High Schooler Moved by Charlie Kirk’s Message Launches Turning Point USA Chapter to Empower Her Generation
When 17-year-old Ella Smiley first heard Charlie Kirk speak, she says something clicked. It wasn’t about politics or party lines, but about purpose — about realizing that her voice, even as a high school student, could make a difference. Today, that realization has grown into action, as Ella has officially started a Turning Point USA chapter at her Wisconsin high school, hoping to bring students together to talk openly about leadership, freedom, and civic values.
Her mother, Melissa Smiley, shared the story with Fox News Digital, describing how her daughter’s inspiration began long before the chapter itself. “She was deeply moved by Charlie’s work,” Melissa said. “She actually has been long involved, going to different young Americans events around the college campuses.” For Ella, it wasn’t just about attending conferences — it was about finding courage. “Hearing Charlie talk about standing for what you believe in, even when it’s not popular, really motivated her,” Melissa explained.
Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk in 2012, is known for encouraging young Americans to engage in open discussions about limited government, free markets, and individual liberty. What started as a small student movement has grown into a nationwide network across thousands of schools and colleges. For Ella, the decision to bring that message to her own high school came naturally. “She wanted to create a space for respectful dialogue,” her mother said. “It’s not about division — it’s about having conversations that matter.”
Ella’s journey toward founding her school’s chapter wasn’t easy. Starting a student organization requires patience, paperwork, and often, persistence. “She faced pushback at first,” Melissa shared. “Some people didn’t understand what Turning Point was about. But she kept explaining that it was about education and empowerment — not politics.” Eventually, her school gave her the green light, and the chapter was born.
Now, Ella and a small group of classmates are organizing meetings, inviting guest speakers, and encouraging students to think critically about the world around them. She’s also been in touch with Turning Point’s regional representatives, who are helping her navigate leadership training and event planning. “She’s learning skills that go beyond the classroom — confidence, public speaking, organizing,” Melissa said proudly.
For Ella, the message of Kirk’s work isn’t about agreeing on everything — it’s about standing firm in your beliefs while still listening to others. “She admires how Charlie
The chapter’s creation has already sparked interest from other students in nearby schools, with some reaching out to ask how to start their own. Melissa says the experience has been transformative for her daughter. “She’s found her voice,” she said. “Charlie Kirk’s message helped her realize that you don’t have to wait until you’re an adult to care about what happens in your country.”
Kirk himself has often emphasized that Turning Point’s mission is about empowering the next generation to be active, informed, and courageous. Ella’s story embodies that goal — not as a headline or a statement, but as a quiet example of one student choosing to take initiative. “She’s still just a high schooler,” Melissa said, smiling, “but she’s showing that leadership has no age limit.”
In an era when young people are often told to stay quiet about their beliefs, Ella’s story stands out. She represents a generation unafraid to speak up — not to divide, but to inspire. “This is just the beginning for her,” Melissa said. “And I think Charlie would be proud to know how far his message has reached.”
