Our Chapter's Traditions

Free Pizza, a BBQ, and a Whole New Perspective

What are you doing Thursday night, dude? Uh, I dunno. You should come to JSA. First debate of the year. Itll be fun. You'll get pizza. Uh, okay, dude. Beats homework. With this catalyst of a conversation, chapter president John Cranston drew my enlightened freshman self into the world of SIJSA. There was no going back At the debate, over a hundred kids worked themselves into an uproar over statutory rape, as I watched curiously. Current events and issues had always caught my interest, so I was impressed to see that the debaters actually had something knowledgeable to say in the midst of the madness.

For the next year and a half, I made sure to attend every debate night. I really enjoyed watching the students have battles of wits as opposed to the battles of brawn at the SI sporting events. Debating and speaking involved so many skills of intellect and public relating that everyone had something to offer. In the beginning of second semester sophomore year, my good friend Hugh Nguyen and our awesome T/A Mr. Raiter decided to take advantage of my fascination by roping me into cabinet. Hugh volunteered me to Toby for the recently vacated CIA Agent position and Mr. Raiter encouraged me to attend the New Leaders Conference. By the end of the year, after office meetings with the Frankenstein brothers, New Leaders, and my first state convention, I was beyond hooked. I wanted to try everything I could, so I signed up for two summer programs and later had the honor of going to Montezuma as well.

When junior year started, I was choosing to immerse myself with my new cabinet positions in state-level JSA and bypass the chapter. I was a little embarrassed that most of JSA did not seem to take SIJSA seriously, and I did not think that I could do much to improve the chapter. However, our fabulously optimistic new president Ben Matranga and, of course, Hugh would not let me give up. Their commitment caused me to think that maybe SIJSA had the drive to be different this year, to reach new levels and be a club that both JSA and SI would respect.

Our chapter has always been strong, productive, and active, but during this year we have made our best showing in years. We are a powerful, positive presence... everywhere. More SI kids are taking advantage of all facets of JSA. We have record numbers of chapter members, cabinet members, convention attendees, and miniconference attendees. With so many creative minds working together, we have come up with several innovative new activities. Our debates are varied and fresh, and have involved new styles of debating and other campus political clubs. The new lowerclassmen-only debates are designed to spark interest among the future SIJSA leaders in a non-intimidating environment. We also took part in the voter registration drive and food drive. In all the activities, as always, the students demonstrated a mature and deep understanding of the interrelationships and importance of the issues.

Perhaps the highlight of our whirlwind year was our very own mini-conference on March 17. The theme, Generation Y-Should I Care? reflected the relationship between issues and youth. We felt it appropriate to choose this topic since our chapter exists to make students aware of the impact politics have on our lives, and the impact we can have on politics. The miniconf was a great success, drawing over 50 students from 19 different schools. The day kicked off to a high-energy start with San Francisco County Supervisor Gavin Newsom, who discussed the reality of public service and gave advice to future politicians. The students listened, enthralled, as Supervisor Newsom enumerated the values of commitment, failure, and disrespect. He speculated about the future, in terms of the increasingly important role of women, and the necessity of fighting drugs without hesitation. The debates and crossfire covered the topics of international relations, parental liability, juvenile crime records, federally funded abortions, and college affirmative action. All these issues are inextricably connected to the youth generation and its future, and as the students proved, we young people are hardly apathetic. The speakers and audience had many educated opinions to offer, which ranged all over the spectrum on every issue. The fast-paced impromptus and laid-back BBQ solidified the family atmosphere and fostered further discussion and friendship. SIJSA was extremely proud of this miniconf because we achieved our principal goal of fueling the interest of young people in the hot issues that will determine our future. These future taxpayers and voters will hold great power and be at a distinct advantage if they understand what our government does and how they can make their voices heard through all the racket. It is hard to express how proud I am of my chapter for the effort it has put forth this year.

With the constant push from Mr. Raiter and a large group of committed core chapter cabinet, SIJSA has pursued a new direction. We have perfected our tried-and-true activities and methods while integrating in fresh inspiration. Our diversely talented body of students resonates with the multifaceted nature of the organization. For example, our propaganda leaders of gifted writers pen articles for our school newspaper that keep us connected to the student body while increasing awareness and drawing in new members like never before. SI students have spirit like I have seen nowhere else, and they seek always to bring glory to the school. This is a supportive and energetic community that pushes itself to excel in everything it participates in. For these reasons, the SIJSA chapter thrives with this enthusiasm. Our members are active in JSA with varying degrees of intensity depending on their interests, and this flexibility and variety are perennial earmarks of our chapter. The common link is that every single member is motivated to make our chapter the best and most visible of all, and the reward is the unity and pride of success. I genuinely believe that our chapter deserves this award for the zesty flavor it has brought to the JSA melting pot this year, and the promising precedent it has set as a foundation for future years.

Liz Carbone
Chapter Secretary

There once was a dream...

that was the SI chapter a gigantic army, brimming with the flames in the eyes of its impassioned troops; a fiery-spirited group of free yet civilized spirits, dignified yet humble in their own right. That dream once was, and still is. Indeed, these past three years have been a dream, almost too unreal to think of all at once, nonetheless to put into words. What I have experienced during my tenure with SI-JSA is ineffable, but Ill give my three cents worth anyway. Many would ask, "What makes SI different from any other big chapter?" The one greatest factor, in my opinion (and in the opinion of many other SI-JSAers), is the fact that the Ignatian spirit of community carries over from school and prevails in the chapter. SIs chapter basically is one huge team. Every single member of our team, whether he/she knows the other, supports one another. This is especially evident in SIs presence at conventions and attitudes towards JSA elections. Few schools have as much of an impact on the convention atmosphere (or as much fun) as SI. Im reminded of my very first convention during my freshman year, not knowing most of my fellow SI delegates, but nevertheless being invited to hang out with them. This sense of camaraderie attributes to the SI way of letting it loose during the conventionbeing spirited, fun-loving, and outspoken. Look into any debate room at any convention and you will definitely see someone from our team speaking his or her mind freely, loudly, and clearly. Glance at the dance floor, and youll find not just a few, but a large group of Wildcats showing the rest of the crowd how its done. Catch the team sitting together anywhere in the vicinity of the convention, and youll leave wringing the spirit out of your clothes, wondering how they could refrain from singing the S.I. Fight Song. The SI chapter is and always has been a cohesively-functioning and proud pride of Wildcats, fired-up beyond comprehension, ready to roar at half-a-moments notice.

As for elections, SI is a force to be reckoned with. Im still nearly brought to tears thinking about Spring State 2000, when every single one of my fellow chapter members cheered, yelled, and campaigned for me during my Senate race. That lead to a huge victory, which I can not thank my team enough for. SI has played and will probably always play a huge factor in JSA elections. Past leaders such as Holly Hogan (Lt. Gov), Katie Hubner (Vice Mayor), Julia Katz (National Treasurer), Chris Martinez and Sabrina Santilli (Directors of Moderating and Debate, respectively), and an incredible teacher advisor, Mr. Raiter, have paved the way for the present and future denizens of SI-JSA leaders to follow. I myself have chosen to follow that path, in serving as GGR Senator this year and being a candidate in the GGR Mayoral race for next year.

During my freshman year, we had three candidates running for office. Last year, we had two, and this year we will have three. Our very own Noreen Byrne is seeking the Vice-Mayoral position, while Julie Casey reaches for the Senate. This reflects our chapters strong dedication to the region, as we are present in every regional race. Throw into the mix a countless amount of State and Regional Cabinet members, and you have one of the most powerful and influential chapters in the entire Junior State of America: SI.

However long and drawn-out the above seems, it does very little justice to what the SI team really is. Again, describing what SI is and means to me is, in truth, describing something so unbelievably grand that it hardly seems realistic. The dream that is SI lives on, and will definitely live on indefinitely.

Hugh Nguyen
GGR Senator, 2000-2001
Proud member of the S.I. JSA Chapter, 1998- Present

This year...

St. Ignatius' JSA chapter has been a tad bit vain. Possibly our proudest achievement in publicity is our new website at http://go.to/sija [Webmaster's note: You're there right now]. To our knowledge, we are the only chapter in the state with such a claim. The site, meticulously designed by our own Emmanuel Manasievici, includes detailed information on chapter history, members, chapter cabinet, debates and awards, convention reports, campaign information, tons of pictures, and more. After every event, new information gets added to keep the page up to date. This site is an awesome way to keep SIJSAers and people from all around the state informed about our chapter, and we are extremely proud of it.

A newspaper article appears after every debate or conference to summarize the events and appeal to other students who may be interested. With the help of modern technology, digital pictures are included on posters, on the web site, and in the newspapers as a visual aid for all those interested in JSA. I feel that the work in publicity this year has made our chapter more official, organized and outspoken. The constant flow of information to the public keeps new members joining throughout the year, as well as a more formal notification of what JSA is really about. The articles have not only been fun for me to write, but also for all the members to read and keep tabs on debates they might have missed or been involved with.

Here at SI we know how to make people feel special, be accepted and involved. JSA emulates all our values to the fullest because in our chapter everyone gets their fifteen minutes of fame. Yet, what makes JSA so much fun is that the energy never stops coming, and these articles and pictures are like fuel for the machine.

Jennifer Nedeau
Chapter Director of Publicity

Chapter Debates at SI

SIJSA members enjoy evenings of engaging debates ranging in subject matter from the validity of wrestling as a sport to proposed solutions for the national debt. Our chapter boasts a total membership of 218, about 15% of our student body. (For more information, please see the SI JSA web page at http://go.to/sijsa/) On Thursday nights, we regularly gather in numbers exceeding 100 to discover that there is more to the junior statesman program than "just sitting around." Experienced speakers and newcomers alike come to discuss pressing issues in a lively environment and stay to consume copious amounts of coke and North Beach pizza. The most important function of the chapter debates is to draw a diverse crowd and bolster campus interest in JSA.

SI within the Northern California State

As a wise man once said, "There are two kinds of people in JSA: those who go to SI and those who want to go to SI." Actually, the "wise man" in question was chapter president Ben Matranga, and he revealed this token of wisdom not just once, but many, many times. But the truth behind the quote rings clear. SI sticks out within the JSA community not just because it boasts the best-looking delegates, and, of course, the most eloquent debaters, but also because SIJSA composes a unique family.

My favorite JSA memories are not of intense debates or inspirational keynote speakers, but of the relationships I've developed with the "SI crew." Long after I forget Gavin Newsomes predictions of female dominance at our own mini-conference, I will remember walking through the lobby of Mission College after the Lincoln San Jose mini-conference, joined in a twisted a capella version of "That Lovin Feelin" by my SI friends. Our school's famous cheer "We are SI" transcends our own pep rallies. Sometimes its whispered as supportive classmates listen to captivating convention speakers, as we pass the syrup around a large table at the Santa Clara IHOP. And sometimes its shouted as we rally excitement at opening session, as we engage in the "whiteboy getlow," a unique SI contribution to convention dances. Though we bicker at least as much as most families, we support one another constantly through honesty and compassion. Contrary to popular JSA folklore, SIJSA comprises more than a motley menagerie of shady rough riders. Our unique pride and unity as a chapter drive us to rake in the best speaker awards at regionals, mini-conferences, and conventions and to campaign tirelessly.

This weekend, SI supports its own fine candidates for esteemed offices Hugh Nguyen, Noreen Byrne, and Julie Casey for mayor, vice-mayor, and senator, respectively. Our chapter looks forward to future years with current underclassmen who have already demonstrated leadership skills. SI deserves to win chapter of the year this spring more than any other year, but future years look at least as promising. As Hugh wrote in his statement, "There was a dream that was SI JSA." Rest assured, there always will be.

Jenn Mattson '02
Director of Debate

JSA has been alive and well at St. Ignatius for many years...

I have been the moderator of our chapter for all of these years, and I have been particularly pleased how this years chapter has shown energy, enthusiasm and involvement at so many different levels of JSA and in so many different ways. As always we have been busiest at the chapter level. We have had monthly debate nights including a pre-election debate focusing on the presidential candidates and issues of the 2000 campaign. Attendance averages 100 students from all grade levels. There was a successful fund-raiser-- a candy sale-- and political negotiating by our members with the Student Council to raise money to offer scholarships so students can attend conventions and to offset the high costs of transportation to State conventions. This year our Director of Debate instituted two well-attended lunch debates for our Freshmen and Sophomore members who are often prohibited from attended the overnight conventions and sometimes get overwhelmed at our evening debates. Our members conducted an on-campus voter registration drive before the voter registration deadline and registered many Seniors eligible to vote in the 2000 election. Finally, we recently hosted a Mini-Conference keynoted by an SF Supervisor, Gavin Newsom, and attended by over 60 students from over 15 schools in the GGR Region and throughout the Northern State.

At the State and Regional levels involvement has been significant and varied. We brought large numbers of students to Regional conventions and all three State conventions. Our students have involved themselves as debaters, as logistical support , and as behind-the-scene planners and won awards at all these activities. Hugh Nguyen, a GGR Senator, was our highest elected official and served with distinction in that capacity, but our chapter members have logged numerous hours at the JSA office doing everything from routine office duties to planning and evaluating the State conventions.

Our chapter has shown health, vigor, vitality, and a promising future in many ways. Several chapter members have entered races for regional offices this year and are busy planning their campaigns. Several students are planning on attending Summer Schools and Symposia this summer. Several students are planning their campaigns for chapter offices for next year. If theres a job to do someone has always been willing to do it. Several members have combined JSA with their extracurricular activities: Greg McGarry is Vice-President of the student body and has helped us on the Student Council and the announcements; Jenny Nedeau has written articles on all our debates in her capacity as a reporter on the school newspaper; Manny Manasievici has used his tech skills to create an SI JSA homepage on the web (Check it out!) and has done creative flyers for all our activities; and our chapter president, Ben Matranga, has done an excellent job of keeping things fun and running smoothly while balancing several school activities and a term on the SF Youth Commission. We are healthy, energetic and involved. We have made a difference on our campus and at all levels of JSA. We have, in fact, had a year worthy of being selected Chapter of the Year. We hope you agree.

Richard Raiter
Moderator, St.Ignatius Chapter of Junior State of America