Alexis C., Grace H., Sophie L., Clara S., Colin H., and Emma S. (Courtesy/Colin H.)
Academy’s JSA (Junior State of America) chapter traveled to Columbus’s Sheraton Hotel on April 15 and 16 for its annual Spring State as part of the Ohio River Valley (ORV) region.
JSA bears many similarities to Model UN, according to advisor, Dr. Jacky, but differs as it debates legislation instead of policy in the style of the United States Congress. Fall State, Winter Congress, and Spring State are JSA’s main meetings. The organization is bicameral and covers the entire political spectrum: Democrats, Libertarians, Republicans, and even Socialists. At CA, some students caucused for parties they didn’t agree with, including Arnav N., whose favorite thing about JSA was “that it provides such an amazing and judgment-free platform to participate in civic engagement. Political affiliations don’t matter at JSA. Everyone just cares about our world and is respectful of everyone else!”
Students partner up to draft a bill, aiming to pass it. Former Academy-proposed bills included re-ordering the line of presidential succession, banning pharmaceutical price gouging, and incentivizing green energy systems. This year, both Erica D. and Sophie L.’s bill reforming police training systems to focus on de-escalation passed as did Arnav N. and Clara S.’s bill refurbishing community centers to increase support for the impoverished.
To accomplish this, one partner pitches to the Senate and the other to the House, which happened Saturday, and must pass in both chambers, with voting taking place Sunday. Afterward, predetermined pro and con speakers debate the merits of the bill, followed by volunteers who speak until time is up. Jessica S. became the first freshman to give a con speech in Academy history.
At Academy, seniors Alexis C. and Colin H. led with Dr. Jacky’s help, and returning members chose sophomores Arnav N. and Clara S. for 2023-2024 club presidents. “Guiding the future generations of JSA to spread civic engagement at CA in the long term . . . and become more informed, developed citizens,” are on Arnav and Claire’s agenda.
Academy students also hold esteemed positions within the ORV region. Some are specialists, such as Alexis C. and Emma S. for Activism, Grace H. and Arnav N. for Debate, Sophie L. for Convention, and Clara S. for CIA. Alex N. is second-in-command as Lieutenant Governor while Colin H. directs the CIA.
Arnav N. recommends JSA to anyone who “feels even slightly passionate about politics, activism, debate, or if someone just wants to talk about the current state of affairs. Arnav says, ”The most important thing about JSA is just caring about our world, really, and wanting to make a change.”
