July 4th - July 9th

Entering High School Freshman & Sophomores

In every day and age —no less in our own time – there are challenges that society faces. Through a framework of public speaking and debate, this one-week seminar helps develop the key virtues needed not only to find one's own way, but also to help others navigate through these challenges.


Why Making Things Happen?

In every day and age – no less in our own time – there are challenges which both society and individuals face. It is not enough simply to navigate one’s own way through these challenges. There is a need for men in every sector of civic life who dedicate their talent, time, and energy in service to those around them. In other words, there is a need for men who can make things happen, men who are leaders. The goal of the Making Things Happen seminar is to spur young men on in their development of key leadership virtues and skills, specifically:

  • Fortitude

  • Good judgment

  • Spirit of service

  • Professional excellence

  • Effective communication

Components of Making Things Happen

To start the week, three professional men will each present an issue requiring leadership today in America. During the rest of the week, students will prepare a presentation which offers a practical solution to one of the problems mentioned by a speaker. Written materials with background information on each issue will be provided to the students.

On the final evening, each student will give a brief, formal presentation of his solution to a panel of professional men. The panel will evaluate each speech based on its analysis of the issue, its proposed solution, the logic of its argument, and its rhetorical effectiveness.

Students will receive instruction on the basic principles of public speaking as part of the week-long seminar.

Topics covered in the past have included organ transplants, autonomous vehicles, education in low-income communities, and anti-discrimination law.

The program will include talks and discussions on leadership virtues, and students will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with a staff member about ways to exercise leadership in their everyday environment in the upcoming year.

The overall goals of the program are to give students a greater awareness of the challenges facing their local and national community and to inspire students to exercise leadership in their daily life.

The daily schedule will include free time for sports and competitive games. Spiritual formation and times of prayer will be offered for those interested.

The Seminar is held at Wespine Study Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The program will start at 6 PM on Monday evening of July 4th (end after fireworks at 9:45 PM).

Tuesday through Friday the program will run from 8:30 AM to 6 PM.

Parents are invited for the Final Presentations at 10 AM, followed by a cookout lunch on Saturday July 9th. For those parents interested, they are also welcome to join Mass at 9:00 AM before the presentations.

For more information, please contact Justin Sanchez, the program director.


 

Application and Payment Information

  • Applications received by May 26, 2022 will be given priority.

  • Eligibility: Making Things Happen STL is for incoming freshman and sophomore young men only. An interview with parents and students is required.

  • Cost: $495. Early Bird Discount Rate of $450 for those students who apply at least one month in advance (Saturday June 4th).

  • Pay after acceptance.

    Financial considerations should not prevent anyone from attending. Please inquire about payment plans and scholarship possibilities.