Sportsman's Lodge brings you the “Student of the Week” which will highlight accomplishments by the city’s outstanding high school students.  Sportsman's Lodge will provide each honored student with a $15 gift card to use at their family restaurant.

Each week, one student from each high school will be chosen by their principal to be featured for achievements including citizenship, volunteerism, leadership, academics, and much more. 

Brentwood High - Olivia Sterling

Brentwood High School rising senior Olivia Sterling is one of only 98 young women attending the 65th American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation in Washington, D.C., this week.

Two outstanding citizens, known as “senators,” are selected at the 49 Girls State sessions held across the country to represent their state at Girls Nation. This premier leadership conference is designed to provide practical insight into the working of government, to instill a sense of pride and loyalty in America and to create friendships and memories that last a lifetime.

Olivia is also a member of the BHS tennis team, plays in the school band and was on the winning team at the first Sarah C. Bayrd History Bowl against rival Ravenwood. She also was honored by the Williamson County chapter of the University of Tennessee Alumni Association for being among the county's top academic leaders for the Class of 2012.

A key component of the Girls Nation program involves mock senate sessions complete with caucusing and debating of bills that range in topic from personal to political interests. Campaigns are held to elect party officials, a vice president and Girls Nation President.  The Girls Nation President will be invited to attend and speak at the American Legion Auxiliary National Convention later in the summer.

The bill co-sponsored by Olivia and her fellow Tennessee senator would allow undocumented minors to obtain legal residence.  The act may be cited as “Act AMERICA” or “Alien Minor Education Relief Immigrant College Act.”

In addition to their legislative forums the senators hear distinguished guest speakers and visit the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, the White House and other memorials in the Washington D.C. area. Their visit to Capitol Hill includes meetings with their respective Senators and Representatives and the opportunity to meet the President of the United States.

“The ALA Girls Nation experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity for young ladies across our nation,” said Vickie Koutz, American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation national chairman. “After attending their local Girl State program and Girls Nation, they come back to their communities filled with more patriotism and pride.”

Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary is the world’s largest patriotic women’s service organization.  The ALA’s mission to serve veterans, their families and their communities.