On November 14 and 15, the Junior State America (JSA) Club attended the Fall State Convention at the LAX Marriot Hotel. The two day conference was attended by almost 600 students and their faculty moderators from Southern California. The student-led program included speakers, formal debates, thought talks and informal discussions around the topic U.S. Influence in the World. Attending from the Rose and Alex Pilibos chapter were the following students:

Taleen Ansoorian Grade 11
Talin Bagdassarian Grade 11
Christine Batikian Grade 11
Mary Davtyan Grade 11
Nanar Deirderian Grade 10
Nazeli Ekimyan Grade 10
Natalie Kalbakian Grade 10
Ter-Ghevondian, Haig Grade 11
Topalian, Sona Grade 10

Accompanying the students was their moderator, Mrs. Carolyn Sermeno (Social Studies Department Chair), and several parents, Mrs. Ekimyan, Mrs. Batikian, and Mr. Bagdassarian. All of the students participated in the formal and informal sessions. We are especially proud that Haig Ter-Ghevondian was chosen as the Best Speaker in one debate with his subsequent speech opposing further U.S. aid to Israel. This honor is only awarded to 25 students out of the 600 attendees, and is considered a significant honor. We are very proud of all the JSA members who attended and look forward to having even more participate in the future!