2026 Youth Program Delegates

April 23rd, 2026

FreeState invests in our youth through opportunities designed to provide experiences that guide students to develop leadership and communication skills. These two high school juniors went through a competitive application process where they prepared an application, an essay and interview where they earned the opportunity to represent FreeState at two great leadership experiences this summer.

MEET ADDISON

2026 Youth Tour Delegate

Perry Lecompton High School

Parents: stephen and Andrea Thorne

My name is Addison Thorne and I am a junior at Perry Lecompton High School. My first three years at school have been very productive both socially and academically.

I have been building my leadership skills as an FCCLA officer over the last three years, as well as FBLA president and student council representative.

As a student athlete, I participate in volleyball, track, and softball throughout the year. I have had a variety of paid positions to boost my college savings, which include work at our local marina, a psychology internship, and coaching youth volleyball.

Volunteer time at both my school and church has also been important to me. My family keeps me grounded through all of the commotion and is constantly helping me build a stronger foundation of faith.

EXCERPT FROM ADDISON'S ESSAY ABOUT HER MENTOR

“Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; rather look to them with full hope as they arise.” My grandmother, Karen, lives by this quote from Saint Francis de Sales. She has taught me this lesson in every aspect of life, and now I live by it as well.

My grandmother spent her life as a schoolteacher, shaping both the minds and the future of her students and children. She’s mastered a skill that not many people develop in life. By genuinely investing her attention in each person she meets, Grandma finds the best in them and brings that gift to the spotlight.

In my life, I’ve never met anyone with as much joy, faith, or love as my grandmother. She truly inspires me to live every moment to its fullest with no regrets. One of the key truths she has taught me is that God has a plan for me, so therefore I never need to worry or expect anything because trusting in his guidance takes so much less effort than attempting to change it. If it weren’t for her, my faith would not be in the same place it is today. Even when we are apart, we still think of each other every day as we journal and read the bible.

Not only in faith, but in my well-being, Grandma has helped me grow. My confidence, optimism, and integrity all improve merely by a cup of coffee with her, and I couldn’t be more thankful. I hope to someday resemble Grandma’s strength. She is more than a role model to me; she’s my best friend.

MEET SAMUEL

2026 Leadership Camp Delegate

Pleasant ridge High School

Parents: Sam and Rebecca Murphy

My name is Samuel Murphy, and I am a junior at Pleasant Ridge High School. I am a member of the National Honor Society, and I am also involved in Pleasant Ridge FFA.

Being in FFA has helped me learn more about agriculture and become a better leader.

I also attend Highland Community College Technical Center, where I am working on certification in Precision Agriculture. Agriculture is a big part of my life. I have been a member of the Bell 4-H Club for 10 years.

Outside of school, I help work on my family’s farm. I help take care of beef cattle and help with row crop farming. Working on the farm has taught me responsibility, hard work, and perseverance. I am also a member of Risen Savior Lutheran Church, which is important to me and helps shape my values.

EXCERPT FROM SAMUEL'S ESSAY ABOUT HIS MENTOR

Growing up, I learned early that farming is not just a job, it is a way of life. My Dad has spent countless hours caring for our beef cattle and managing row crops. Watching him has taught me the importance of responsibility and commitment.

On the farm, things do not happen instantly. Crops take time to grow, and success does not come overnight. My Dad has shown me that you have to put in effort even when the results are not immediate. This has inspired me to approach my own challenges with the same determination.

People respect and trust my Dad. He is always ready to help others. He pushes me to do my best, and he also reminds me to be humble and grateful. His guidance has taught me to work hard while staying honest and respectful.

Another important lesson my Dad has taught me is perseverance. Farming comes with many things that are out of his control. He stays calm, finds solutions, and keeps moving forward. Watching him handle problems has taught me that true leaders do not quit when things get hard. They stay strong and continue working toward their goals.

My Dad also mentors me through the way he treats others. He is kind, respectful, and always willing to lend a hand. He does not seek attention for the things he does, but people still notice his character. My Dad leads not with words, but with the way he lives his life.

To Report an Outage:

MEET ADDISON

MEET SAMUEL