Just a little over three weeks ago, the newly initiated JSA Stoughton Chapter attended Spring State, its first last overnight convention of the season that took place in Stamford, Connecticut with over 700 other Northeast Junior Statesmen.
Representing Stoughton High was senior Michelle Henry, juniors Kerlyne Jean-Baptiste, Nicole Hayner, Loreen Louiny, Katherine Chlus, Jacqueline Kuhn, Anthony Jeudy, Elizabeth Roch, Ashley Gibson, and sophomores Ariana Hall and Julie Chow. Yes Knight lovers, that is eleven Stoughton-ers in total, setting a new record for convention attendance in the new chapter.
During Spring State, students engage in a variety of activities, including debates, student-led thought talks, and other simulations that critically examine the political landscape of our country and the world around us.
“I liked the debates since anybody could go up. The speakers were really good about grabbing your attention and keeping it by looking up when speaking and doing so powerfully. Some of them [the debate topics] I didn't understand but the ones I did were really interesting.” said junior Katherine Chlus.
As well with this, North East JSAers picked up where they left off during Winter Congress with candidate declarations. To help recap our fellow Knight readers, we had Robert Perry from Staples High School and Rachel Weber from Clarkstown South running for JSA Northeast governor. Jacob Meisel from Staples and Baja Reed from Amity High ran for Northeast lieutenant governor. While right in the New England Region, Dea Dodi from Somerville High School and Sherry Du from Middlesex School competed vigorously for the NER vice Mayor position. Our current vice Mayor Jesse Hanson from the Ashland High School ran unrivaled for New England Region Mayor.
In the end of the convention, Rachel Weber won the NES crowd, becoming our new governor with Jacob Meisel by her side as lieutenant governor. Undoubtedly, Jesse Hanson became our new New England Region Mayor and after two ballots, Dea Dodi closely won the race and became our new vice Mayor.
Spring State can be thought of as the “baby” of Winter Congress and Fall State for two reasons. One is that elements of the previous overnight conventions are jammed packed into this one weekend. An attendee gets a taste of the hard-hitting Fall State debate and speech while still being able to take a direct hand in JSA as one could do during Winter Congress.
Most importantly, Spring State gives a close to what I and 19 other Stoughton JSAers would describe as an incredible year for the JSA Stoughton Chapter. It is the product of all our handwork and growth from Fall State and Winter Congress. We were able to attend all regional and overnight conventions due to the incredible support of our teacher advisors Mr. Norman and Mr. Murphy and our extremely diligent and giving “JSA Mom”, Marie Jean-Baptiste, who chaperoned for us at two of the overnight conventions.
“I loved Spring State because it was very educational. I loved being around so many other very educated young people who are dedicated and interested about our world affairs even though some weren't necessarily our own opinions. Overall, I can't wait for next year,” said junior Loreen Louiny.
Looking back at the first convention, when I first entered the doors of the Boston Park Plaza, I felt as if I was entering the rabbit hole that is JSA. As I was leaving out the doors of the Holiday Inn six months later for Spring State, I felt as if I was re-entering the real-world with brand new eyes. This year was filled with new beginnings, new enlightenment, new friends…and it was all due to the Junior State of America. I cannot wait for that feeling at next year's Spring State.
