Pitman High School’s Junior State of America civics club has become a dynasty in terms of accolades for student-run organizations. Earlier this month, the chapter claimed their third consecutive Ernest A. Rogers Award for best chapter in all of Northern California. It is also their fourth time winning the award in the past five years.

 

"Winning the Ernest A. Rogers Chapter of the Year Award is a great honor. We are proud of all of our chapter's achievements,” said Pitman AP U.S. government and economics teacher, Isaac Farhadian, who serves as JSA advisor. “The students have done a great job and they have brought honor to our school and to the Central Valley region. I thank all of the officers who are graduating this year and I'm looking forward to working with our new officers for next year." 

 

JSA is the largest nonpartisan, student-run civics organization in the country and the award is the highest honor a chapter can earn for civic excellence. It is awarded to chapters based on five areas, which are political awareness, civic engagement or activism, leadership, community service and JSA participation. Throughout the year, the club hosted weekly meetings, monthly debate cons on national issues and attended state conventions.

 

“JSA has been an absolute transformative experience for me and so many others within the club,” said member Jeannea Gonzales. “The challenging nature of these activities pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me overcome my fear of speaking in front of others." 

 

Chapter president and JSA Central Valley region mayor, senior Fiona Sargissian, also earned the JSA Statesperson of the Year Award, where she focused on growing not only the chapter but their presence in the region.

 

“I got to see so many smart, talented students have the opportunity to voice their opinions, win awards, and bring forth positive change to their community. I'm so excited for Pitman to win Chapter of the Year. I'd like to thank our advisor, Mr. Farhadian, for his mentorship and dedication," she said. 

 

Sargissian will be succeeded as chapter president by Blake Creamer, who currently serves as the debate coordinator alongside Madiha Haideri.

 

"JSA has helped me grow as a person, allowing me to get out of my shell and meet so many new people. Our hard work and determination throughout the year has allowed us to win our third chapter of the year award,” Creamer said. “I am so excited for the future of Pitman high school's JSA chapter."

 

Serving alongside Sargissian, Creamer and Haideri as chapter officers for this school year are vice president Andrew Rodriguez, secretaries Riley Allen and Isabella Ford, treasurer Jeffrey Kern and social media coordinator Kayla Thompson.

 

“Pitman is very deserving of this honor,” Norcal JSA governor Mica J. and director of programs Colette Ankenman said in a joint statement. “Pitman students go outside of just their own school for civic engagement and community service. They have held many successful events throughout the school year and have built a strong community. We are grateful and proud that they are part of the JSA community.”