Friday, June 4, 2010
For the second year in a row, a Clarksville student has been elected as governor of Tennessee Boys' State.
Northwest High rising senior Richard Henderson won the election Wednesday night, defeating another Clarksvillian, Rossview High student Robert Fisher. Recent Rossview High graduate Harlin Miller served as Boys' State governor for the past year.
Miller spoke to the 700 Boys' State delegates along with Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen this week.
Henderson, a four-year ROTC cadet and Raider Challenge team leader at Clarksville’s Northwest High School, told delegates he’s known as a fun guy. “But I know when to be serious and when to be fun. He explained that he spent a lot of time shaking hands because he was friendly and because he believes it is a necessary part of becoming a leader. “A leader is someone who really needs to get to know his peers. Getting to know people leads to respect and trust.” He asked delegates to not vote by party line but to vote for the best candidate.
Henderson says he came to Boys’ State with a plan and inspiration. “My brother, Steven, came two years ago and was my true inspiration,” said Henderson. “He was a county sheriff, but he loved the experience and what he learned. He talked about it so much that I knew I wanted to run for office.
“My plan was simply to get my city behind me first, then my county. I just went door to door meeting people and trying to be the most friendly candidate.”
At Clarksville’s Northwest High School, Henderson has been a member of ROTC for four years and is a Cadet Major S-3. He has also commanded the Raider Challenge team for two years. He serves as secretary of the Honors Society. Henderson is in the process of applying to West Point.
“My Army instructor, 1st Sgt. James Lewis, prepared me to lead here,” he said. “He is the best leader and my example. It has been such a pleasure to meet everyone and I wish everyone the best of luck in the future. I’m honored to have been chosen to lead this group.”
