Our Heritage

While the success and sustainability of the National Youth Conference has relied on the commitment of many men and women through the years, some had lasting impacts that shape what the Conference has become and what it will continue to be. We honor their legacy and ensure future attendees remember their impact.

ORUM TRONE SR.

Founder

CARL SWANIGAN

All Conference Chorus Creator

ALVIN ADKISSON

Workshop Director

ORUM TRONE JR.

Pageant Architect

KEVIN MURRAY

Programming Director

DEACON WYRICK

Incorporator

Having the support of a loving wife and daughters Diane and Laura who worked alongside him, Trone Sr. recognized the role women played in the Conference. Long before he appointed Veronica Williams (Texas) as the first female Assistant Director, women from across the country had served in various capacities to improve the activities for youth attending the annual event. In the 1970s and 1980s, Bethel Smith (California), Vernell Burch (Michigan), Laura Dawson (Michigan) Ruby Vance (California), Dorothy Wells (New York), and Ruth Wyrick (Texas) worked behind the scenes to move the Conference to the next level. ​