news . 5
September 2013 The Junior Statement
Ohio River Valley leads the way for JSA technology by Mica Caine Staff Writer Ever wondered who updated the state website, took pictures, or organized that live stream gubernatorial debate? In the Ohio River Valley State (ORV), State Director of Technology Michael Lahanas leads the ORV into it’s most dynamic technological JSA year yet, and sets the standard for other States across the nation. The ORV Tech Department’s motto is “Progress through Innovation,” and the department’s 2013-14 agenda represents this perfectly. ORV’s technological prowess was first displayed this year with the “September State of the State” video, an introduction to ORV’s cabinet members and their goals for their respective departments. These videos will be created monthly during the year and will include footage of chapter happenings, conventions, and messages from leadership. Videos can be seen at states.jsa.org/orv. Lahanas, a second-year Director
of Technology, also saw the need to organize the JSA promotional materials. He created the “JSA Multimedia Vault,” with official JSA fonts, logos, posters, and promotional headings. “The goal of the Vault is to make sure everyone that needs them has access to these materials,” Lahanas said. “It also lets some of our more talented members show off their design skills, and gives the rest of us some cool things to use in the future.” The ORV Technology Dept. is also crafting a “Crisis Scenario,” where different materials (info packets, decision trees, etc.), are used to simulate a crisis. “The scenario plays out depending on which action you pick, like a Choose Your Own Adventure novel,” Lahanas said. “Tech is working to create a digitized version of this activity. It will likely be based through the ORV YouTube channel, wherein the students would go through a series of interlinked videos, each one representing a different decision and its
Ohio River Valley Director of Technology Michael Lahanas gives a presentation on upcoming projects for his department. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL LAHANAS.
outcome.” Under Director Ryan Chiu (Midwest), the National Technology Department has rolled out some new technological conveniences as well. MyJSA 3.0 and the developing JSA mobile application are just a few of the year’s projects. The National and ORV Technology Departments are creating a new precedent in the role of multimedia in
the Junior State of America. “Progress through innovation isn’t just a pretty phrase-- it’s a real way of moving forward, and forward momentum is what keeps JSA fresh and exciting” Lahanas said.
Mica Caine is a senior at Pickerington High School North in Pickerington, Ohio in the Ohio River Valley State. She serves as the Ohio River Valley Director of Public Relations.
Students across the country attend Montezuma Leadership Summit
All Montezuma Leadership Summit attendees and the Governors sit together on the last day. PHOTO COURTESY OF CALVIN CHIU (NorCal.)
by Kelly Kim News Editor The Montezuma School was founded in 1911 by Professor Ernest A. Rogers, a young man of 29, who dreamed of teaching the young about democracy and active citizenship. It was in Los Gatos, CA that the ideals of Rogers
expanded and flourished, ultimately creating the Junior State of America (JSA). Even though JSA has now become a national organization, the Montezuma School is still unforgotten. Every year, selected Junior Statesmen are invited to gather at the birthplace of JSA. This year, 64 Junior Statesmen were
chosen by their governors to attend Montezuma Leadership Summit in Los Gatos in northern Californiaw. The Summit took place from August 13-16. Activities started as soon as the delegates got to the campus. After getting to know other delegates during icebreakers, students went on a tour around Montezuma. Attendees believe that the Chapter Conference Workshop was the most memorable activity on the first day. Each group created its own Chapter Conference; among many were: SciCon, Culture Con, and DistasterCon. “The chapter conference activity was by far my favorite part,” Aakash Saraf (Texas) said. “It not only taught me how to create a chapter conference in my state, but it also helped me understand all the work that goes on before the conference happens. I was able to use my newly acquired knowledge to teach the chapter presidents in my region.” On Day 2, statesmen engaged in a plethora of activities that included workshops focused on specific topics like Activism, Communication, Statesmanship, and Chapter Strengthening. The highlight of the evening was
hearing from Debby Mendelshon, a proud alumna of JSA, talk about her journey as an activist. On the last day of the Summit, students gathered their belongings and left the campus. Though the separation was bittersweet, the experience was invaluable. “It wasn’t until I went to the Montezuma Leadership Summit that I realized just how far JSA extends and how much we can all truly accomplish as leaders,” Sam Shneyder (NES) said. “I learned to be a true Statesman.” Students also appreciated meeting statesmen from across the nation. “Zuma was an absolutely enlightening experience that allowed me to connect with other young leaders across the nation and understand the workings of this phenomenal organization on deeper level,” Joyce Xu (NorCal) said. Students returned to their states with determination to spread Roger’s words as well as utilize the skills they have gained. Kelly Kim is a junior at Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT in the Northeast State. She is the Northeast Lieutenant Governor’s Chief of Staff.