BVW TARS Club History

The Blue Valley West Teenage Republicans (BVW TARS) was founded by a group of debaters in Overland Park, KS. The club was officially chartered by the Blue Valley School District in September of 2003. The founders of the club were Hogan Miller, Adam Tank, Christopher Valencia, Timothy Conley, and Ashlyn Cheray.

Since being founded, the BVW TARS has increased membership, voter registration, and political awareness in their community. The BVW TARS seek to educate their peers through: weekly meetings, guest speakers, debates, and attendance at political events in the area.

Guest speakers for the BVW TARS have been (in order):

- Adam Taff, 2004 3rd District Congressional Candidate

- Dr. Kris Kobach, 2004 3rd District Congress GOP Nominee

- Sheriff (Ret.) Currie Myers, VP of 3rd District Republican Party (spoke three different times)

- Rep. Tricia Lightner, 2004 3rd District Congress Candidate

- Rep. Eric Carter, 2006 Insurance Commissioner Candidate

- Sue Gamble, State Board of Education Member

- Robin Jennison, former Speaker of the House & 2006 Governor Candidate

- Chuck Ahner, 2006 Congressional Candidate

- Dr. Ken Canfield, 2006 Governor Candidate

- Dr. Jeff Colyer, 2006 candidate for 48th House District

- Pat Smith, former Kansas Republican Party Secretary

- Sandy Praeger, Insurance Commissioner

- Sen. Jim Barnett, 2006 Governor Candidate

- Sheryl Spalding, former BV BOE Member and State House Candidate

-John Kenega, Former Campaign Manager for Chuck Ahner

-Sam Brownback, (Former) Presidential Candidate and United States Senator

In addition to these events, the BVW TARS have represented Teenage Republicans at the State GOP Convention, co-hosted a televised debate between Congressional Primary Candidates, hosted a debate between the TARS and the Blue Valley West Young Democrats Club, hosted a televised debate between primary gubernatorial candidates, sponsored an Open Forum for Blue Valley School Board Candidates, and have gotten involved in numerous campaigns. The BVW TARS also dedicate time to community service projects and voter registration.