Pine View student earns statewide leadership position

He’s only a rising senior, but you can call him "Gov."

Pine View student Terry Shen earned the title of governor at the American Legion’s 80th annual Boys State June 15-22 in Tallahassee. The youth leadership and government instruction program brought together hundreds of talented rising seniors from across the state.

Shen was elected by his peers as governor, the highest office at the event. (It was a landslide: 321 votes to 130.)

“I got to make bonds with people I normally wouldn’t have — with other kids who are the best at what they do,” said Shen. “I learned so much in that one week. How to build community and relations.”

Courtesy image

As governor, Shen took part in elections, campaigns, and meetings and ratified and vetoed bills as he worked to ensure collaboration between the two fictional political parties at Boys State. He also delivered an address as governor.

He said he will continue to work this year with the American Legion and Boys State to further promote the program. As for his future beyond that?

“I hope to attend a university where I can explore. I want to find things that I love to learn about and learn about things that I haven’t been exposed to in high school,” said Shen.

Shen currently holds a 4.0 GPA (unweighted) and is the managing editor of the Pine View Torch, the school’s news publication.

“I got involved in middle school. It hones your writing, speaking and interview skills,” said Shen.

His interest in journalism led him to attend the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, June 22-27, where he met Chuck Todd, former moderator of NBC News’ "Meet the Press."