About Spirit of America Youth Leadership
Spirit of America Youth Leadership is a transformative four-day residential program that engages high school students in grades 10-12 from across the country with the first principles of freedom.
The students’ experience is filled with inspiring and educational activities, including a mock congressional debate, free enterprise challenge, workshops, and historical site visits while developing their leadership skills and identifying their future contributions to society.
2023 Scholarship Recipients
American Preparatory Education Foundation has awarded scholarships to 7 APA students from our high schools in West Valley and Draper. They will attend this year’s conference in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in March and April. This is a great opportunity for our students. We are excited to offer these scholarships and are proud that they will be at the conference representing American Preparatory Academy. Congratulations Samuel, Keon, Taylor, Daniel, Nene, Nana, and Marie!
Samuel Hollinger
I am currently a Junior at APA-Draper and serve on 11th grade counsel as treasurer. I enjoy learning about government and history. Along with attending this leadership conference, I have applied to the Naval Academy summer seminar this summer to further my education. Thank you for this opportunity.
Keon Matinkhah
I am an 11th grade student at APA Draper 3, am thrilled to be receiving the opportunity to attend the Freedoms Foundation conference in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. I am looking forward to bringing my skills from APA Speech and Debate as well as leadership in the student government to good use. Public speaking and learning history are some of my closest passions, and this opportunity provides me with an incredible experience to represent APA and gain a better understanding of our government.
Taylor Stratton
Hi I’m Taylor Stratton and I am a junior this year at the D3 campus. I play basketball and softball for the school and I am currently on the 11th Grade Student Council.I want to become an anesthesiologist and am looking to attend college out of state.
I’m so excited to travel to Pennsylvania with the Freedom Foundation and learn more about our country, our government, and our freedoms.
Daniel Christenson
Representing American Preparatory Academy at Valley Forge will give me an opportunity to use the skills taught in the Ambassador program and further develop them. When I return from the trip, I will be able to share those skills with my peers. It is an honor for me to have been chosen to represent APA at this national event. I will strive to represent APA well and uphold our school standards while on the trip.
Nene Ogawa
I am in 11th grade. I like to play piano and am on the APA cheer team. I plan to study biology at the University of Utah after high school and plan to travel to Japan this summer. Thank you.
Nana Ogawa
I am in 11th grade at APA. I like to read and go hiking. I was born in Japan and moved to Utah when I was 12. I plan to study chemistry at the University of Utah with my sister this fall.
Marie Zinman
I am an 11th grade student at Draper 3. As a history lover and a member of our school’s speech and debate team, the Freedom Foundation is an amazing opportunity for me to learn and grow in these passions.
Draper 3 Students
Nene Ogawa, Marie Zinman, Samuel Hollinger, Keon Matinkah, Nana Ogawa, & Taylor Stratton