Junior State Recognizes 9 Outstanding Chapters   

Each year at Spring State conventions across the nation, the Junior Statesmen Foundation recognizes the most outstanding chapters in each of its jurisdictions.  The award is named in honor of JSA’s founder, Professor Ernest Andrew Rogers, who is more commonly referred to as “Prof. Rogers.” The idea for what is now known as the Junior State was first conceived by Prof. Rogers, headmaster of the Montezuma School in California's Santa Cruz Mountains in the early 1930s. Rogers had long maintained that one of the primary needs of a democracy was to train its youth in the essentials of good government. Rogers believed that without an informed populace, a democracy is worthless.

Throughout the month of April, Junior State chapters around the nation gathered at various locations for annual Spring State Conventions. Chapters in contention for the Chapter of the Year Award were asked to deliver a 10 minute presentation with visual aids describing their excellence throughout this past year. Judging was conducted by a panel of Teacher Advisors from the particular jurisdictions. The winners of this prestigious award will receive scholarships to Junior Statesmen Foundation Summer Programs and a free private room for their Teacher/Advisor for all JSA conventions in the next school year.  Additionally, these chapters will compete for the National Civic Impact Award and a chance to win a $1,500 grant for chapter activities and a $500 stipend for the Teacher/Advisor.

Congratulations to the following nine chapters, Chapter Presidents, and Teacher Advisors for their excellence!  

Florida

C. Leon King High School, Tampa, FL
Lauren Pearson, Chapter President
Mr. David Mills, Teacher/Advisor

Mid-Atlantic State

Villa Walsh Academy, Morristown, NJ

Michelle Saks, Chapter President

Mrs. Karen Cunico, Teacher/Advisor

Midwest

Mooresville High School, Mooresville, IN
Teresa Wright, Chapter President
Ms. Joyce Gilly, Teacher/Advisor

Northeast

Staten Island Technical High School, Staten Island, NY
Steven Bellew, Chapter President
Ms. Kristen Zinn, Teacher/Advisor

Northern California

The Harker School, San Jose, CA

Neil Shah, Chapter President

Daniel Hudkins, Teacher/Advisor

Ohio River Valley

Miamisburg High School, Miamisburg, OH

Sarah Eisen, Chapter President

Mr. Jeff Toschlog, Teacher/Advisor

Pacific Northwest

Sarah Iskra, Chapter President

Mr. Kent Webb, Teacher/Advisor

Southern California
King Drew Medical Magnet, Los Angeles, CA
Elizabeth Adabale, Chapter President
Mr. Robert Thompson & Mr. Neil Monaco, Teacher/Advisors

Texas
Carter High School, Dallas, TX
Shukura Goodson, Chapter President
Ms. Lashoun Walker, Teacher/Advisor