Republican Teens Organize

Teens from several New England States met in Arlington on August 2nd to elect Officers and begin a process defining their objectives and fullfilling the legal requirements necessary to receive approval from the National Federation of Teenage Republicans and meet the requirements of the various State Republican Parties. While some local High School TARs Clubs have been charted in the Northeast over the years, no state-wide or regional body exists to spawn the creation of local High School Clubs or maintain their existence.

The August 2nd meeting was led by Sean Harrington, the Arlington High School student who has received much media attention concerning his call for the display of an American Flag in each Arlington classroom and more recently for the recitation of the 'Pledge of Allegiance' at the beginning of the school day. A battle now mostly won by a carefully crafted vote of the Arlington School Committee ensuring that the voluntary recitation by any student, so desiring, will have the opportunity to do so each school day. The vote of the School Board also prevents the punishment of any student, teacher or administrator for not saying it.

All of the students from other New England States attending the Arlington meeting also previously attended a meeting of the National Federation of Teenage Republicans (TARS) which later included a tour of the Capitol in Washington DC and meetings with several elected officials including Senator Scott Brown and Congressman Ron Paul. Incoming Arlington High School senior Sean Harrington who was an in-studio guest on several local radio talk shows when the story of his efforts were first reported, more recently made appearances on 'Fox and Friends' and the Glenn Beck TV programs.

Long-time Republican activist Dr. Mildred Jefferson and State Committeeman Bernie Green were named as adult supervisors to the new Massachusetts Federation of Teenage Republicans and the New England Federation of TARS. Working with the National Federation Jefferson and Green will attend meetings, provide oversight and supervise their activities.