Erika Kirk Speaks at Hillsdale College

Introduction

Erika Kirk is the leader of Turning Point USA. She spoke at Hillsdale College on May 9, 2026.

Main Body

President Larry Arnn gave special degrees to Erika Kirk and her husband, Charlie Kirk. Charlie Kirk died in 2025. He studied many online courses at the college. Erika Kirk told the students to look for the truth. She said her husband worked hard and loved learning. She wanted students to be like him. Some people did not like the event. A group called 'Hope In Action' had a protest. They said Erika Kirk and her group have dangerous political ideas.

Conclusion

The students got their degrees. Erika Kirk told them to help their community even if some people disagree.

Learning

🕰️ The 'Past' Secret

Look at these words from the text:

  • Speak → Spoke
  • Give → Gave
  • Tell → Told
  • Say → Said

What is happening? These are 'irregular' words. They don't follow the normal rule of adding -ed to talk about yesterday. You just have to memorize the new shape of the word.

How to use them:

  • Today: I say hello.
  • Yesterday: I said hello.

Quick Patterns found in the text: Person + Past Word + Object

  • Erika told the students...
  • President Larry gave degrees...

👤 Who is doing what?

In English, we use small words to show who owns something or who we are talking about:

  • Her husband (The husband of Erika)
  • Their community (The community of the students)

Remember: Use Their when there are 2 or more people!

Vocabulary Learning

spoke (v.)
to say something in speech
Example:She spoke to the class about her plans.
college (n.)
a place where students study
Example:He went to college to learn about science.
students (n.)
people who learn at school
Example:The students worked on their projects.
look (v.)
to see with your eyes
Example:Look at the bright stars.
truth (n.)
the real fact or reality
Example:He told the truth about what happened.
hard (adj.)
difficult or requiring effort
Example:She worked hard on her homework.
community (n.)
a group of people living together
Example:The community helped clean the park.
help (v.)
to give assistance
Example:She will help her neighbor with the groceries.
protest (n.)
a public demonstration of opposition
Example:The protest was held in the town square.
dangerous (adj.)
risky or harmful
Example:The road is dangerous in the rain.