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Copper Basin News, Hayden, Arizona
May 9, 2012
Hayden High School begins chapter of Junior State of America On high school campuses across the country, there are students concerned with what is happening around them – students who are interested in politics and government, foreign affairs, the law and education. Hayden High has created one of the newest chapters of the Junior State of America to meet these students’ interests. The Junior State of America (JSA) was created by and for these young people. Since its founding in 1934, more than 500,000 student members have become active, informed citizens through JSA. This year Hayden Lobos attended the fall and spring congresses of JSA along with a special Arizona Centennial Celebration held at the U. of A. in Tucson. What makes JSA so unique is that students organize every aspect of the organization, from the chapter level all the way to state
and national administration. Our student leaders, elected by their fellow JSA members, plan and execute all of the conventions, conferences and politicalawareness events held by JSA. JSA allows for an exchange of ideas through stimulating student debates, thought talks, problem solving and a variety of simulations. By participating in these activities, each member gains a more intelligent and informed viewpoint. This year the Hayden Chapter of JSA sponsored two bills at the Centennial Conference, the first stating that the United States of America become energy self-sufficient by the year 2020 by drilling for oil and natural gas while developing existing national sources such as oil shale and using alternative and renewable sources of energy. The second bill proposed privatizing the
Native American nations and giving the Indian Nations private ownership of the land as an incentive to develop and improve the same. JSA has provided our students with a wonderful chance to meet and make friends with scores of other bright, involved students who have similar interests. In addition, our students have had the opportunity to meet and hear from leaders such as U.S. Representative Paul Gozar and Arizona Secretary of State, Ken Bennett among others. Currently, the Hayden High JSA Chapter has nearly 20 members. Paul Hatch serves as the sponsor with Mary Lechuga as chapter president, Chantel Arbizo as vice-president, Edward Aguirre as secretary and Jimena Corona as secretary. Elections will be held before the end of the current school year to select the officers for next year.