The Junior State of America (JSA) was conceived by Professor E. A. Rogers during the Great Depression as a way of inspiring teenagers "to engage them in the issues of the day and offer training in statesmanship and leadership" (JSA.org, "The Beginnings of JSA"). As the Woodbridge Academy of New Jersey chapter of JSA, it is our interest in civic education and leadership that drives us to become more aware and more active in our communities through public speaking, civil conversation, and awareness of public policy development.
We first begin our school year with a basic review of the United States government system with specific focus on the Senate and the House of Representatives. This is then followed by modeling their dialogue, debate, collaboration, and public speaking methodology on our own terms to engage in public speaking and debates within the school and during state-wide competitions.
Our common values shared by our central headquarters are:
Leadership
Empowerment
Accountability
Diversity
We firmly believe in committing ourselves to research, fact-checking, peer collaboration, and inclusivity. It is imperative that as a student-run organization we should endorse all student voices being heard and be accountable for our words and actions.
“To strengthen American democracy by educating and preparing high school students for life-long involvement and responsible leadership in a democratic society” (JSA.org).
English Teacher
Room 118