December 21, 2009
JSA Members Victorious at Fall State
By Lynne Grigelevich
Category: Academy Headlines | Community News Headlines | News Updates-Homepage
Tags: Clubs, Students, Upper Division
We were privileged to hear inspiring words from former Florida governor Bob Graham and Lobbyist Speaker Fausto Gómez. Some students registered for positions as main speakers and moderators for debate blocks, while others researched the debate topics for subsequent speeches and pro or con questions. Jon Berry ’10, Carly Harro ’10, and Jason Pitcairn ’11 took the podium as main speakers on topics such as legalizing public education for the children of illegal immigrants, holding special elections for vacant Senate seats, and ending the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, For the latter, Jason Pitcairn ’11 won a Best Speaker gavel, an honor bestowed upon him by his JSA peers. Academy students also held several moderator positions, running the debate and maintaining order while the speakers faced off. Our incredibly sharp JSA members raised points about issues including the deployment of additional troops to Afghanistan, the legalization of gay marriage, the institution of a flat tax for our country, and establishing a public option for healthcare. Jon Berry ’10, Ali Buckman ‘11, Brad Englund ‘10, Michele Goodman ’10, Carly Harro ’10, Caitlin Hollander ’11, Michelle Emery ’11, Nader Issa ’10, Katy Kretzinger ’11, Jason Pitcairn ’11 and Alex Thompson ’11 proved that they are up on the issues, incredibly articulate and can hold their own in an impassioned dialogue on the state of our country. Academy took home third place in the Southeast Fall State convention, an impressive victory for a young, private school in a sea of students from high schools in six different states. JSA provides a highly educational and exciting experience for our young, politically active minds, and we are proud of our students’ commitment to being active in the shaping of our future.
When students enter high school, many doors open for them by way of academic, artistic and athletic organizations. Our incredible high school students wear many hats as they venture into young adulthood, adding a multitude of experiences to their resumes. One such opportunity afforded to Academy Upper Division students is membership in JSA, the Junior States of America. Thirty-five percent of our UD students belong to this esteemed club, where they explore the political side of life. JSA is a student-run organization that allows for an exchange of ideas through stimulating student debates, thought talks, problem solving, and a variety of simulations. Every year, thousands of high school students come together to debate and discuss pressing political and social issues at Junior State conventions and conferences. This year’s Fall State convention in Fort Lauderdale proved exciting and victorious for Academy’s chapter.
