Editor's Note: This march, GRIH was proud to fund Matthew Tanoue's journey to California to participate in the Young America's Foundation's High School Conference. Below he reflects on his trip.

“There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” These words of Ronald Reagan reveal a humble and upright character, which pervaded the Young America’s Foundation’s High School Conference, fittingly held at the Reagan Ranch. Listening to speakers and meeting likeminded conservative students from across the country encouraged and excited me to become more involved in current issues. This experience strengthened my belief’s foundations and solidified my conservative worldview.

Through this conference, I became familiar with the principles by which Ronald Reagan lived. President Reagan stood up for what he believed in, even if it was not a popular choice among the majority. The presidents before Reagan -- Carter, Ford and Nixon -- had focused on appeasing the powerful Soviet Union. In contrast, Reagan took a stand against Soviet militarism. Disregarding political popularity, Reagan held to his principles and ultimately thwarted communist aggression. Living by integrity, Ronald Reagan has become an example to me of how to allow truth, not political correctness, to guide my decisions.

The Young America’s Foundation conference centered around two themes requiring strong advocacy and leadership: the War on Terror and the sanctity of life. Because our government’s primary duty is to protect its citizens, we need a strong national defense to stem terrorist attacks both within our borders and strategically outside. Government’s duty to protect its citizens must also extend to its weakest and most vulnerable, to the unborn, the aged and the permanently dependent. To neglect this duty undermines our country’s most fundamental moral principle, an individual’s right to life. This conference also challenged me to share these convictions with others.

I learned the importance of speaking out about issues, even when they are in conflict with the majority view. Michael Reagan shared with us, “If you know what you believe, and why you believe it, you can win any argument.” The Young America’s Foundation has certainly strengthened my beliefs in explaining why we should value conservative principles. This conference has better prepared me to defend my stance on many issues, and challenged me to communicate fearlessly and with integrity in the face of opposing views. I am grateful to the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for sponsoring my participation in this conference, and significantly investing in my future. I trust that I will have the courage to stand and speak out for what is morally right, following the legacy left behind by Ronald Reagan.

Matthew Tanoue is a home schooled junior and lives in Kalihi. He is one of four children.