In addition, 2009                               Hurricane High graduate Brad Anania was selected “Outstanding TAR in the Nation.”  In order to be selected Outstanding TAR Club in the Nation, clubs must excel in the following areas: political work for the Republican Party, community service, school service, and bi-partisan projects with the school’s Young Democrat Club. The same criterion applies to the individual selected to Outstanding TAR in the Nation. 

The awards banquet was the culmination activity for the week long National Teenage Republican Leadership Conference.

It is an annual tradition for the keynote speaker at the awards banquet to be a former Teen Age Republican who has entered the political arena.  West Virginia House of Delegates member Troy Andes gave this year’s keynote address.  Andes, who founded the Hurricane TARS, served as the club’s first chairman.  Delegate Andes was selected Outstanding TAR in the Nation. 

In his remarks, Delegate Andres encouraged the TARS to return to their respective state and become actively involved in the political process.  He attributed his own political aspirations as a result of his involvement with the National Federation of Teenage Republicans.

For the past 10 years, Mark Higginbotham has served as faculty advisor for the Hurricane High Teenage Republican Club.  Higginbotham, who has a long political resume, says, “I am so proud of Brad and all the TARS.  I’d like to give a special thanks to Brad, Bard, Sadi, Mary, Haley, and Aaron.  These officers worked far beyond the call of duty.  The TARS represent a bright future for our party.  When they leave TARS, they will know how to lead other Republican organizations.” 

Higginbotham also emphasizes the educational component of the TARS program.  He states, “We have a good relationship with our school’s Young Democrat Club.  Obviously, we campaign for different candidates and have a different political philosophy.  However, we often tailgate together at football games, conduct registration drives, and work on school projects.  We make every effort to work for the “common good” of all.  After all, the founding fathers believed our government should be based upon classical Republicanism whereby elected officials work for the “good” of all citizens.”

Speaking on behalf of the club, Brad Anania thanked the officers and all the Hurricane TARS for their hard work and dedication.  He states, “I would like to thank Mr. Higginbotham for his guidance and leadership.  Without him, the success of the club would not be possible.” 

In conclusion, Anania says, “I am both humbled and honored to have served as chairman of the Hurricane TARS.”

West Virginia District 4 Senator Mike Hall congratulated the club. “The TARS have left a lasting impact upon our country, state, and nation.  It is obvious to everyone that this club has consistently served as a vehicle for leadership.  Our party is extremely fortunate to have the Hurricane High TARS.”