http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/midwestjsa/422483_3442659584559_1212672734_3534598_70748408_n.jpg

It was a cloudy day on March 3rd as JSAers from across the region entered Naperville
Central High School’s Auditorium to begin a day of debating. NCHS JSA chose to theme their
minicon ‘Elections’ to commemorate the heated political atmosphere that America will soon
experience. Schools as far as Port Huron Northern and as close as Naperville North were in
attendance, bringing in a total of over 50 students.

The day began with the usual round of debates but things were quickly shaken up with
the first ever Teacher vs. Student debate on the 21st Amendment. Jack Carbonara vs. Mr. Ulrich
of Naperville Central argued it out about whether the 21st amendment should be retained
or repealed. NCHS JSA also presented the best speakers of each debate with an extremely
original award: Goat trophies. Each best speaker was awarded a Great Orator Achievement
Trophy(GOAT) that displayed a goat mounted on a platform. The convention also included
a great section of Press Secretary and Musical Chairs where numerous students engaged in
impromptu speeches.

Naperville Central is only in it’s 3rd year as a chapter but this was their 2nd
miniconvention and a great one at that. With many JSAers having the ‘post-Winter Congress
blues’ the NCHS Minicon livened them up and recharged their JSA spirits for the final
convention of the year while allowing novices and experienced members alike to have a great
time debating serious and fun topics alike.

“The Naperville Central Minicon was moderate in its size but substantial in execution. It
deviated from the normal standard set for JSA minicons by adding some needed flavor. Things
like the beautiful goat trophies (Great Orator Achievement Awards!) as well as musical chair
debates made the Minicon this year around really fresh.”- Neil Dave(Junior at Naperville
Central)

“It was great, but still very hip and indie, with the goat trophies adding a retro, yet
modern touch’ Will Donnely(CIA Agent and Illinois Senator Candiate, NNHS)

"The NCHS minicon was one of the most successful minicons I have been to this year. From
the serious atomic bomb debate to the more laid-back musical chairs debates, I found each
member intensely engaged and involved. Hats off to Lisa Swanson and Edeline Chen for putting
together a fantastic minicon." Hari Ravi(Lieutenant Governor Chief of Staff and LTG Candiate,
NVHS)

http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/4378/picture34l.png

Winter Congress 2012. For some JSA-ers, it was their first Winter Congress, or even their first convention. For others, it might have been the culmination of their Winter Congress experience, in their fourth year of being a part of the Junior State. The Midwest, Ohio River, and Southeast states came together in Washington D.C. from February 17^th-19^th for an incredible taste of the legislative process.

One of the greatest parts of Winter Congress is the location; students took advantage of the historic city by visiting famous museums, national monuments, and walking around the capital of our nation. Many chapters arrived one or two days early to have more time for everything.

But after most of the sightseeing, students were ready to come together for the opening session on Friday evening. In addition to comments from the governors, program directors, political party chairs, and other convention planners, we were lucky to have Mr. Peter Loge, a political advisor, as our guest speaker for the night. Giving an interesting speech about power and its intricacies, Mr. Loge gave a completely different perspective from most of the politicians that JSA welcomes as guest speakers. Following Mr. Loge’s speech, various night activities followed, including caucuses for the Democratic, Libertarian, Republican, and Socialist parties, a Mr. JSA competition, and the ever-popular dance.

On Saturday, the next morning, the heart of Winter Congress began. Different from any other JSA convention, delegates had submitted bills, resolutions, and amendments beforehand. Split into various House and Senate committees, every JSA-er debated the legislation that they themselves had proposed and sponsored. Also unique at Winter Congress is the ability to change legislation – any delegate could propose an amendment, and if it passed, then it would get sent over to its corresponding House/Senate committee. The bills, resolutions, and amendments that passed in both the House and Senate were then brought into the full House and Senate committees, where several committees of either Representatives or Senators were combined. If the legislation passed again in full committee, then it was declared law.

New this year was the political party point system – in previous years, party chairs and their whips had gone around to different rooms debating issues that their political party supported or opposed. This year, a point system was introduced to give a little bit of competition between the political parties. Points were awarded when a bill passed that a party supported and spoke on, and when a bill failed that a party opposed and spoke on; extra points were awarded if another member of a political party spoke as well. The winners ended up being the Democrats, with the Libertarians coming in a close second.

Other parts of Winter Congress included the Political fair, featuring a number of different organizations, the Saturday moonlit tour, giving students a chance to see the national monuments in a night setting, and the annual candidate declarations for elections at Spring State. Nominees were Karthik Bala (Naperville North High School) and Hari Ravi (Neuqua Valley High School) for Lieutenant Governor, Shaker Samman (Port Huron Northern High School), Kimberly Liu (Neuqua Valley High School), and Summer Wu (IMSA) for Governor, Kylee Radulovich (Arrowhead High School) and Alex Lubbers (Port Huron Northern High School) for Michigan Senator.

As the convention came to a close, delegates seemed tired but happy. Not only was everyone pleased with how the convention was run, but with the people that they had the chance to meet. Rare are the chances where students can have an intelligent, reasonable debate with students just as passionate about politics. Rarer are the chances that the people that you debate with are people that you can hang out with afterwards. Winter Congress is one of those rare chances. All of the students from different areas of the country managed to come together and culminate in one of the most unique experiences that JSA has to offer: Winter Congress 2012.

click here for a list of passed bills and best speakers from Winter Congress!

Governor's Cabinet

Aadi Tolappa: Governor

My name's Aadi, and I'm currently a senior at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. My favorite thing about JSA is that it brings together people who might never otherwise interact; the friends I've made in JSA are some of the best I have. If you ever have any questions, whether about JSA or not, let me know; I'm all ears!

Summer Wu: Governor's Chief of Staff

Whether it’s debating current events with a diverse group of peers, planning the next convention with a dedicated cabinet, or simply laughing with friends who have become like my family, I love every aspect of this organization. JSA provides an open forum for intellectual discussion that has helped me realize all that I can achieve; if you give it a try, I guarantee it will for you as well.
I firmly believe that JSAers will be the future leaders of our nation, so why pass up the opportunity to meet them now?

Gayatri Sanku: National Expansion Director

Being a member of JSA has truly been one of the most transforming experiences of high school. I came into JSA as a sophomore hoping to learn how to be a better speaker and maybe even know what it means to be a leader, while my understanding of both of these has grown I've gained something else infinitely greater. Over the past 2 years, JSA has given me a community(if not family) of ingenious and amazing people all across the country who I hope to keep as close friends for the rest of my life. JSA has been a forum for me to discover that there are others just like me while also being a foundation to help me refine who I am as a teenager, friend, and community leader.

Edeline Chen: Director of Debate

JSA taught me not only how to speak, but also talk. JSA also reminds me that there are still fantastic people out there in the world. To JSA and my fellow JSA-ers—stay awesome; don’t eva change.

Kimberly Liu: Convention Coordinator

JSA has truly been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my high school years. It has provided me an environment in which to voice, discover, and, transform my fundamental beliefs as well as a family of the most intelligent, aware, and humbling people I’ve yet had the privilege of meeting. Midwest Cabinet is a way for me to give back to the community that has shaped so much of who I am today. I hope our efforts allow you to experience the same joy that led all of us to fall in love with JSA.

Josie Dalton: Assistant Convention Coordinator

My name is Josie Dalton and I’m a junior at Naperville North. To me, JSA is the perfect dichotomy of expanding our intellectual and political horizons on all kind of issues, and having fun with some of the most awesome people you’ll ever meet. I love JSA because I can speak and debate in a way that isn’t totally structured or boring, with topics that are actually interesting. You can learn from other people, share your own opinions, and make lifelong friends from all over the Midwest! Also, logistics. Lots of logistics.

Nivetha Samy: Director of Activism

I am a junior from Skyline High School in Ann Arbor Michigan. I love synchronized swimming and Harry Potter! I absolutely adore JSA because I love to debate, especially about current affairs. When I am in JSA I feel like I can identify with everyone in the room, because we are all alike in terms of having strong opinions and views. JSA brings out the inner diplomacy out of everyone, and it is always wonderful to be able to have thoughtful discussions with my peers.

Karthik Bala: Director of Fundraising

“JSA is the largest student run organization in the country..." - those are the first words in Naperville North's description of its JSA chapter. They may seem simple enough, however, behind them lies a meaning much larger- the fact that JSA is an organization which combines certain qualities in its members- true student leadership with amazing opportunity, a passion for speaking with a drive to better the world around us, and differing viewpoints with chances to meet some of the most inspirational, successful kids I know.

Lisa Swanson: Director of Publicity

I am a senior at Naperville Central High School in Illinois, and I have a tendency to spend a lot of my time either on JSA or karate. What I love about JSA is that it isn't just something to write on your college applications, but a community. The friends I have made in JSA are some of the most passionate, level- headed individuals I have ever met. And I love them like crazy.

Steven Tinetti: Debate Officer

When people ask me what JSA is, I have to stop myself from babbling out hundreds of amazing things at once. You meet new people, discuss important issues, and learn so much more about yourself and your nation. You can make a difference in someone's life, so why pass the opportunity?

Varun Chethan: Debate Officer

HI! I'm Varun. I'm a senior at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan and I really want to be a neurosurgeon and maybe even the surgeon general of the United States at some point. My favorite thing about JSA would have to be all of the wonderful people you meet as a result (such as the cabinet you are currently reading about). GO BLUE!!
Favorite quote: “I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.”

Billy Gregg: Debate Officer

To me, JSA represents an opportunity to engage with other politically conscious students in an environment that is relatively casual, yet still organized. It is rare to find such an organization that is truly devoted to encouraging political debate and activism among high school students. It has been a privilege, and I have enjoyed every minute of it!

Michael Schneekloth: Debate Officer

At JSA debate becomes alive. So do I. There's an open forum here that doesn't exist elsewhere. JSA is the only organization I know of which is not only a system to increase civic involvement among students, but a lifestyle propelled not just for but by inspired students. So partake in the dream, laugh it up, meet intelligent people from across the states, listen to speakers (learn from their expertise or blunders), debate until you've found weakness in your thinking, because we all have our flaws, and hope you helped someone else in the process.

Joint Cabinet

Anushka Mehrotra: Director of Technology

Hi there! I'm Anushka and I'm currently a senior at Neuqua Valley High School. To me, JSA is simply remarkable as it enables high school students to easily immerse themselves into the world of debate and politics and meet like-minded peers. All of this probably sounds a tad redundant, but that's only because it's true! The JSA community is also comprised of some of the brightest, passionate, and inspirational kids I have ever met and being a part of it for the past few years has been truly unforgettable.

Stanley Yuan: Director of Publicity

JSA has introduced me to political issues, improved my speaking abilities, developed my confidence, and most of all, given me an incredible group of friends.

Patrick Eisenhauer: Wisconsin Senator

I'm Patrick Eisenhauer and my life literally revolves around politics. That unyielding political passion within me has led to my work as a Community Organizer with Obama for America, my chairmanship of the Wisconsin High School Democrats, and my pursuit of a career in public service. However, no organization promotes student involvement in the democratic process and the advancement of political understanding like JSA has, an organization that gives students the ability to thrive in an organized society by enhancing speaking skills, political literacy, and student leadership.
Quote: "If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide." --Abraham Lincoln

Priya Menon: Michigan Senator

Simply stated, I love JSA. I love the enthusiasm of JSAers, the opportunities JSA presents me with, and the people I've gotten to meet as a result of JSA (even if said person is Blagojevich). Joining was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Lieutenant Governor's Cabinet

Neshal Patel: Lieutenant Governor

Hi, I'm Neshal Patel, Lieutenant Govenor of the Midwest. JSA has completely altered and may have even taken over my life, fostering stimulating debates, incredible knowledge, and new friendships. I have always been interested in politics and debating and eventually hope to major in political science and it seems that JSA is the perfect mix of both of these fields.

Hari Ravi: Lieutenant Governor's Chief of Staff

JSA has been one of the highlights of my high school career. After I joined the club as a sophomore, I began to meet unique people, talented speakers, and amazing leaders who have inspired me to try new things, think differently, and make things happen. When I graduate high school, I will know one thing for sure: JSA will not only have given me an amazing high school experience, but it will have provided me with skills, friends, and memories that will last a lifetime .

Shaker Samman: Frontier Expansion Director

I'm Shaker Samman, and I'm this year's Frontier Expansion Director! I'm from Port Huron, Michigan, and I'm I've been known to suffer from an extreme version of the post-JSA Convention blues I enjoy bubble baths and long walks on the beach, and wearing my bandanna(s) in situations that don't call for it. I love JSA and everything about it, so if you ever need any help, you know where to go!

Maya Gianchandani: Expansion Agent- Michigan

Maya Gianchandani is a sophomore at Skyline High School. She has a passion for JSA, and rejoices the day she chose to become a part of this fantastic community. In 2011, Maya attended the Junior Statesmen Summer School at Princeton University for Advanced Placement United States History, and is now the Expansion Agent for Michigan JSA.

Praneeth Tripuraneni: Chapter Internal Affairs Director

I joined JSA my freshman year because it looked like a place where I could not only have fun but also learn something important. Looking back on who I was then and who I am now, it's clear that JSA has had a very dramatic impact on my life and I know that I'll forever hold it dear. I consider that three and a half second interval when I chose to walk through those doors and become a part of this organization one of the most important moments of my life and I can only hope that others find JSA as thrilling and thought provoking as I do.

Kristiana Yao: Chapter Internal Affairs Agent

When I think about what defines my time in high school, JSA comes to mind as one of the most memorable, positive influences. This organization first served as a way to apply my interest in current events and express my opinions on politics and government. After a trip to Washington DC to lobby more federal support for nonprofits, I realized what an amazing opportunity JSA provided. I have grown as a speaker, a responsible member of my community, and an informed citizen. Make connections, enjoy independence, and let your voice be heard; you won't regret being a junior statesman.

Will Donnelly: Chapter Internal Affairs Agent

My favorite thing about JSA is the freedom it gives and demonstrates at the same time. JSA's student-run structure is unique. I absolutely love that while debating the merits and intricacies of democracy, you participate in one. The Junior State of America gives you, the members, the power to choose where the club goes. If you have big dreams, you can make them a reality, in this club, nobody’s stopping you.

Are you in JSA? Do you want to get more involved? If so, apply for cabinet and prepare to experience a whole new side of JSA! Whether you're a sophomore who's only been to a few conventions, or a senior who's just finished off you're college apps, you won't want to miss out on this rare opportunity to make a difference in the Midwest. If you have any questions concerning the jobs/roles of the different departments, e-mail Summer Wu, the Midwest Chief of Staff at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Any cabinet member will testify that working as a part of Midwest JSA is extremely rewarding- just remember that when you apply, you are agreeing that you will make cabinet work your number one priority.  All applications are due by January 1st, 2012.

Click Here for the Application