High School Student Inspired by Charlie Kirk Launches Turning Point USA Chapter
Catie Smiley, a junior at Lake Country Classical Academy (affiliated with Hillsdale College), was inspired by the work of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to start a Turning Point USA chapter at her school.
Her mother, Melissa Smiley, told Fox News Digital that Catie “was deeply moved by Charlie’s work” and had long been involved in attending Young Americans events on college campuses.
Following Kirk’s memorial service on Sept. 13, Turning Point USA reported receiving more than 120,000 inquiries from individuals interested in starting new chapters. Catie, motivated by the organization’s mission, saw it as an opportunity for students to engage in debates, civil discourse, and networking with leaders across institutions and the public sphere.
Catie and her peers delivered a presentation to school officials advocating for the chapter, which her mother described as “wonderful.”
“She was deeply moved by Charlie’s work and has long been involved, attending various Young Americans events on college campuses,” Melissa Smiley, Catie’s mother, said.
From the start of her effort to establish a chapter, however, Catie faced obstacles. The school rejected the proposal, citing a policy that prohibits political organizations and clubs on campus.
The decision sparked backlash from Smiley and other parents, drawing support from former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker—an honorary board member of LCCA—and a Turning Point Action staff member.
Lake Country Classical Academy Principal Margaret Hagedorn provided Fox News Digital with the following statement.
The school rejected the chapter, citing a policy prohibiting political organizations and clubs on campus.
“We clarified our fidelity to Hillsdale’s model and curriculum. After productive discussions with TPUSA, we’ve agreed to create a school-sanctioned Civics Club that will promote civic engagement for students while remaining within the parameters of the school’s policies,” Principal Margaret Hagedorn told Fox News Digital.
Lake Country Classical Academy (LCCA) is a Hillsdale College Member School, meaning it is closely affiliated with Hillsdale College and receives curriculum, consultation, and training from the Hillsdale K-12 Education Office. Since its founding, LCCA has not approved student clubs affiliated with external political or religious organizations. This policy is reflected in Hillsdale’s guidance and the school’s Family Handbook, which classifies extracurricular clubs as “enrichment classes.”
After the backlash, LCCA is working to develop a civics club while reviewing its policies. In a letter to concerned parents on Monday, the board said it has been considering how best to move forward.
Catie’s mother shared that her daughter was deeply motivated to get involved following Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
“She was extremely moved by that. She’s attended a couple of vigils and felt a strong pull to take action. So we worked together—I helped her access resources, and she connected with a field representative who guided her through the process. Now it looks signed, sealed, and delivered,” Melissa Smiley said.
President Trump posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk, presenting it to his wife, Erika Kirk, during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House on October 14, 2025. Kirk, who would have turned 32 on Tuesday, received the nation’s highest civilian honor posthumously.
Catie Smiley’s mother, Melissa, reflected on her daughter’s motivation in the wake of Kirk’s passing.
“The attention this draws to the greater issue is incredible, and it’s wonderful that young people and younger generations are feeling so motivated—they see that change is needed,” Smiley said.
“They’re being activists. I admire it because, when I was younger, I was too afraid to be any type of activist. So I think it’s fantastic that they feel so emboldened and that they can help bridge some of the discourse happening in the country.”
