Impactful service earns FHS’s JSA Club national, region awards
The FHS chapter of Junior State of America Club won both the National Civic Impact Award and the Ernest A. Rogers Chapter of the Year Award for the Ohio River Valley Region, awards given for its overall previous year of service.
“The national award is given to the school that has shown growth and gives back to the community,” said Selom Bediako, who is co-president and club co-founder with Rena Liu.
It also came with a $2,5000 scholarship to not only help grow the club, but Bediako said the funds also will be used to attend in-person conventions next semester and help other East Tennessee schools start chapters.
“JSA also recognizes the chapter that has the biggest impact on increasing the level of civic awareness and engagement of their school and community,” Liu said. “JSA chapters who win this award are chosen as their state’s Ernest A. Rogers Chapter of the Year.
“The criteria for the two awards are the same, one is just limited to the region and the other one is national,” she added.
“This award recognizes JSA Chapters that display strong connections to their community,” Bediako said. “At Farragut, we held many events for our school, including a voter registration drive and a Black History Month social media initiative.
“Furthermore, this award recognizes a chapter that empowers members to take leadership roles, has a collaborative relationship with their teacher advisor and encourages members to be involved in JSA at the state and national level.”
“To earn the National Civic Impact Award, the Chapter encourages members to participate in local government, and many of our members are active at school board meetings and are interning with local campaigns,” Liu said.
Additionally, 10 FHS members participated in virtual conventions throughout the year, including Bediako and Liu, secretary Raymond Jin; treasurer Mike Qi and members Maggie Lamons, Ridhima Singh, Emma Cabage, Leo Davis and David Alsobrooks.
Additionaly, they have excelled, accumulating numerous speaking awards with Ca bage, Davis and Liu winning Best Speaker Gavels.
“These were won at various conventions throughout the year including Fall State, Spring State and Winter Congress,” Bediako said. “As a chapter, we were the Spring State Chapter Debate Tournament Semi-Finalist.”
Bediako and Liu, both seniors, founded the club at Farragut two years ago with Shasta Todd and Cathryn Maye as teacher sponsors. While Maye currently is out on maternity leave, Todd remains club sponsor.
“Over the last two years, the club has grown from five members to over 20,” Bediako said.
She also explained two draws for club members are offering “direct opportunities to impact your community through the leadership positions it offers and its focus on community service.”
Prospective members may call Bediako at 865-244-5426 or Liu at 865-585-3073, or e-mail farragutjsa@gmail.com.
