Student celebrates nation with state officials

SANDUSKY — A Sandusky High School student helped celebrate America's 250th birthday with state officials earlier this month. Dallas Harris, a senior at Sandusky High School, attended and spoke at the America 250-Ohio Kickoff Celebration occurring at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. America's birthday After participating in the Ohio Youth Senate internship application process, Dallas was invited to the statehouse to give remarks at the event. He was recommended by Paul LaRue, the president of the Ohio Board of Education, who he met through the U.S. Senate Youth Program. LaRue's recommendation went to Todd Kleismet, executive director of America 250-Ohio, who was looking for a senior student to speak. "I felt incredibly honored," Dallas said. "Out of thousands of Ohio high school seniors, I was selected to speak at the Statehouse and help kick off the celebration of America's 250th birthday." The kickoff was the official launch of statewide events that will go on throughout the year in honor of the 250th anniversary of when the Declaration of Independence was signed. Dallas said the event highlighted Ohio's connections to the Revolutionary War, the Northwest Territory, Indigenous history and the impact Ohioans have on America, including its production of notable figures through history. In attendance were several state officials, like representatives, senators, mayors, local leaders, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Governor and First Lady Mike and Fran DeWine, who Dallas sat with at the event. Dallas acted as a youth keynote speaker. He gave a student's perspective on the anniversary. He did so by writing a letter to America reflecting on its 250 years and looking to its future. Dallas's father, Marcus Harris, and mother, Katrina Harris, were also invited to join in the celebration. "My wife and I were extremely proud to see Dallas on stage and the positive reaction from the audience," Marcus said. "It is hard to put into words the emotions we felt, just an overwhelming sense of pride and joy watching him in action." Seizing opportunities This invitation to speak came at a difficult time for Dallas, so its value was worth even more to him. Despite getting denied from his dream school and not being selected as a delegate for the U.S. Senate Youth Program, he was granted this opportunity, which he described as "a breath of fresh air and a powerful reminder that setbacks do not define the journey." Dallas said he believes in seizing opportunities, especially ones that "allow young people to have a seat at the table." He said the chance for a high school student to speak in front of the individuals in attendance is something that does not come around often. He is grateful and will never forget the experience. "When I was first approached about speaking at the kickoff celebration, I immediately said, 'Yes.' I take immense pride in my country and my state, and I felt honored to help celebrate America's history while offering hope for its future," Dallas said. "In moments like this, it's critical that youth voices are heard. I wanted to contribute a perspective rooted in optimism, service and to remind leaders that the next generation is ready to step forward and take on the reins of leadership." Dallas has previously shared his interest in politics and strides toward his goal, like his shadowing experience with state representatives last year. But he said this experience shifted his pathway. Before the kickoff celebration, he had plans to enter the world of politics outside of Ohio, but now he is reconsidering this possibility. He, and many others his age, take Ohio for granted, according to Dallas. He said there is a mindset among his generation that success means leaving the state as soon as possible. But, after this event, he reflected on this feeling. Dallas still plans to continue his education outside Ohio, specifically at Belmont University in Nashville, but he will explore the idea of returning to his home state for law school or to continue his career and eventually act as governor. "After delivering my remarks and as the program came to a close, I began to see a clearer political future for myself in Ohio," Dallas said. "It wasn't just a vision I held alone; it was reflected in the conversations that followed, the hands I shook and the leaders I met who expressed genuine belief in my potential and a willingness to support that future one day."