UPDATE: A sophomore at Anchor Bay High School, Madalynn Watraz, is facing serious backlash and threats after establishing a conservative club, Club America, linked to Turning Point USA. The situation escalated following her efforts to promote the club, raising urgent concerns for her safety.
Watraz launched Club America in November 2025, aiming to provide a platform for conservative students at her school. However, things took a dark turn after she posted about the club on Instagram, leading to heated debates in the comments and ultimately, to threats against her.
The club’s first activity took place on February 12, 2025, where members created Valentine’s Day cards for seniors. Following this, they advertised the club via posters throughout the school. However, when Watraz returned after a break, she discovered the posters had been removed.
On February 17, an anonymous Facebook user posted a photo of one of her posters with a threatening comment: “Danger zone? More like: gun free zone.” The post quickly attracted 165 comments, ranging from support to vehement opposition, with some accusing the club of indoctrination.
In an email to school administration, Watraz expressed her concerns over the removal of her posters, stating, “I am concerned because the removal of these posters may represent an infringement on my First Amendment rights.” She requested an investigation into the matter but did not receive an immediate response.
Hours after the Facebook post emerged, Watraz received disturbing phone calls from anonymous individuals threatening her safety and revealing personal information. “They told me that I needed to watch my back and be careful,” she recounted. “It’s just been a lot… especially being a teenager.”
As a result of the threats, Watraz has felt increasingly anxious about attending school. Her mother, Megan Hemp-Watraz, reached out to the New Baltimore Police Department for help, yet the department has not commented on the situation. She expressed her distress over the adults who have joined in the harassment. “It sucks to see this… it’s even more alarming the amount of adults that have gone after her.”
With no clear action taken by school officials, district spokesperson Chelsey Schell stated that they are investigating the incident and have requested specific details about the poster locations to review security footage. However, Watraz’s frustration grows as she feels unsupported by the administration.
The troubling incident raises important questions about free speech and student safety in schools. Watraz remains determined, although many students fear expressing their conservative beliefs due to potential backlash. “I know that these girls are trolling… but it’s still scary,” she said.
As this situation develops, it highlights the tensions surrounding political discourse among students. The community is watching closely as school officials address the escalating threats against Watraz and her efforts to promote Club America. What happens next could set a precedent for how schools handle similar situations in the future.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent story as authorities and school officials respond to the situation.
