AVA, Mo. — Seventeen year old Ava High School senior Levi Horning will represent Missouri on a national stage this month after being selected to compete in the 2026 Patriot Games.
Horning, the son of Luke and Lauren Horning of Ava, was selected as Missouri’s male representative following an application process that included an essay, a short video and an interview. Applicants were asked about themselves, why they were proud to be Americans and why they wanted to participate in the competition.
Horning learned about the opportunity when his friend Karissa Williams shared an application link in a group chat. Although he did not necessarily expect to be chosen, his parents said he decided to “shoot his shot.”
In his essay, Horning discussed the people and experiences that helped him develop a strong sense of patriotism.
“In my essay I spoke about my strong values of patriotism, and I talked about a few of the reasons I have grown a sense of pride in this country,” Horning said. “Those being my parents teaching me well, my family members serving our country, and my community being something I’m proud of.”
During the video and interview portions, Horning discussed the physical influence sports have had on his life and how earning a scholarship could support his future career.
The family’s initial response to the selection was a mixture of excitement and disbelief.
“Honestly, we were concerned that it might be a scam because it seemed so unbelievable at first,” his parents said. “We were in a state of disbelief.”
Horning received the acceptance email while mowing his family’s lawn.
“When I got the email, it made me explode with excitement,” he said. “I continued mowing, but I was singing Elvis songs at the top of my lungs, and I was just overjoyed.”
Horning said being selected provides an opportunity to give back to the community that has supported him throughout his life.
“It means the world to me that I get to represent Ava and the state of Missouri on the national level,” Horning said. “My community has poured so much into me to help me get to this point, and having the chance to make them proud means the world to me.”
The Patriot Games will bring together athletes ages 14 through 17 from states, U.S. territories and tribal nations. Competition will take place Aug. 9 through Aug. 11 at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio.
Athletes will participate in individual and team challenges designed to test strength, endurance, agility, teamwork and perseverance. Competition coverage will stream on the ESPN App and conclude with a one hour ESPN on ABC special Thursday, Aug. 13. Competitors will vie for a share of a $250,000 scholarship prize pool.
Horning has primarily participated in track during his time at Ava High School. He credited coaches Mrs. Cummins, Mrs. Dalton and Mrs. Hamby with helping him grow physically and mentally.
“They have really made me mentally tough and always encouraged me to keep going through hard times,” Horning said.
He is also active in the Ava FFA Chapter and serves as chapter secretary. Horning has held several leadership positions throughout high school and has participated on several teams that advanced to state competition.
The Ava FFA Chapter congratulated Horning following the announcement.
“Levi has been selected for the America 250 Patriot Games, representing not only the Show Me State but also the entire FFA organization,” the chapter stated. “We can’t wait to watch you compete. You’ve already made us proud.”
The Horning family also thanked the Ava VFW for purchasing Levi a new pair of athletic shoes to wear during the Patriot Games.
Horning said FFA adviser Mr. Lakey encouraged him to try new things, especially when they made him uncomfortable. That advice changed how Horning approaches new opportunities and helped him grow as a person and leader.
His experiences competing with FFA teams have also helped shape the way he works with others.
His parents described him as optimistic, outgoing and loyal.
“He is always willing to try new things and doesn’t give up easily,” they said. “We know these qualities will serve him well as he competes at the Patriot Games.”
VFW Auxiliary 5993 in Ava also shared its support for Horning, who is the grandson of one of its members.
“So proud of this young man,” the Auxiliary stated. “Levi Horning, grandson of one of our Auxiliary members, Lynda Meacham, is representing the state of Missouri for the Patriot Games in Ohio. We can’t wait to see how well he does. Good luck, Levi.”
Because competitors have not been given every detail about the events they will face, Horning has prepared by focusing on overall fitness. He has been lifting weights, running and remaining active through his normal summer responsibilities.
His most effective training method, however, may be a familiar one for many Douglas County residents.
“My best workout has been bucking hay, believe it or not,” Horning said.
His parents said Horning has also continued volunteering, working out and spending time with friends. They have supported him by collecting required information and ensuring each portion of the selection process was submitted on time.
The family believes Horning’s career plans may have also helped distinguish him during the selection process.
After graduating from Ava High School, Horning plans to pursue a degree in agricultural education and become an agriculture teacher and FFA adviser.
“I believe it is one of the most important jobs because it builds the next generation of agriculturalists, which I believe is the backbone of America,” Horning said.
His parents said agriculture remains one of Missouri’s largest industries, while fewer students are choosing to enter teaching, particularly agricultural education.
“Choosing Levi is also choosing to support the future of agriculture in the state of Missouri,” they said.
Horning said winning a portion of the scholarship prize would help him pay college tuition without taking on as much student debt.
Regardless of the competition’s outcome, Horning said he looks forward to meeting young people from throughout the country and forming connections that would not otherwise be possible.
His parents expect that part of the experience to come naturally.
“Levi doesn’t know a stranger,” they said. “He is going to walk away from the Patriot Games with over 100 new friends.”
That outgoing nature was already evident when Horning was about 3 years old during a family visit to a theme park.
The family sat down for lunch and suddenly realized Horning was missing. As they searched frantically and prepared to report him missing, they spotted him getting off a ride with another family.
“He was completely unbothered by the panic he caused, and his ‘new family’ thought it was so funny that he joined their group,” his parents recalled.
Luke and Lauren said they hope their son returns from the Patriot Games with memories and stories he can one day share with his own children and grandchildren. They are also grateful he will meet young men and women from across the country while participating in an event connected to the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“We are just thrilled for Levi to have this once in a lifetime opportunity,” they said. “Of course, we are just incredibly proud regardless of the outcome.”
Horning said he is thankful for the people who helped him reach the national competition.
“First and foremost, I give all thanks and glory to God,” he said. “Without him, none of this would have been remotely possible.”
He also thanked Karissa for sharing the application and his family for supporting him throughout the process.
Madison Glise, a student at St. Joseph Christian School in St. Joseph, was selected as Missouri’s female representative. She and Horning will compete alongside young athletes representing communities from across the nation.
