The Savannah-Area Teen Age Republican Club received national recognition July 23 as the most outstanding new TARS club in the nation. Chartered on March 24, the club is 14 members strong and leads the area’s conservative youth movement. 

 

Teens from Effingham, Liberty, Bryan, and Chatham counties participate in the group. David Twibell and Katie Twibell of Rincon are the club’s two newest members. The club wishes to thank Mrs. Laurie Twibell for her help with the scrapbook.

 

While attending the weeklong National Teen Age Republican Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., Mark Taylor, Chairman of the Savannah-Area TARS, accepted the Rising Star Award on behalf of the group. 

 

“The teen leadership conference was an incredible experience. Conservative teens from all over the USA attended TLC,” Taylor said. “Our first day on Capitol Hill Senate Minority Whip John Kyl (Ariz.), Sen. Jim DeMint (S.C.), and Sen. Scott Brown (Mass.) spoke to us. The next day we heard phenomenal speakers at the Capitol Hill Club. Congressman Joe Wilson (S.C.), Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (Minn.), Congresswoman Shelley Capito (W. Va.), and Congressman Aaron Schock (Ill.) all gave inspiring messages. The Republican National Committee hosted a luncheon for TARS and told us how we could get involved in the Reagan 100 initiative. 

 

“In our free time, we toured some of the historical sites in Washington, D.C., like the Iwo Jima Memorial, the Supreme Court, the Library of

Congress and the National Archives. Standing in the Rotunda of our nation’s Capitol, I was absolutely awestruck by the splendor of the paintings and the enormous height of the dome. For me, the highlight of the Capitol tour was when Congressman Jack Kingston arranged for us to sit in the gallery while the House was in session. He showed us how he used an electronic card to cast his vote. He pointed out some of the interior architectural design elements and explained the significance behind each one. I’m grateful that Congressman Kingston took time out of his busy schedule to meet with us. It is an experience I’ll always remember.”

 

Since the club’s founding in March, the Savannah-Area Teen Age Republicans have been extremely active. The group will campaign in support of the candidates on the Republican ticket prior to the November elections. The Savannah-Area TARS club hopes to raise enough money to send more members to the teen leadership conference in 2011.  

 

“We are grateful that the Chatham County Republicans and the Skidaway Island Republicans have backed our club. We appreciate their support,” said Taylor. 

 

Regular meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at the Chatham County Republican Headquarters.