Reagan, Walker, and Schlapp Motivate High School Students in Santa Barbara By Madison Habersetzer, Conference Co-Director Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, delivers an inspiring address during the Wendy P. McCaw Reagan Ranch Roundtable, held in conjunction with YAF’s student conference.
“T
hank you for giving us, the next generation, an opportunity to gain knowledge and support in our venture to preserve and improve America,” remarked American Heritage Academy student Isaak Spencer following his participation in Young America’s Foundation’s October High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch. This sentiment was representative of the thoughtful reflections offered by the future leaders who traveled to this program from as far away as Virginia. YAF welcomed students from 15 states and 60 schools for this weeklong gathering of young conservatives.
“Thank you for giving us, the next generation, an opportunity to gain knowledge and support in our venture to preserve and improve America.”
YAF alumna and National Review Staff Writer Alexandra DeSanctis Marr speaks at her first-ever Young America’s Foundation conference.
— Isaak Spencer, Las Vegas, Nevada Made possible by a leadership gift from the Richard and Barbara Gaby Foundation, the conference began with a fitting dinner banquet featuring Michael Reagan, who inspired students with stories of his father, President Ronald Reagan. “He had a message that people could embrace and get behind, and people could trust him,” remarked the younger Reagan. During the program, students heard from YAF’s longestserving faculty member, historian, and author Dr. Burt Folsom, who enlightened the audience with an engaging history lesson about the early entrepreneurs who helped build America. British rapper Zuby, speaking at his first-ever YAF conference in Santa Barbara, reflected on the “20 Things I Learned About (Continued on page 18) 16
Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2021
Michael Reagan, son of President Ronald Reagan, meets with student Rebecca Phillips following his remarks.
