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Leadership for America
About LFA
If one seeks to lead others towards the good, both for the individual and for society, one must first strive for wisdom. Leadership for America is an annual summer series that challenges high school students to ask big questions. Each year LFA tackles a topic that is both relevant to man today, and to every man. Throughout the week the underlying principles of leadership, based on the natural law, freedom of conscience, and democratic ideals, are studied in the light of Judeo-Christian values and revealed truths.
The Declaration of Independence at 250:
What Is America?
In 2026, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America. But what is America? This question is hotly debated today, but this is nothing new: Americans have been debating the question of their identity since before the Declaration itself. In this seminar, students will be led through this great debate and the contributions made by outstanding leaders in decisive moments of American history – from the Colonial period, through the American Founding, the Civil War, and the crises of the 20th century, up to our own times. Through this brief course, students will acquire an educated perspective from which to judge America's challenges today and form a vision for the future.
Seminar Leader: John Luke Hoonhout is a Ph.D. student in Constitutional Studies and Political Theory at the University of Notre Dame. His interests lie at the intersection of philosophy of law, constitutional interpretation, and religion and constitutionalism. He also works on the republican tradition of political theory. Previously, he worked in higher education nonprofits in New York. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Dallas with a degree in Politics and a concentration in Ethics.
When?
Monday, June 15th to
Saturday, June 20th
Faculty & Staff
John Luke Hoonhout
Ph.D Candidate Constitutional Studies & Political Theory | University of Notre Dame
B.A. Politics | University of Dallas
Daniel Carr
Director of Advisory | Western Academy
M.A. Political Science | University of Dallas
Javier Mazariegos
Faculty | St. Theresa Catholic School
B.A. Philosophy & English| Catholic University of America
Cost & Registration
$500/covering room, board, seminars, and all activities
Payment will be requested only upon acceptance to the program
Apply directly through the "Apply Now" button
Questions? Email us: staff@westcottstudycenter.org
