~ June Issue ~
 

JSA Debate
By Lauren Stabile

Junior Statesmen of America hosted the first ever teacher versus student debate on Friday, June 1 in the auditorium.  Enjoyed by students, parents and faculty alike, juniors Carson Coles and Jimmy Vlahos battled history teacher, Mr. Gast, and English teacher, Dr. Gen.  The debate centered on the proposed repeal of Patriot Act, a bill passed only a few weeks after September 11, 2001 designed to heightened national security and bolster homeland defense and has engendered controversy ever since its nascence.

            Mr. Gast opened the debate, followed by Coles, each offering valid arguments with rebuttal of liberal point and conservative counterpoint.  Dr. Gen followed the opening statement and Vlahos soon presented the Republican subsequent speeches.

            Once the speakers had presented their spiels, audience members voiced their opinions in subsequent speeches, most notably, junior Jamie Burkhard on the pro side and junior Ryan Rojas along with parents Mrs. Vlahos and Mr. Atkinson embracing the con side.  Junior Ivana Castellanos enjoyed the debate; “It was interesting to hear both sides of the argument and I really liked being able to express my opinions,” she said.

            After an hour of intense debate, the audience voted in favor of the students.  After a quick photo opportunity, the two sides retired to mingle amongst the crowd.  No matter which side was victorious or which side was morally right, the true purpose of the event was to instill the love of democracy into all listeners.

            Overall, the event was successful as JSA’s first fundraiser for the 2006-2007 school year and, according to junior Jon Chong, “it was intense.”  The club meets Thursdays in A203 at lunch.