By Carly Flahive

Last year, Samantha Mack, now a senior here at Westborough High School, began the Junior State of America Club (JSA). Geared towards discussing current issues in society, debating politics, engaging students in civics around the country, and expanding leadership skills along with meeting new people, what began as a ten member group quickly grew this year to twenty active participants.

Westborough is part of the northeast region of JSA. With students throughout the country participating in JSA, there are occasional conferences in which the club members attend, creating connections with other students interested in similar issues.

On November 14, Westborough High JSA members took part in the 2015 Fall State conference, an overnight event held at the Boston Westin Waterfront Hotel. Chaperoned by club advisor Mr. Chapman, JSA members debated issues including the UN’s involvement in Jerusalem, whether or not gender neutral bathrooms should be implemented, as well as questioning the benefit internet has on society.

“The conference was an incredible experience for our chapter” shares Mack. “ We were able to meet new students from other towns and engage in thought-provoking discussions about issues that are relevant today.”

Accompanied by senior vice president Molly Reilly, senior advertising coordinator Anna Gimilaro, junior secretary Olivia Natale, and junior treasurer Kavya Krishna, President Mack is very happy with her decision to bring the JSA chapter to the northeast. “JSA has been an amazing experience” mentions Mack. “I am so happy to have the opportunity to lead such an amazing group.”

With upcoming fundraisers being planned to help the club attend more conferences, Mack is looking forward to the rest of her year with JSA.