Charlie Kirk Competition Night Monday 24th November 2025
Our 1st place winner Miles Aker with his mother and sister. From left to right 2nd place winner Micah Swanson, receiving a check for $500
MNGOP Deputy Chair Donna Bergstrom,
3rd place winner Joshua Klevgaard, receiving a check for $100
Winner Miles Aker, receiving a check for $1000.
All winners also received a plague saying "We Are Charlie Kirk" from John Bonk owner of John's Tiny Workshop.
Our Judges for the evening where: - MNGOP Deputy Chair Donna Bergstrom, House Representative for District 3A Roger Skraba, House Representative for District 3B Natalie Zeleznikar, Congressional District 8 Chairperson Darin Miller, President for Turning Point USA from UMD Nathan McIntyre, President for The Young Republicans from UMD Joe Volt and Campaign Manager from the Pete Stauber Campaign Jacob Ringstad.
Also attending this evening and speaking was Congressman Pete Stauber and Candidate for Secretary of State for 2026 Tad Jude.
Miles Aker 1st place winner
Charlie Kirk has inspired me through his strong beliefs and kindness towards others. Charlie Kirk didn’t just speak, but he listened as well. That’s what makes him stand out from so many other voices today. Charlie Kirk takes the time to understand and respond with confidence, not hate. He showed that you can stand firm in what you believe without losing respect for others.
What inspires me most about Charlie Kirk is his courage to speak the truth, even if it’s not the popular saying. Watching him talk to college students, or people who simply disagree with him, I can see him respond calmly and patient, not with anger or hate, not with insult, not with rage, but with pure strength that comes with real conviction. It reminds me that standing for something meaningful will always matter more than fitting in.
Another thing I admire about Charlie Kirk is how much he inspires and believes in younger people. What I mean by that is he doesn’t treat us like we’re too young to understand what’s going on in the world, and instead he encourages us to be informed, independent students who care about our faith, our freedom, our responsibility, and more. Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA and through TPUSA he has given students across the country a voice and a place to belong, which is something I think a lot of us need right now.
Charlie Kirk’s kindness and humility have also made a big impression on me. Behind all the speeches and debates he gives, he’s a guy who wants to make a real difference on people. That’s where he talks about family, faith, and purpose, not just politics. He reminds me that real success isn’t just about money or fame, but about using your gift to help others and serve something even greater than yourself.
Charlie’s message has pushed me to look more deeply at what I believe in and why. Before watching him, I didn’t think much about leadership or responsibility but I focused on myself and my own goals I wanted to accomplish. But with Charlie, he realized that real leadership starts with actual character and how every person has a purpose and how courage often looks like doing what’s right when nobody else will. Which made me want to become more aware, more disciplined, and more willing to stand up for truth even in small ways.
Charlie Kirk reminds me that real change doesn’t start social media or government buildings but inside us. He talks about how culture shapes politics, not the other way around, and that made me think about how much power everyday people actually have. It is easy to point a finger about something wrong with the world but Charlie Kirk challenges us to look and ask us what we can do to make it better. That message stuck with me because it’s honest. Not just about waiting for someone else to fix things but about becoming the kind of person who does the fixing. That idea has changed the way I see my future and the kind of impact I want to have.
Because of Charlie Kirk, I have learned that it’s okay to be bold about what you believe but also open-minded and respectful. His example pushes me to be more confident, to speak up for what is right. He’s not just a political figure but someone who lives his message through his actions and that’s why his influence will always stick with me.
Charlie Kirk has inspired me through his strong beliefs and kindness towards others. Charlie Kirk didn’t just speak, but he listened as well. That’s what makes him stand out from so many other voices today. Charlie Kirk takes the time to understand and respond with confidence, not hate. He showed that you can stand firm in what you believe without losing respect for others.
What inspires me most about Charlie Kirk is his courage to speak the truth, even if it’s not the popular saying. Watching him talk to college students, or people who simply disagree with him, I can see him respond calmly and patient, not with anger or hate, not with insult, not with rage, but with pure strength that comes with real conviction. It reminds me that standing for something meaningful will always matter more than fitting in.
Another thing I admire about Charlie Kirk is how much he inspires and believes in younger people. What I mean by that is he doesn’t treat us like we’re too young to understand what’s going on in the world, and instead he encourages us to be informed, independent students who care about our faith, our freedom, our responsibility, and more. Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA and through TPUSA he has given students across the country a voice and a place to belong, which is something I think a lot of us need right now.
Charlie Kirk’s kindness and humility have also made a big impression on me. Behind all the speeches and debates he gives, he’s a guy who wants to make a real difference on people. That’s where he talks about family, faith, and purpose, not just politics. He reminds me that real success isn’t just about money or fame, but about using your gift to help others and serve something even greater than yourself.
Charlie’s message has pushed me to look more deeply at what I believe in and why. Before watching him, I didn’t think much about leadership or responsibility but I focused on myself and my own goals I wanted to accomplish. But with Charlie, he realized that real leadership starts with actual character and how every person has a purpose and how courage often looks like doing what’s right when nobody else will. Which made me want to become more aware, more disciplined, and more willing to stand up for truth even in small ways.
Charlie Kirk reminds me that real change doesn’t start social media or government buildings but inside us. He talks about how culture shapes politics, not the other way around, and that made me think about how much power everyday people actually have. It is easy to point a finger about something wrong with the world but Charlie Kirk challenges us to look and ask us what we can do to make it better. That message stuck with me because it’s honest. Not just about waiting for someone else to fix things but about becoming the kind of person who does the fixing. That idea has changed the way I see my future and the kind of impact I want to have.
Because of Charlie Kirk, I have learned that it’s okay to be bold about what you believe but also open-minded and respectful. His example pushes me to be more confident, to speak up for what is right. He’s not just a political figure but someone who lives his message through his actions and that’s why his influence will always stick with me.
Micah Swanson 2nd place winner.
Charlie Kirk: Faith, Family, and Freedom
Charlie Kirk was a man I deeply admired for his ability to stand up for what he believed in through peaceful debate, driven by his love for his family, his country, and, above all else, his passion for Jesus Christ. Charlie dedicated his life to the pursuit of truth and understanding, unlike anyone else in his time. His ability to share knowledge with those with a narrow-minded perspective is genuinely inspiring. He did so with such composure and care that many do not possess.
Charlie’s mission ran deep; at just 18, he co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012. Charlie knew this was a movement that would not only shed light on political issues through debate but also create a generation of individuals who would fight for freedom and the future of our great Nation that we all love. Above all, his mission to live as Jesus did is by far the focal point of who he was, and to me, that is the core mission we all have. His example is nothing short of inspiring.
Moreover, he was a loving father and husband to his wife, Erika, and his children. He was not only an example of a Godly man in his debates but also in how he loved his family. His example demonstrated to me and many young people how to build a strong, unified family.
One of his most impactful moments for me was when he was asked what he wanted to be remembered for if he were to die. He stated, “I want to be remembered for courage in my faith.” Charlie understood his need for Jesus, and during one of his campus tours, when a student asked why he was a Christian, he responded, “Jesus saved my life. I am a sinner, and giving my life to Christ was the most important decision I ever made.” Truly a powerful and convicting statement. Charlie was a man who lived his life in service to Christ and others, always putting them, regardless of their beliefs, above himself.
Although Charlie is no longer with us, Turning Point continues to grow and thrive. Prayers are rising, support is pouring in, and millions of students are rallying together to start Turning Point USA student-led chapters. I believe this is an instrumental part of the vision Charlie had for Turning Point, and his legacy will continue to live through the younger generation, including myself and millions of other freedom-loving individuals.
The fire Charlie Kirk lit will not die out. The mission he started will continue with us as we teach others, stand up for our beliefs, put others before ourselves, and live as Jesus did – as a generation called to lead with compassion and courage.
Charlie Kirk: Faith, Family, and Freedom
Charlie Kirk was a man I deeply admired for his ability to stand up for what he believed in through peaceful debate, driven by his love for his family, his country, and, above all else, his passion for Jesus Christ. Charlie dedicated his life to the pursuit of truth and understanding, unlike anyone else in his time. His ability to share knowledge with those with a narrow-minded perspective is genuinely inspiring. He did so with such composure and care that many do not possess.
Charlie’s mission ran deep; at just 18, he co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012. Charlie knew this was a movement that would not only shed light on political issues through debate but also create a generation of individuals who would fight for freedom and the future of our great Nation that we all love. Above all, his mission to live as Jesus did is by far the focal point of who he was, and to me, that is the core mission we all have. His example is nothing short of inspiring.
Moreover, he was a loving father and husband to his wife, Erika, and his children. He was not only an example of a Godly man in his debates but also in how he loved his family. His example demonstrated to me and many young people how to build a strong, unified family.
One of his most impactful moments for me was when he was asked what he wanted to be remembered for if he were to die. He stated, “I want to be remembered for courage in my faith.” Charlie understood his need for Jesus, and during one of his campus tours, when a student asked why he was a Christian, he responded, “Jesus saved my life. I am a sinner, and giving my life to Christ was the most important decision I ever made.” Truly a powerful and convicting statement. Charlie was a man who lived his life in service to Christ and others, always putting them, regardless of their beliefs, above himself.
Although Charlie is no longer with us, Turning Point continues to grow and thrive. Prayers are rising, support is pouring in, and millions of students are rallying together to start Turning Point USA student-led chapters. I believe this is an instrumental part of the vision Charlie had for Turning Point, and his legacy will continue to live through the younger generation, including myself and millions of other freedom-loving individuals.
The fire Charlie Kirk lit will not die out. The mission he started will continue with us as we teach others, stand up for our beliefs, put others before ourselves, and live as Jesus did – as a generation called to lead with compassion and courage.
Joshua Klevgaard 3rd place winner.
Charlie Kirk - Only the Beginning
Charlie Kirk was born in 1993 and senselessly shot and killed on September 10, 2025. Through
his good work he was the founder of Turning Point USA and reached millions of people
throughout the world. He had a message of truth and hope for my generation.
He truly has inspired countless people, including myself to learn more about debate. His
technique was to seek the truth and to care while at the same time listen to what other people
had to say. Think about it, he really was a modern day Abraham Lincoln. Just like President
Lincoln, Charlie Kirk had people all across the country come and sit with him, ask questions and
debate. President Lincoln would open wide the doors of the White House inviting people to
debate with him. Similarly Charlie would set up his white tent at college campus inviting the
public to debate with him. They both knew that every word the people had to say mattered.
They both showed care for each individual they spoke with, because they knew respect was
needed. People needed to be heard.
Charlie Kirk had a dangerous message to tell. Just like in Lincoln’s day our country is divided.
Some would say and said, Charlie deserved to be murdered because he lived a foolish life, full
of recklessness. That statement is false. We live in a world that calls good evil and evil good.
The reason he got shot was because he fought for what was good. Charlie revealed light upon
some of the most challenging, hardest and darkest pits of lies. He helped people see the truth
because he knew it was right. On September 10th, 2011 was the day I was born. When I heard
Charlie was shot on my birthday it brought tears to my eyes and heaviness to my heart. Every
year I will forever be reminded that we should all work hard to be more like Charlie Kirk. We all
need to fight for what is right, seek the truth, have tough conversations and listen to what others
have to say. We can’t discard anyone. We all should be in awe for what
Charlie has started. For
it's only the beginning.
Bibliography
Evans, Garth. “Charlie Kirk, the conservative influencer who became the voice of Maga youth.”
BBC.com Washington, DC. 20 Sept 2025.
Mainard, Warren. “The Dangerous Legacy of Charlie Kirk.” www.impactplayers.org
Charlie Kirk - Only the Beginning
Charlie Kirk was born in 1993 and senselessly shot and killed on September 10, 2025. Through
his good work he was the founder of Turning Point USA and reached millions of people
throughout the world. He had a message of truth and hope for my generation.
He truly has inspired countless people, including myself to learn more about debate. His
technique was to seek the truth and to care while at the same time listen to what other people
had to say. Think about it, he really was a modern day Abraham Lincoln. Just like President
Lincoln, Charlie Kirk had people all across the country come and sit with him, ask questions and
debate. President Lincoln would open wide the doors of the White House inviting people to
debate with him. Similarly Charlie would set up his white tent at college campus inviting the
public to debate with him. They both knew that every word the people had to say mattered.
They both showed care for each individual they spoke with, because they knew respect was
needed. People needed to be heard.
Charlie Kirk had a dangerous message to tell. Just like in Lincoln’s day our country is divided.
Some would say and said, Charlie deserved to be murdered because he lived a foolish life, full
of recklessness. That statement is false. We live in a world that calls good evil and evil good.
The reason he got shot was because he fought for what was good. Charlie revealed light upon
some of the most challenging, hardest and darkest pits of lies. He helped people see the truth
because he knew it was right. On September 10th, 2011 was the day I was born. When I heard
Charlie was shot on my birthday it brought tears to my eyes and heaviness to my heart. Every
year I will forever be reminded that we should all work hard to be more like Charlie Kirk. We all
need to fight for what is right, seek the truth, have tough conversations and listen to what others
have to say. We can’t discard anyone. We all should be in awe for what
Charlie has started. For
it's only the beginning.
Bibliography
Evans, Garth. “Charlie Kirk, the conservative influencer who became the voice of Maga youth.”
BBC.com Washington, DC. 20 Sept 2025.
Mainard, Warren. “The Dangerous Legacy of Charlie Kirk.” www.impactplayers.org
