Junior State Of America –

Club Provides Lessons On Leadership And Political Awareness

By Andrew Rote

Newtown High School offers clubs for virtually any student’s interests. There is one club, however, with affiliations around the country that make it the largest student-run organization in the country. Nationwide, over 300,000 students make up Junior State of America. Both NHS and the Junior Statesmen Foundation sponsor the organization in order to allow students to get a head start in politics.

The main objective of JSA is to teach students about government and leadership. It breaks up the country into six states.

The Newtown chapter, located in the Northeastern State, meets weekly at the high school. Meetings, which occur on Thursdays after eighth period, conduct heated debates and plan for chapter events.

Each chapter is headed by a president. There are also positions both higher up and lower down the ladder. A JSA member could come just to listen or speak while another could hold the vice presidency or presidency, or even a higher position such as cabinet member. It is up to the members to choose their own level of involvement.

Rachel Stern, sophomore and president of JSA, stressed that one of the main goals of the organization is not only to debate current issues, but also to meet and work with other students outside of the school. Members are able to do this at the conventions.

Conventions feature student debates on a wide range of topics. There are also “thought talks,” which are less formal group discussions.

The conventions might feature quiz bowl, talent shows, and dances. The highlight of most conventions, however, is usually the guest speaker.

The Newtown chapter’s next major convention is “Congress 2001.” It will take place in Washington, D.C., between February 16 and 18, and Ralph Nader is expected to be the spokesperson.

At “Congress 2001,” JSA members will have the chance to create their own bill and try to have it passed by the House and Senate committees made up of other student members.

“The JSA trip to Washington promises to be a very exciting experience,” said Brian Budnick, junior and member of JSA as well as public relations specialist for the organization.

“[JSA] is as real as it gets,” said Sean O’Mahoney, sophomore and vice president of the Newtown chapter.

JSA has been planning a mini conference, which will take place on March 31 at the high school. Between 10 am and 4 pm, students from throughout the area will come to Newtown. Admission will be $5 for anyone who is interested.

Rachel said that the mini conference’s goal is “to bring the JSA experience to Newtown.”

In addition to being president of the chapter, Rachel is also on the cabinet. She not only writes for the chapter, but also organizes regional events.

“I wasn’t a politics kind of person,” she said, explaining her first impressions of JSA. “But the conventions catch you.”

Rachel enjoys the new experience and the opportunity to use JSA to help with speaking skills. She especially became interested in the exciting elections.

Brian has been a member since last year. He does not know if he is interested in politics for his future, but he is interested in them now. He feels that discussing political issues through JSA “is better than reading about it in Time magazine.” He also enjoys the conventions, which allow him to spend time with friends in interesting places outside of Newtown.

“I like that other people want to know my opinions,” said Bryan Kotwicki, junior and member of the organization.

Sophomore Geoff Potter has been a member of JSA since last year and is very interested in politics for his future. He likes that the club opens up an atmosphere of different ideas.

JSA is open to all NHS students. It proves to be not only a great learning experience, but a way for students to express themselves and have fun as well.