TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Troy University welcomed over 100 high school students to the second annual Trojan Patriot Academy.

Started in 2024, the Trojan Patriot Academy teaches rising high school juniors and seniors about leadership, civics, and U.S. History

“We look at leadership through the lens of our founding fathers,” Jeff Scott, the Executive Director of Academic Operations said. “What we want to do during this entire week is to give our students skills that they can take back to their schools and communities.”

As students checked in and received their room keys, many were eager to begin improving their leadership skills.

“I’m excited to learn about the leadership opportunities within our community and just how I can be more involved and become a better leader,” stated attendee Carson King.

Excitement also grew among the attendees about the activities they would do and places they would visit.

“Visiting American Village I’ve heard great things about it, and I can’t wait to go and experience it for myself,” said Madelyn Sneed, one of the attendees.

HAPPENING ON CAMPUS: Graduating seniors and designers debut work during Spring Thesis showcase

With the academy lasting only five days, officials want attendees to learn as much as possible and take home lessons that can be used for the rest of their lives.

“I want you to learn, I want you to be active and have fun,” said Scott. “If you can laugh every day, you’re going to grow as a person, you’re going to grow as a citizen, and you’re going to be a great leader wherever you are.”

Students will spend the first two days on Troy’s campus before they head to Montgomery. There, they will tour the State House and the Rosa Parks Museum before traveling to the University of Montevallo and finally the American Village.