Dear Junior Statesperson & Teacher Advisor,

What a phenomenal year it has been for the Texas Junior State! I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the hard work you have displayed in making 2006-2007 a remarkable year in Texas JSA history. As a new school year is starting up, I hope that this letter finds you at a good time, as there will be little time to rest before JSA begins to consume your life once again. That said, your dedication and service to the Texas Junior State is apparent and highly appreciated.

As we look forward to the future, we must not forget the accomplishments we have made in the past and how we got to where we are today. With that in mind, our state saw a 25% increase in membership and more tax paid chapters than any other year in our history! In addition to this, increased activity in the Colorado and Oklahoma Regions is something to be very excited about. Earlier this summer, I was fortunate enough to receive an abundant amount of cabinet applications, and am proud to report that a strong team of 58 promising leaders will be helping me in my quest of making the Texas Junior State the best it can be. While all of these accomplishments are wonderful, we must go further. As last year’s seniors embark upon new journeys, it is imperative that our underclassmen carry the torch and continue the Texas State’s legacy of active chapters, quality educational conventions, and superior leadership.

For the 2007-2008 school year, Texas JSA will seek out potential chapters in all areas of the Texas State and look to establish strong chapters from summer program graduates. Therefore, a goal of expanding our membership base to over fifty tax paid chapters can be met, yet above all else, awareness of issues can be spread. Texas JSA will also look to expand the Chapter Affairs Department into what will be called ECAD, (Expansion, Communication, Chapter Affairs Department) providing more chapter aide and encouragement to new and established chapters. Most importantly, Texas JSA will serve as a paragon for other Junior States across the nation by raising regional expectations and holding top-notch state-wide conventions. Though these are attainable goals to reach, it will require diligence, perseverance, and teamwork from you and the rest of State Cabinet. Constant communication between all levels of leadership will be vital as we set out to spread the message of JSA and I ask that you join in the vow of making these plans a reality.

In order to make some of the above plans listed a reality, I ask that former, current, or perspective chapter presidents please find the Chapter Leadership Form included in this packet. It is imperative that you fully and accurately complete this form and mail it back to the JSA office in D.C as soon as possible. One of my main goals for the year is to improve communication on all levels of JSA, and by doing so it is essential that chapter leaders and teacher advisor help us so we can experience a smooth transition and you can be provided with the most up to date information regarding JSA events. In doing so, I am pleased to announce that next year the Texas State will have the opportunity to proudly showcase four of our state's most exceptional chapters on the www.jsa.org homepage. This "Chapter of the Week" feature is your chapter's opportunity to receive much deserved national recognition, so please be sure to keep your ECAD Agent and elected officials informed of your chapter's activities & any progress that you’ve made throughout the year. (Every chapter will be assigned an ECAD Agent)

The coming year brings many uncertainties, yet one thing remains certain in that 2007-2008 will be a banner year for the Texas Junior State. I am confident that with a durable group of cabinet members, devoted chapter presidents and teacher advisors, and zealous JSAers across the state we can withstand any and all adversity that comes our way. Without your wholehearted passion and faithfulness to JSA, there would be no avenue to express opinions, fortuity of meeting new friends, or leisure of getting dressed up for a one of a kind dance. I cannot thank you enough for all that you do for this organization. Please continue this trend to ensure that this is the best year the Texas Junior State has ever experienced.

Sincerely,