[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9707]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




A TRIBUTE TO JOHN BURROUGHS HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR STATE OF AMERICA CHAPTER

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                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 21, 2012

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the John 
Burroughs High School Junior State of America Chapter (JBHS JSA), from 
Burbank, California, upon being announced as the winner of the fifth 
annual National Civic Impact Award.
  The concept for the Junior State was envisioned in the 1930s by 
Professor E.A. Rogers, who strongly believed that teaching youth the 
fundamentals of good government is one of the central needs of a 
democracy. When he introduced this idea to his students, a 
recommendation for a junior government was proposed by a student, where 
students would not only learn about democracy, but practice it as well. 
Formerly known as the Junior Statesmen of America, this project has 
spread to many high schools in California and across the nation. Since 
its inception, over 500,000 students have gained the skills and 
knowledge essential to be informed and active citizens and leaders.
  Today, the Junior State of America (JSA) and the Junior Statesmen 
Foundation, strive to prepare and educate high school students for 
continuing involvement and participation in a democratic society. It 
encourages students to advocate their personal opinions, develop 
respect for opinions that oppose their own, think critically, and 
exchange ideas through problem solving, talks and debates. This 
experience also allows students to understand the responsibilities and 
challenges of leadership.
  Every year, the top JSA chapters from across the U.S. compete for the 
National Civic Impact Award. This award is presented to the JSA chapter 
that makes the most prevalent impact at their school, by raising the 
degree of civic engagement and awareness. Ten finalists, who had all 
been announced winners of the ``Chapter of the Year'' award in their 
respective regions, advanced to be considered for the National Civic 
Impact Award. A panel of judges reviewed the materials the finalists 
had submitted, and announced John Burroughs High School as this year's 
winner. In addition to this prestigious title, the JBHS JSA will 
receive a grant towards maintaining the school's civic engagement 
programs, a stipend reward for the Teacher/Advisor as well as a plaque 
highlighting their achievement. The JBHS JSA is also incredibly active 
in their school and community. They have raised money for the Ronald 
McDonald House Charity, attended City Council and School Board meetings 
and hosted guest speakers.
  I applaud the student participants and all the supporters of JSA for 
your unwavering commitment to civic engagement, and I ask all Members 
to join me in congratulating the JBHS JSA Chapter for their noteworthy 
achievement.

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