Mark Strama.  Mark Strama is a Democrat currently serving his second term as the Texas State Representative for District 50 and he is always more than willing to speak for any JSA event (seriously, he's spoken at Fall State, minicons, regionals, and symposium).  I, for one, have seen Strama speak on five separate occasions.  The thing that I love about Mark Strama is that he always manages to talk about something different.  Yes, like all politicians he has a few stories that he relies on for laughs or to make a point, but every time I've heard Strama speak he has managed to bring some twist.  Also, his enthusiasm for JSA is apparent.  There is nothing more exciting than a speaker who "gets it" so to speak.  Strama clearly understands and identifies with the fundamental idea behind JSA (democracy is not a spectator sport!).  I won't lie, I was sad when I realized that this likely my last time to hear Strama speak.

 After Strama's speech the day continued without a hitch, one special activity included a Mock Presidential Caucus.  All the candidates were represented, but Nathan Trenholm stole the show as Ron Paul and went on to win a best speaker gavel for his successful campaigning on behalf of Dr. No. (On an unrelated note, I was stopped by some  people from the Ron Paul campaign on the way back to the capitol from lunch and handed a documentary entitled "America: From Freedom to Fascism" - I haven't had a chance to watch it yet).

 Saturday night was another high point.  Ellis Bowen, our special activities director, put together an amazing Disco Inferno! dance and a well-run, appropriate Mr. JSA (congratulations, Sam Liebl).  However, a welcome addition to JSA socializing included the introduction of a game room, as well as the activism department's efforts to screen a documentary on the Ethiopian coffee industry entitled "Black Gold."  I felt like there was something for everyone at this Fall State.

 However, Sunday ended up being a day that was both inspiring and exciting.  The St. John's-Carnegie Vanguard Quizbowl rivalry is something for the storybooks.  For the past four years of high school, without fail, the Texas Quiz bowl (at nearly every convention) has come down to a vicious war between Carnegie and St. John's.  This year was no different.  Two teams from SJS and Carnegie in a battle to the bitter end.  After forty minutes of competition, the contest was over and ended with a tie.  Obviously, a tie is not an option.  However, in a twist, the quizmasters were not prepared for a tie (it's never happened before) and in a "first to three" name that tune competition, St. John's sealed their victory by correctly identifying The Shins "Caring is Creepy."  Here's to another great quizbowl at Winter Congress!

 I mentioned in my first post the commendable efforts of our Activism Director, Sarah King, to raise money to bring in Scott Byington, Co-Director of the Elias Fund.  Scott closed the conference with an incredible speech.  At 22, Scott is barely older than many convention delegates.  He has been the Co-Director of the Elias Fund since 2005.  As previously explained, the Elias Fund is a non-profit organization that works to improve conditions in Zimbabwe as well as raise awareness in American youths.  However, Scott didn't focus on the Elias Fund and its mission in his speech; instead, he gave a speech urging us to get involved.  Scott had my attention from the beginning when he remarked that growing up he always noticed that people referred to teenagers as the "future leaders."  Scott's work with the Elias Fund is solid proof that you don't need to wait around for the future to come, you can be a leader now.  At 22, Scott has been published in a nationally distributed, international affairs-focused publication, and he has spoken at numerous universities, including Harvard.  He also hosted a workshop at the PeaceJam Conference, an international program that works with Nobel Peace Laureates like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, and Aung San Suu Kyi to inspire youth to become leaders of peace.  Leaving Fall State, Scott's speech was the perfect reminder of what JSA is all about: finding an issue that matters to you.

 In other Fall State news, I led a successful Senate meeting, not only did we confirm key members of cabinet, but we discussed the potential amendments to the Texas Constitution.  We will ideally be amending the Constitution at Winter Congress.  If you are interested in seeing a copy of the Constitution please email me, or contact your regional Senators:

 Also, contact Speaker of the House, Joshua Cantor-Stone ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) with any questions about Winter Congress bills.  Forms are due in early January! Turn in your registration on time!

Until next time,

Katherine
Lieutenant Governor of Texas JSA
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