JSA Spring 2008

In April, twenty-four Anacapa students, together with other 1200 Southern California students, participated in the JSA Spring State Convention in Los Angeles.  The weekend was filled with debates on a wide variety of  current topics from the legalization of gay marriage to whether or not the US should withdraw from Iraq to school vouchers.

The student run national organization promotes civic literacy by organizing debates and elections.  Probably the most exciting part was the election of Anacapa sophomore Chris, who ran for Channel Islands Region Vice Mayor and in a thrilling run off ballot, won the position.

All the Anacapa students were kept busy from early morning to late evening with the constant debates and campaigning for Chris, and there was time for socializing as well, with huge dances each evening.

Seniors Noah and Brookes, current Vice Mayor and Mayor, were especially busy with their assignments in logistics, debates and elections.

Returning to Santa Barbara on Sunday evening, junior Elliot said he was telling everybody about the amazing experience of a JSA convention, with so many ideas to consider and learning to express ones stands on issues.  "I am definitely coming again!," he said.

The Anacapa Chapter, twenty-four strong students, posed together before checking  into the hotel.

Campaigning was constant and fun, with students waving their "Chris for Vice Mayor" signs whenever a crowd gathered.

Brookes and Noah counted ballots as the crowd waited in anticipation.

There was some "down time" (literally) waiting for tallies.

Chris was sworn in as the new Channel Islands Region Vice Mayor.

The Anacapa group after the elections.