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
Izabella Murray
Izabella Murray is a host teen for the 2025 Ulster Project. She attends Hutchinson High School here in Hutchinson.
Izabella likes art and dance.
Her favorite singer/group is Billie Eillish.
What is something your Northern Irish teen would not know about Hutchinson: The Hutchinson Races.
What are you looking forward to experiencing during the Project: To build friendships and experiences from their country.
What is your favorite meal: Chicken and basic sushi.
Martha Speers
Martha Speers 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 one sister.
Martha plays loads of sports. She also plays guitar and sings.
Favorite singer or group: Taylor Swift.
What is something people would not know about Portadown: Rory Best, the former captain of the Ireland rugby team, lived in Portadown and went to Portadown College.
What are you looking forward to experiencing in Hutchinson: I'm super excited to try all the different American fast foods that we don't have at home, especially Dairy Queen.
What is your favorite meal: Steak and chips.
What makes Ireland so special: The small size of the country and how its so green.
Summer Armstrong
Summer Armstrong is a Northern Irish teen on the 2025 Ulster Project. She lives in Portadown.
Your family: My mom, dad, one brother, and two sisters.
Summer likes to bake, go hiking and listen to music.
Favorite singer or group: Luke Combs.
What is something people would not know about Portadown: Portadown's name comes from Irish "Port on Dìnâin" meaning landing place of the small fort.
What are you looking forward to experiencing in Hutchinson: Meeting new people and learning about their culture.
What is your favorite meal: Chicken curry and rice .
What makes Ireland so special: Its beautiful scenery.
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.”