Club America, a new student group affiliated with Turning Point USA, held its inaugural meeting on Sept. 23. 

The idea for the club originated when senior and club president Nick Tomeczko emailed classmates asking if anyone was interested. Communication Arts teacher Michelle Konrad was asked and agreed to sponsor.

“My friend, the vice president, Daniel Koslowski, reached out about it,” Tomeczko said. “The death of Charlie Kirk probably pushed us to [create the club].” 

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot Sept. 10 while speaking at a Turning Point event at Utah Valley University. Authorities say the gunman fired from a rooftop and struck Kirk in the neck. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

Since Kirk’s death, Naperville North High School has also created a “Turning Point” club with a similar purpose.

According to its flyer, Club America seeks to promote freedom and the “principles that make our country strong,” while encouraging respectful sharing of conservative viewpoints. Leadership development and civic participation are recurring themes, aiming to engage “the next generation” in informed, active citizenship.

Their Instagram account, @clubamericanchs, reinforces this message with the tagline: “Pro-Freedom, Pro-America, and Pro-YOU.” The account encourages followers to stay informed about American values and history, and invites students to join an open environment where conservative voices are welcomed and respected.

Konrad emphasized that the club will be student-run. 

“It is not my club,” she said. “It’s their club. I want whatever they want. I’m here to support them, to facilitate.”

As the club gains momentum, its leaders aim to build an organization that lasts beyond their graduation. 

One major focus is cultivating younger students to take on leadership roles, ensuring continuity and longevity. Community service and civic engagement are also central to the group’s mission.

“I hope this doesn’t end with us,” Tomeczko said.

Though affiliated with Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit organization known for promoting free-market principles and limited government, Club America’s leadership emphasizes that their group is not partisan or religious in nature. Instead, the club is rooted in shared values and civic engagement.

“This is not a faith‑based club,” he said. “But we are value‑based, focused on policies important to students who value freedom, free speech, personal responsibility and the Constitution.”

The club will leverage resources created by Turning Point USA, including activism kits, promotional and educational materials, and support from “field reps” for new chapters. Nationwide, Turning Point offers grants, “Legacy Chapter” rewards, and organizational assistance to student chapters. 

In the meeting discussion, Tomeczko stated that the club does not intend to stage spectacles or grandstanding. Instead, the group plans to host forums and events, particularly on issues like Second Amendment rights. 

“We’re not here to debate world politics and cause drama,” he said. “We want to promote thoughtful discussion and voice our own values.”

Membership is open to any student who respects the club’s purpose. 

Club America meets every Tuesday at 7:10 a.m. in Room 239 and will also host Thursday meetings outside of school.