Student Fights Back to Bring TPUSA to His Campus
A.J. Ares, a junior at Llano High School in Llano, Texas, sought to create a Turning Point USA chapter on his high school campus but found his proposal inexplicably denied by Scott Patrick, the school’s principal. A.J. wanted to start a TPUSA chapter to give students the ability to “meet and discuss conservative viewpoints and the foundations of our Constitutional Republic.” He bravely demonstrated his commitment to these values by standing up to his school’s administration. After gathering signatures from more than 20 percent of the student body and gaining widespread attention from national TPUSA and local conservative organizations, A.J. saw an increase in support when school board members’ inboxes became flooded with emails from concerned citizens who caught wind of his story.
After continued pushback and the realization that the pressures he was facing might taint his reputation, Principal Scott Patrick reversed his original decision. He allowed the Turning Point USA chapter to be formally recognized by Llano High School.
Turning Point USA prides itself on having over 1,000 chapters on college and high school campuses that educate students about the importance of limited government, free markets, and capitalism through grassroots activism and peer-to-peer conversations. Like A.J., young conservatives across the country have encouraged themselves to promote these ideas and start chapters on their campuses and in their hometowns.
Turning Point USA values encouraging young people to engage in conversations about American liberties. Still, there is always frequent pushback on these ideas because the left seemingly has no desire to defend our Constitution rightfully. It’s inspiring to see a young person like A.J. put everything on the line to ensure his peers have a voice at their school. A.J.’s persistence and bravery serve as an example to all conservatives, and it proves that fighting for our Constitutional freedoms is crucial even at the smallest levels.
While most people seem to believe that they must be an elected official to make a difference, it’s essential to recognize the impact you can have on your campuses, in your classrooms, and your churches. You don’t need a suit and tie and a fancy title to stand up for American liberties. TPUSA is full of young leaders who do just that daily. You might be surprised who supports you when you speak up and challenge those who desperately want you to be silent.
Sign up to start a chapter here!
