In mid-March, Harker hosted a meeting of approximately 40 student-politicians from Junior States of America (JSA). The one-day JSA convention included thought talks; open-ended discussions on certain questions and topics; debates, which are formal arguments on resolutions; and a keynote address by Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager. The topics discussed included rights of corporations, the Dream Act, Second Amendment interpretation, California districting and many others.

Yeager discussed how politicians are having a real impact on the community, including fighting childhood obesity and exposure to first and second hand smoke in public places.

Govinda Dasu, grade 11, mayor of the Golden Gate Region of Northern California JSA and one of the organizers, said, “It was truly a great experience. Not only did we get greater numbers than expected, but the thought talks and debates went truly in-depth into both the practical and ideological implications of the resolutions. The event exceeded my expectations in both quality and quantity.”