By Abi Wood and Joe English

BOSTON–Arriving in Boston on November 11th, four Galway students eagerly awaited the latest Junior State convention—Fall State 2011.  Held at the Boston Park Plaza, Fall State brought over 1,000 students from across the Northeast together to discuss “the Power Paradigm: America’s Role in a Changing World.” Debating about how the U.S. should fit in to the 21^st century, diplomacy on the international stage, and general domestic and foreign policy, the Junior Statesmen participated in over 100 debates and discussions.

The Junior State of America (JSA) is the largest student-run organization in the United States.  For the past 80 years, JSA has strengthened American democracy by educating high school students and providing them with a forum to have intelligent, constructive discussions with their peers.  By educating our nation’s youth, the Junior State hopes to promote life-long involvement in the political process and foster responsible leadership in our democratic society.  JSA hosts college programs each summer at prestigious universities like Princeton, Yale, and Stanford to engage the most intense youth politicians, but the majority of its followers get involved through seasonal conventions like Fall State.

At the Northeastern Fall State, our weekend was packed with student-run debates and social activities.  Our keynote speaker, Tony Wagner, is a professor at Harvard University and an expert on the American education system. In a rousing presentation, he articulated the failures and downward-spiral of the American education system.  He outlined the key components of a 21st-century education—critical thinking, intellectual exploration, problem solving, etc.—and the steps our government needs to take to prepare youth for global competition.  His passion and honest answers to student questions earned him a standing-ovation and inspired teachers, students, and parents alike.

During the main portion of the convention, students participated in a wide variety of debates, discussion groups, and speaking competitions. Divided into eight blocks, the convention featured fifteen debates each block, each focusing on specific topics of national or global concern.  Topics ranged anywhere from student rights in public schools to the proper role of the U.S. in the Syrian conflict to the best candidate for president in 2012.  Joe English led a debate during the seventh block asking, “Does creating a safe educational environment justify infringing upon students’ civil liberties?”  The different geographical locations, socioeconomic statuses, educational experiences, and political leaning of the students who attended Fall State filled the debates with unbelievable enthusiasm.  As a group, the Galway student brought home three awards for being the most outstanding speakers in the debates they attended.

Engaging in passionate debates for a weekend in Boston, Galway students were able to befriend diverse, passionate students from across the region.  Fall State was an eye-opening experience that our delegates won’t soon forget. If you are interested in joining our Chapter on the next JSA convention—Winter Congress in Washington D.C.—contact Joe English as soon as possible!