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ST. CROIX JUNIOR STATESMEN IN ORLANDO

April 30, 2004 – Four students from the St. Croix Educational Complex Chapter of the Junior Statesmen of America represented the Virgin Islands at the organization's Spring Conference in Orlando, Fla., April 16 – 23.
Khnuma Simmonds, president; Annieva McFarlane, vice-president; Jesmiel James, treasurer; Arrin Armstrong, secretary; and Tionee Veira, public relations raised approximately $5000 needed for tickets, lodging, transportation, meals, and conference fees.
The organization is designed to help students find a voice to affect political change in their communities. Fellow members elect student leaders. The leaders plan and execute conferences, conventions, and political awareness events, which allow for the exchange of ideas through debates, discussions and brainstorming.
The Complex is the first local chapter. It was organized by Simmonds, McFarlane and Shariska Petersen in 2002. They had attended the JSA summer symposium at Yale University. Simmonds received full and McFarlane partial scholarships to attend the program.
The Ernest Morris Jr. Chapter was named after former JSA summer program recruiter, Yale graduate and Complex history teacher for encouraging students to achieve enriching lives.
The chapter's motto is Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport.
Armstrong said, "The conference was very interesting and it was touching. This program can help young people like myself learn about the workings of the U.S. government. If you are ready for a challenge or feel bored JSA is for you."
She said because funds were limited they brainstormed on creative ways to stand out. They used postcards imprinted with their chapter as business cards to advertise the territory.
"As the Virgin Islands, we stood out in our red and black uniforms. They were shocked that we could speak English and knew about national issues. We did not only represent the Complex, we represented the Virgin Islands. We wanted to make it known that Virgin Islanders were there," said Armstrong.
Discussions addressed the role of American media: Does the American media have a conservative bias, liberal bias or neither? Another issue was: How to resolve that Congress reauthorize the ban on assault weapons.
Simmonds said member's goals included attending the spring convention annually. Other goals are to raise funds to help students accepted to the summer symposium and for students to attend the winter convention in Washington, DC. The principle goals of the chapter are to educate students throughout the territory about the importance of political awareness and encourage others to become active citizens in their communities.
Simmonds and McFarlane are early admission students at the University of the Virgin Islands. Armstrong and James are School to Work interns at TV2 and Hovensa.
The Junior Statesmen of America is a student-run high school organization. The Complex chapter advisor is Oneida Granger, school counselor.
To learn more about Junior Statesmen call Khnuma at 778-1333, or e-mail her at scecjsa200304@hotmail.com scecjsa200304@hotmail.com, Oneida Granger at 778-2036 (work) or visit www.jsa.org. .
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