with them. It truly gives me reason to go back home and show love to my family. Thank you again for your kindness: God Bless, /s/ Jessica M. Smith." MASSEY HELLS CLASSICAL SCHOOL 20. TIMOTHY MACLAURIN OGLESBY. Junior, Top 20%. Key Club, SGA, Project 540, Junior Class President, Guitar and Drums, Rock Climbing, Soccer. TO: Nashville Lions Club and NC Chapter #97, National Sojourners, Inc., "Thank you so much for the learning experience at Freedoms Foundation. At this conference so many new ideas have been bought to light. My eyes have been opened to the principles that my life, whether or not I recognized, has been built upon. These fundamental principles for which our forefathers fought so hard to preserve are fast slipping out of the conscience of our society. As a leader at my school and church, I feel a new responsibility to my Country to try and restore these principles and ingrain them into the mind of my fellow peers. So thank you for reviving my faith in this Country's provision for all. God Bless America. Thanks again, /s/ T. M Oglesby." 21. ELISABETH S. CARDONA. Sophomore. Key Club, Forensics, Orchestra, Yearbook, A.LG. Secretary of the Youth Group. TO: "Roy Whitmire, Andy & Janice Drenkhahn and Military Order Retired Officers Assn: I don't know what type of things to say to thank you for making it possible for me to go on this trip. It was a great learning experience for me & if I could I would love to experience this opportunity again. I greatly enjoyed being visited by the Presidents from the past, I felt like I was going back in time. I greatly enjoyed the tours of Valley Forge and downtown Philadelphia. Without your donation I would have never been able to experience this opportunity. I loved being able to meet other students from around the Country. Than you once more. Sincerely, Elisabeth Cardona." 22. BRYAN GREGORY EVANS. Junior. National Honor Society. SGA, Academy of Scholars. Key Club. Plays Trumpet. Attended Law Leadership Conference at UNCP. Top 20%. TO: Fort Lee Chapter #72, National Sojourners, Inc. "Hi. My name is Bryan Evans from Fayetteville, North Carolina. I just wanted to thank you guys so much for giving me this opportunity. I learned many new and interesting facts about our Country and how it got its start. The visits from our past "presidents" were great, history was brought to life. Also the chance to meet kids from all over the Country was a great privilege. I met many, many awesome new friends that I hope to keep in contact with for the rest of my life. Once again, I can't thank you enough. Sincerely Yours, Bryan G. Evans." 23. ERIN MICHELLE LADD. Sophomore, National Honor Society, Community Youth Group, Basketball, Softball. Top 20 TO: "Gene Jenigan, Jim Hay, NC Chapter #97, National Sojourners, Inc. First of all I would like to thank you all for sponsoring all of us to go to Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge- It was very gracious of you to give us such an opportunity. The time I spent at Freedoms Foundation was a wonderful experience. I met so many people from different backgrounds and hometowns. It's amazing to see how so many very different people have so much in common. The seminars we attended were very interesting and I enjoyed the surprise visits from four of our nations most influential Presidents. The demonstrations were astonishing. All of the group activities that were scheduled were great and I got to make a lot of friends that I will definitely be keeping in touch with over the years. Once again, thank you for giving me this remarkable opportunity. Yours Truly, /s/ Erin Michelle Ladd." SOUTHVIEW SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 24. SYDNEY MARGARET BUTTNER,. Junior, Key Club, National Honor Society, International Thespian Society, Fayetteville Peace with Justice, Top 10%, Fencing, Kayaking. TO: Hope Mills Kiwanis and NC Chapter #97, National Sojourners, Inc. "I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. The presentations by Thomas Jefferson, Abe Lincoln, and George Washington were humorous and informative. The social mixers enabled all of the participants to meet and learn from fellow students from across the country. Despite differences, we all managed to work together as a team - each person assuming a leadership roll in his/her own turn. For myself, the best art of the weekend was the mock Congress. Not only did we learn about the procedure of passing legislation, but we also learned about and analyzed the Patriot Act. Both fun and educational, I would recommend this program to anyone. In closing, I would like to impart sincere gratitude for supporting myself and fellow students. Your support is greatly appreciated. /s/ Sydney NL Buttner." POLK COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 25. CHELSEA ROSEN. Junior, Top 20%. TO: The Scottish Rite Valley of Asheville. "Thank you so much for sponsoring me and helping me go on this wonderful trip. It was such a great experience. The classes I attended and speakers I listened to will stay with me forever. I was very shy when I first arrived and didn't say much. During these four days I have made some life long friends. I believe I gained a large amount of knowledge on leadership & freedom. Thank you so much for providing me with this opportunity. Sincerely, /s/ Chelsea Rosen." "Thank you so much for the spending money also. It was very appreciated." FAYETTEVILLE ACADEMY 26. ROBERT JOEL WHITE Junior, Male, National Honor Society. TO: National Sojourners Chapter #97. "I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend at the Freedoms Foundation. From this great program, I have been able to find a new respect and patriotism for the United States. Prior to the experience, I felt like a drone every time the pledge was said at my school. Now, I feel the pride and importance put forth in its words. This experience has reignited my love for American History as well as started new relationships with people to share the same new found passions. Programs such as this, I feel, are very necessary for the youth of America, especially in these time of restricted freedom and tragedies. Current issues were very well addressed in each speaker's presentation in a professional, yet fun manner. The concepts used will certainly aid me in my college and working years. I would like to thank the Freedoms Foundation for their wonderful program and the NC Chapter #97 National Sojourners, Inc. Sincerely, /s/ Robert Joel White." 27. JUNE MARIE LI]ETZ, Junior, French Club, Keywanettes. TO: NC Chapter #97, National Sojourners, Inc. "Dear NC Chapter #97, Thank you for the chance to travel to Valley Forge and to take part in the Freedoms Foundation Program. I ask that you excuse my handwriting -- we are on the bus right now. This program was excellent, we had a chance to observe history through speakers such as George Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson. The part I enjoyed the most was being on Valley Forge where such a remarkable winter took place, and traveling to Philadelphia where so many history making events took place. There was an overwhelming feeling of pride in my Country there. I am very grateful for the chance you all gave me to see such an amazing part of history without your support I would not have made it to Freedoms Foundation. Thank You again. Always, /s/ June Lietz." QUANTICO MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL These young men joined the NC and Texas students aboard the North Carolina furnished bus at the 1-95 rest stop near Quantico, VA. They were superb selections. 28. CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL REED, Sophomore, QHS Band, Student Council Association, National Junior Honor Society, Soccer Captain, Homeroom Rep. TO: Quantico Sojourners: "Thank you for giving me the chance to go to Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. I enjoyed meeting people from Jacksonville, NC. I lived in Jacksonville 5 years ago and it was fun to hear about how much that town was changed. This experience is something that I will always remember. Looking around the bus, I realized that we have all changed in just four days. On the ride up here, we were relatively quiet, but now everyone is talking, celebrating and exchanging phone numbers and e-mail addresses. I plan to keep in touch with several of the people that I met this weekend and even try to visit some. Once again, Thank you for this opportunity." /s/ Chris Reed. 29. CHRISTOPHER T. SHARROCK, Junior, MCJROTC, PADI, Amateur Radio, ARRL (American Radio Relay League. TO: The Sojourners at Quantico-, "I greatly appreciate the opportunity you've given me through your efforts. I believe this program had a significant effect on me by raising my confidence a citizen and a leader. The activities were fun and education&4 and the speakers were highly charismatic. The food was delicious and satisfying. The most impressive part of this experience was the opportunity to meet high-caliber people and to make some very good friends. The participants in this program were all respectful, polite and willing to help. I want to take this time to thank you for the wonderful experience the program has given me. Sincerely," /s/ Christopher Sharrock