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
Avery Saenger
Avery Saenger is a host teen for the 2025 Ulster Project. She attends Central Christian School here in Hutchinson.
Avery likes to participate in basketball and swimming. She likes to go shopping and travel. She is interested in sharks and their protection. She also plays the piano.
Her favorite singer/group is Chris Stapleton and Zach Bryan.
What is something your Northern Irish teen would not know about Hutchinson: Hutchinson is known as "Smallville"
What are you looking forward to experiencing during the Project: Meeting new people and bonding with the girls.
What is your favorite meal: Chicken Alfredo and French Fries
Clara McKeown
Clara McKeown is a Northern Irish teen on the 2025 Ulster Project. She lives in Portadown and attends St. Patrick's Academy in Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
Your family: My mom, dad and my two sisters. She also has a dog.
Clara likes playing Gaelic football and going to the driving range.
Favorite singer or group: Olivia Rodrigo
What is something people would not know about Portadown: Litters has nice ice cream.
What are you looking forward to experience in Hutchinson: I am looking forward to attending a rodeo for the first time.
What is your favorite meal: Pasta Bolognese.
What makes Ireland so special: The beaches are not like anywhere else.
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 — to 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.”