NEW ROCHELLE, NY (May 10, 2023) — Seven high school sophomores and juniors from New Rochelle recently participated in the Junior State of America (JSA) Northeast Spring State convention in Hartford, CT, and walked away with five Best Speaker awards. The two-day event featured students from schools across New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts and included six debate blocks and activism blocks.
The New Rochelle students presented Pro or Con arguments in debates, such as “Social Media is Beneficial to the Development of Young Kids and Teenagers,” “Climate Change is the Most Pressing Issue of Our Time,” and “The United States Should Send Military Troops to Fight in Taiwan in the Case of an Invasion by China.” They also participated in formal discussions called Thought Talks, moderated by students.
The JSA is a student-run organization that helps young leaders develop their leadership skills, build civil debate skills, and engage in volunteering and activism. Heather Manley, the JSA advisor, said that the organization aims to empower young leaders to learn together, think critically, respect opposing views, and promote the common good.
The New Rochelle students who won Best Speaker awards in their respective debates were Obinna Njoku, Katalina Pimienta, Isabella Leon, Jacob Alperin, and Joseph Francois. They all praised the event and the opportunities it provided to engage in meaningful discussions with peers from other schools.
JSA conventions like this offer an excellent opportunity for students to develop as leaders, collaborate with their peers, and practice public speaking. According to Ms. Manley, it is always exciting to see students grow and excel in these areas. The JSA organization’s focus on promoting critical thinking, civil debate, and engagement in social issues is a vital contribution to the education of young people, and the success of the New Rochelle students at this event is a testament to the value of such programs.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was generated by ChatGPT based on a City School District of New Rochelle email newsletter.
