Junior Statesmen of America

 

Elections have taken place for the 2007-08 school year.
President - Katie Killian
Vice President - Cali Pittman
Secretary - Nikki Kanakkanatt
Treasurer - Mitch Maggio

 

WHAT IS JSA?

The Junior State of America is the largest student-run high school organization in America , with over 16,000 members throughout the U.S.A. and Canada . It is a non-partisan group filled with members that are interested in politics, government, debate, the law, and education. What makes JSA so special is that students organize every aspect of it, from the school chapter level to the national administration.

Additionally, the Junior Statesman Foundation, a non-profit 501(c) 3 educational corporation conducts annual summer programs that teach leadership skills and provide an opportunity to study state and national government at an advanced level.

Junior State members participate on two levels. On one level, they engage at the local level of JSA: organizing fundamental chapters and local events. Members also have the opportunity to take part in three exciting overnight conventions: Fall State , Winter Congress, and Spring State . Junior State conventions allow for an exchange of ideas between students through debates, thought talks, problem solving, open forum discussions, mock trials, political fairs, and many various simulations such as campaign workshops. Conventions also have social aspects, such as lunch, dinner, a talent show, and a dance.

Junior State of America ’s Fall Convention was held in Cleveland, November11th and 12 th.  St. Vincent – St. Mary High School was represented by 19 students.  Two of our students won Best Speaker awards! 

In February, we hosted a mini-Congress here at STVM. Approximately 65 students from STVM and other schools in northern Ohio were in attendance for lively debate and discussion.

Over President’s Day weekend, 27 students from STVM attended the JSA National Convention in Washington DC. Bills were proposed, discussed, and debated in simulated House and Senate chambers. Students from all over the eastern half of the United States were in attendance. The STVM chapter toured the National Archives and the Smithsonian Museums, as well as visiting the national monuments in the moonlight. One of our students, Rita Rochford, announced her candidacy for governor of the Ohio River Valley State.

The Spring State Convention occurred April 28 and 29 in Columbus. Our own Rita Rochford was elected Governor of the Ohio River Valley State. This is a position of enormous responsibility, including directing all school chapters in the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Indiana. Rita will also participate in the JSA National Council of Governors.

 

 St. Vincent-St. Mary High School chapter of Junior Statesmen of America has earned many distinctions. First the STVM chapter boasts the largest membership of any school in the area with 126+ “tax paying” members.

 For more information about JSA visit the website:

www.jsa.org