For a quarter-century, Hutchinson has welcomed teenagers from Northern Ireland each summer through the Ulster Project — a faith-based peace and leadership program that continues to change lives on both sides of the Atlantic.
LINK: Ulster Project brings peace and purpose to Hutchinson for 25th year
Kellie Anderson
Kellue is a host teen for the 2025 Ulster Project. She attends Hutchinson High School.
Kellie likes protecting sharks from hunters.
Her favorite singer/group is Zach Bryan.
What is something your Northern Irish teen would not know about Hutchinson: It is home to the Kansas State Fair.
What are you looking forward to experiencing during the Project: Meeting new people and new experiences.
What is your favorite meal: Wings
Sara Vennard
Sara Vennard is a Northern Irish teen on the 2025 Ulster Project. She lives in Portadown and attends Portadown College.
Your family: My mom, dad, one brother and a dog.
Sara likes to dance, go hiking and run.
Favorite singer or group: Sabrina Carpenter.
What is something people would not know about Portadown: There is a duck race annually.
What are you looking forward to experiencing in Hutchinson: Experiencing and engaging across all the communities in Hutch.
What is your favorite meal: Sunday roast.
What makes Ireland so special: Leprechauns, potatoes and lucky clover.
Evonna Dawson
Evonna Dawson is a Northern Irish teen on the 2025 Ulster Project. She lives in Portadown and attends Portadown College.
Your family: My mom, dad, two sisters and a cat.
Evonna likes to go shopping, and retail therapy.
Favorite singer or group: Zach Bryan.
What is something people would not know about Portadown: River Bonn runs through Portadown
What are you looking forward to experiencing in Hutchinson: Staying with and getting to know my host family.
What is your favorite meal: Pasta, Spaghetti Bolognese.
What makes Ireland so special: The people of the community are really friendly.
Looking ahead
The Ulster Project relies on a network of volunteers, donations, and host families to succeed. Organizer Keith Neill notes that while it’s getting harder to find host families, the impact makes it worth it. “We’re already looking for host families for 2026,” he said, encouraging anyone interested — especially those with church involvement and teens entering 10th or 11th grade — learn more at www.hutchulster.com or call Neill 620-899-8412.
“It’s intense, but it’s only three weeks,” Neill said. “You’re not just opening your home — you’re helping create a more peaceful world.”