A Howard ‘holla’ for the GOP

Howard University student Adam Hunter wants to “Stand Up and Holla!” And he’s competing with nine other young essayists to do it at the Republican National Convention in New York City.

What’s all the hollering about? The impact of President Bush’s call to service on the lives of young people — and the chance to deliver a prime-time speech during the convention.

Tonight, MTV will announce the winner of the “Stand Up and Holla!” essay contest on its “Total Request Live” show.

Mr. Hunter, 21, is one of 10 finalists, chosen from a field of more than 1,000 18- to 24-year-olds. The winner will read his or her essay during a prime-time slot at the convention, which will be held at Madison Square Garden from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.

A senior who has a double major in economics and political science, Mr. Hunter said youth who volunteer have the power and responsibility to act politically. He said 70 percent of the nation’s youth gets involved in community activities, but the voting percentage among the youth is 30 percent.

“It’s a dramatic difference,” he said in a recent interview.

Mr. Hunter said teens — many of whom volunteer at soup kitchens or with literacy groups — should know that “every vote does count.”

“Those who stand in the social gap touch individuals in ways that no legislation or agency could,” his essay reads.

His essay notes that America’s beauty is found in “the homes, churches, organizations and the many gathering places where people experience the true America … we know that serving our community is serving our country.”

He said Americans need to realize that the youth care about the United States and try to make it better.

“We still have a pulse on what our country is about, and we contribute to our country through volunteering,” he said.

Mr. Hunter’s parents are both Democrats, but the Somerset, N.J., native who calls himself a lifelong Republican doesn’t let that stop him from supporting his favorite party.

Mr. Hunter said he believes in the party’s “issues and values,” such as faith-based initiatives, school choice, tax cuts and welfare reform.

Mr. Hunter works for American Express Financial Advisors in Tysons Corner and lives on the Howard University campus in Northwest. He founded the Howard College Republicans and is the group’s past chairman. He also does minority outreach for the College Republican National Committee.

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