Charlie Ratterree, a senior at South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville, has been selected as a delegate for the American Legion’s Boys Nation program. He will represent South Carolina alongside another student at the annual forum in Washington D.C. this July. During the week-long program, Ratterree will gain firsthand experience in the workings of the U.S. Senate and federal government through a model legislative process.
The Boys Nation program has a distinguished history, with many alumni moving on to prominent roles in public service, including presidents, congressmen, and state legislators. Ratterree’s selection marks a milestone as the first student from the Governor’s School to participate in Boys Nation.
Ratterree earned his place at Boys Nation after standing out among 1,000 students at Palmetto Boys State at Anderson University this summer. At the event, he was elected to the mock South Carolina Senate, served as President Pro Tem, and contributed to the Boys State news broadcast.
His journey to Palmetto Boys State began with nomination by American Legion Post 3, followed by a rigorous application and interview process. At the Governor’s School, Ratterree is an active member of the National Honor Society and Environmental Club, and he will assume the role of co-president of the student body for the upcoming academic year.