Junior State of America (JSA) Club hosts first debate: “Is a hot dog a sandwich?”

Upper School members of the Junior State of America (JSA) Club had their first debate last Wednesday, September 19. The JSA was created by and for young people interested in what happens around them – from politics, to how government works, and contributing to their community. Since its founding in 1934, JSA has served as a place where students build leadership skills, learn civil debate, and strengthen their engagement through volunteering and activism. More than 500,000 students have graduated high school as more active, informed members of their community as a result of their participation in JSA.

Bianca DeSilva ’20, president and founder of JSA at Farragut, wanted to set the tone with a creative and fun debate to get everyone involved. The debate’s topic was “Is a hot dog a sandwich?”

Four students were up to the task! First, they had to research the topic and collect evidence to support their given pro or con viewpoint. Bianca DeSilva and Rex Walrond ’20 debated that a hotdog is indeed a sandwich, and Ty Ulivech ’20 and Maximilian Panfilov ’19 debated that a hot dog is not a sandwich. Upper School Math teacher, Josh Moore, also the club’s teacher sponsor, was the discussion moderator and held students to time limits and rules.

After a club vote, Rex Waldrond was the winner of the first JSA debate, and it was concluded that hot dogs are indeed sandwiches! Overall the students had fun and were really involved, and we hope to see more members join the club.

If you are interested in joining the JSA Club, meetings are held on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m.