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 various Republican State Party requirements. While some local High School TARs Clubs have been charted in the Northeast, no state-wide or regional body exists to spawn the creation of additional local Clubs.

The August evening 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 in early August 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.

The students who also previously attended a meeting of the National Federation of Teenage Republicans (TARS), which later included a tour of the Capitol in mid July, and meetings with several elected officials including U.S. 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 Fox News Network appearances on 'Fox and Friends' and the Glenn Beck TV programs.

Medford Republican City Committee Chairman and State Committeeman Bernard Green and Dr. Mildred Jefferson have been 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 assistance and supervise their activities.