Ossining High School Club Wins Chapter of the Year Award

Students in Ossining High School’s Junior State of America club received the Northeast Junior State Chapter of the Year Award at the end of April, the second time in three years it has received the honor.

The award goes to the most outstanding chapter that excels in encouraging involvement in, and understanding of, the processes of democratic self-government, and participation in Junior State of America-sponsored programs, said OHS social studies teacher Kara Burns, the club’s adviser.

“Our chapter is doing the best possible job of educating, involving and representing the youth of our school and community and is living up to the goals of the JSA,” she said.

The Junior State of America is similar to a debate club and is run by students. The OHS JSA, which has about 30 members, was also named Northeast Chapter of the Year in 2016. Outstanding chapters raise political awareness; are involved in civic engagement, activism and community service; and demonstrate leadership. OHS JSA members sponsor bake sales and sell T-shirts to raise money for conference scholarships; hold voter registration drives; and have a mentor program to help guide new members; among other activities.

The club holds debates on topics ranging from serious issues like the pros and cons of additional taxes on plastics and whether the United States should increase aid to Latin American countries, to a lighthearted topic like debating whether Freddy or Jason is the best horror villain. Some of the debates are about pop culture. One example is whether rap and hip-hop accurately portray the struggles of black Americans. Students also hold “thought talks.” They had one this year on the plight of Malaysian refugees and raised money for a refugee aid organization.

Senior Lexi Rudley, outgoing OHS JSA president, said the club’s “family” atmosphere has been a big draw for her and others who have joined. “I like the club for many reasons beyond the communications skills,” she said. “There’s a sense of family coming from this club.”

Lexi said JSA helped her hone her debate skills. During her time in the club, she earned 14 “best speaker gavel” awards for winning debates at conferences.

OHS chapter members Jacob Braunhut and Sarah Hoffman received individual best speaker awards at the Northeast JSA spring convention in Stamford, Connecticut. Sarah, who is a senior, is the outgoing lieutenant governor for the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island and Maine.

When Sarah was in eighth grade, the president of OHS JSA visited her social studies class to discuss the club, which she said has helped improve her communications skills. Sarah was particularly shy at the time. “I thought to myself, ‘That’s exactly what I need,’” she said.

Now, four years later, she has won numerous “best speaker gavel” awards in the Northeast JSA. “It’s such a diverse group of students who really care about each other and the organization,” she said.

Sophomore Tejas Shah had a similar experience. He started out “shy and awkward and horrible at public speaking.” Now he loves to discuss any topic and often wins family debates at home.

Junior Aliya Bashir, who also joined her freshman year, said that former members who are now in college stay in touch and return for visits. “The club really creates a community of kids which I don’t think other chapters have,” she said.