Page 9 - Sojourner Newsletter-Fall 2023 v1.3

Volume 100, Issue 4 9

from Valley Forge Military Academy. Americanism Chairman Wertz had the honor and privilege of presenting the
official scholarship certificate to Cadet Lucas on behalf of National President Warren, and Past National President
Denny Norris.

Looking to the future, we face a few challenges. First is the continuing increase in the cost of the program. Again, we
have an increase in student tuition for 2024, up to $525 per student. Concurrently, the cost for each chaperone goes up
to $265. Next is the continuing challenge to fund transportation costs for chapters to send students and chaperones to the
Philadelphia area from across the country. Included in that challenge is the issue of finding adult chaperones willing and
able to accompany the students, and in the case of chapters on the East Coast, to drive students to the event. This year
we had several students for whom tuition had been awarded by their local chapters but did not have transportation to
attend. Another challenge is finding students who want to attend. Given the summer conference dates, many who may
want to attend have conflicting academic and family/social events. . We encourage all Chapter points of contact to
communicate with their local schools and youth groups, the Americanism Committee and SAEF throughout the year to
minimize these challenges.

Once again thanks to all the many individual Sojourners and Chapters who did their best to provide this once in a
lifetime experience to the youths who were fortunate enough to attend this year’s event. We look forward to seeing
greater numbers at the next Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference, July 11-14, 2024, as Freedoms Foundation
will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary. Look for more information to follow in the coming months.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael M. Wertz
Chairman, Americanism Committee

National President’s “Freedoms Foundation Welcome”

“My young Fellow Patriots, I congratulate you for choosing to participate in this magnificent program. You
are the future of our great Nation and, unfortunately, far too few of our younger generations fail to
appreciate what a glorious privilege it is to be an American. Many of your forefathers sacrificed their lives to
ensure you and I can live in freedom, peace, and harmony, enjoying the rights granted only to the citizens of
this land.

I hope you enjoy your time spent here and that you will take the lessons learned and information that will be
presented here back to your homes to share with your fellow Americans.

Be proud and patriotic throughout your lives, and God Bless America.”

Charles E. “Chuck” Warren, Sr.
National President
National Sojourners®, Inc.