Junior Statesmen from across the nation and around the world gathered in Denver to witness history firsthand at the Democratic National Convention. Students were given the opportunity to meet and interact with the foremost politicians of this era. They mixed and mingled with delegates from their various states, state party leaders, activists, and political celebrities. Students experienced politics firsthand as they attended numerous state breakfasts and caucuses hosted and attended by renowned speakers such as former First Lady and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, DNC Chairman Howard Dean, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

    The impressive politicians have made a tremendous impact on the students, but perhaps even more exciting was the impact that the students made on the convention. JSA students were interviewed by NPR, BBC, Telemundo, ABC, and CBS by reporters impressed by their commitment, at such an early age, to political engagement. Prior to the convention, many of our students were chosen as correspondents for their local media outlets, serving to provide new perspective and outlooks on the convention itself. These students were asked to interview delegates and interesting political figures and report back to their respective organizations, which included the Rocky Mountain News, The LA Times, The Charlotte Observer, and MTV News.

    While not attending these exciting activities, our students attended a Speakers Programs organized specifically for Junior Statesmen. Former presidential candidates George McGovern and Bob Graham have highlighted an exciting week filled with stellar speeches and a screening of "14 Women," which profiles the 14 female Senators, followed by a discussion with producers Mary Lambert and Nicole Boxer.

    Throughout the course of the day, many of our students secured credentials, which ensured them a spot in the Pepsi Center, the site of the actual convention activities. These young leaders were given a very unique opportunity that few people ever have, to observe and experience the Democratic National Convention firsthand. Other students and members of the general public attended the official DNCC watch parties with thousands of enthusiastic supporters at Wells Fargo Theater.  

    The program culminated on Thursday as Junior Statesmen joined over 80,000 others in Invesco Field for the Barack Obama's official acceptance speech for the Democratic nomination. Students and other spectators alike filled the air with signs and American flags on this monumental day, the 45th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech. For 45 minutes Barack Obama enthralled the audience with a booming voice, discussing the failures of the Bush Administration while discussing his own vision for a new America. While Obama continues his dream to be the next President of the United States, many JSAers fulfilled dreams of their own by taking part in their first of hopefully many Democratic National Conventions.

Newington Photography

Newington Photography