Brady Thomson, a 16-year-old sophomore at Cedar Valley High School, has founded a chapter of Turning Point USA at the school. According to an email sent by Thomson to the Cedar Valley Sentinel, he wanted to start a chapter because of his “deep love for America” and a desire to provide a club where like-minded students could gather.
Turning Point USA is a non-profit organization focused on promoting the principles of constitutional rights, small government, and freedom among students. The organization has over 1,000 high school chapters as well as college chapters. Thomson stated in his email that he learned about Turning Point USA last May, but did not begin the process of starting a chapter at Cedar Valley until this year. Thomson stated, “I had begun to get interested in politics and this was a great way to share my ideas and opinions.”
The club has recently fundraised and purchased a 30 x 50 foot flag to hang in the school’s common area and will hold an unveiling ceremony on January 22nd at 1:30pm. Thomson hopes that the event and the presence of the flag will help to spread patriotism throughout the community.
In his email to the Sentinel, Thomson explained his view of patriotism: “For me, patriotism is rooted in a deep respect for the principles that made America great—freedom, personal responsibility, and the belief in limited government. It’s about standing up for the values enshrined in our Constitution and the rights we’ve been given as citizens by God.” He goes on to say, “True patriotism is recognizing the sacrifices made by past generations to protect these freedoms and ensuring that future generations understand and defend them. Spreading patriotism through our community is essential because it reinforces the foundation of our nation—one that values individual liberty, personal accountability, and the strength that comes from a unified, freedom-loving people.”
Thomson feels that the flag will serve as a powerful symbol of these values, as he noted that “The flag represents the sacrifices made by countless individuals to ensure the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. It is a powerful symbol that brings us together as a community, offering a reminder of our shared values and history.” He also stated that “While there are many other important symbols, the flag stands as a universally recognized emblem of these principles.”
Turning Point USA offers various resources for its high school chapters, including an Activism Theme Library, which provides presentations, themed games, publications and activity sheets to enhance chapter meetings. The organization also offers activism kits to help students step onto campus with all the materials they need to bring TPUSA to their campus. Turning Point USA is also encouraging students to “Flag the Classroom”.
Turning Point USA is a 501(c)(3) Not For Profit Organization, and donations to the organization are tax deductible.
Feature photo by chris robert on Unsplash. Classroom photo provided by Brady Thomson. Flag the Classroom graphic from TPUSA website.
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.
