Harlin Miller 2009 Tennessee American Legion Boys State Governor

Harlin Miller with Representative Joe Pitts	Principal Frank Myers, Harlin Miller and Representative Joe Pitts

Friday, August 28, 2009 Harlin Miller was recognized for being elected as 2009 Tennessee American Legion Boys State Governor by Representative Joe Pitts.  Harlin was chosen by the RHS faculty as an exceptional student to represent Rossview as a delegate at the 2009 Boys State.  He was elected by 600 peer delegates from across the state to serve as the Governor for the 2009 conference.  Harlin was awarded a certificate from the State of Tennessee House of Representatives, House Joint Resolution No. 669, which was adopted on June 17, 2009.  The certificate was signed by Governor Phil Bredesen, Representative Joe Pitts, Senator Tim Barnes and Kent Williams, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Ron Ramsey Speaker of the Senate. 

Boys State gives high school juniors the opportunity to learn about government and hone leadership skills.  The boys are selected by local American legion posts with the help of teachers, administrators, and community leaders.  Participation in the Boys State program provides each delegate with a firm understanding of the formation of city and state governments and an experience they will never forget.   Harlin credits his mother, Sharron who served twenty-six years in the United States Army, for his strong sense of self-esteem and confidence, while Ms. Miller notes her son’s ease with public speaking was evident early in his boyhood.  Harlin’s achievements are a tremendous source of pride for his family, school and community.   At Rossview Harlin is involved in many clubs and activities; FBLA Treasurer, Speech and Debate Member, Teen Court, Youth Leadership Clarksville's Class of 2010, Gateway Volunteer, Band, Captain of Black History Bowl, Student Council, ITS, Tri-M, Spanish National Honors Society, and Theatre.  After high school Harlin plans to major in History and Theology before attending Law School and eventually becoming involved in Politics.  His prospective schools include New York University, Columbia University, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and Austin Peay State University.

Clarksville Mayor John E. Piper also declared August 6th, 2009 as “Harlin Miller Day” for his achievements at Boys State.

Congratulations Harlin!  Rossview is so proud of you!

Links to other media sources:

Harlin Miller Elected Governor of Boys State 2009
http://www.tennesseelegion.org/2009BoyStateGovernor.shtml

Harlin Miller Boys Nation Delegate
http://www.legion.org/boysnation/z61_miller.htm

American Legion Boys Nation is a week-long citizenship and government program in the nation's capital that is designed to instill in each participant a deep loyalty to America while providing practical insight into the function and operation of our federal government.

The Boys Nation senators are organized into political parties that develop party platforms and nominate candidates for elective office, culminating in the election of a Boys Nation President and Vice-President. Boys Nation senators caucus, participate in senate sessions, organize into committees and conduct hearings on legislative bills they themselves have drafted and submitted for consideration. Boys Nation senators are instructed on the proper method of handling bills according to the rules and procedures of the U.S. Senate. The week of government training combines lectures and forums along with field trips to federal agencies, institutions, memorials and historical sites in and around the Washington D.C. area.