Published: December 02, 2008 03:07 pm      

JSA club members attend convention in state’s capital

Members of the Junior State of America (JSA) club at San Marcos High School attended a statewide political convention at the Texas Capital, last weekend. Twenty-five delegates from the San Marcos Chapter attended Fall State, to discuss political issues and participate in debates.

In light of the recent election, the convention's theme was appropriately “From Promises to Policy: Making the Next Move.”

Convention attendees discussed U.S. economics, foreign policy, the war and how the presidential shift will affect the nation.

Four SMHS students, Cameron Valenta, Irene Morse, Kelley Mathis and Mariel Swinney, were selected to be main speakers in debates. In addition, all 25 in attendance were given the opportunity to give subsequent speeches on topics for discussion and ask questions.

At closing session on Sunday, two San Marcos High School students, Kelley Mathis and Irene Morse, together, won three Best Speaker Awards in respective debates.

These awards are given to the most effective speaker in the debate.

The SMHS JSA Chapter is a politically involved organization of young people who hold bi-weekly meetings in addition to attending three state conventions each year.

JSA members are an elite group of SMHS students who educate themselves about domestic and world issues in preparation for their future leadership roles.

When the convention was over, first time Fall State attendee, Ben Posey, said.

“This convention should send a message to the nation that real change is coming, maybe not with this presidency, but in future years.”