JSA Wintercon Trip

Written By Alay Galvankar

February 2024

//A selfie taken by some of Biotech’s WinterCon participants. (Photo Credit: Annika Raj)

During President’s Day Weekend, Biotech’s JSA Chapter had the opportunity to bring its cabinet and members to the nation’s capital to attend JSA’s annual Winter Convention. The chapter brought over twenty five members: freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. At the three day event, our members debated with students from around the country, networked, and built long-lasting memories that they’re sure to never forget. 

Students arrived either via train or car around Friday afternoon in D.C. and were able to spend the day discovering the city. Many chose to visit museums, others enjoyed viewing our capital's historic monuments, and some took a quick trip to Georgetown. On Friday night, there was a JSA Prom where students were able to get to know one another, sing, and dance. By the end of the day, students returned to their designated hotel rooms as they had a big day ahead of them. 

On Saturday morning, students got ready, had breakfast, and made their way to the opening caucus where they were assigned to their debate rooms for the day as well as the bills they would be debating. Co-Presidents Alay Galvankar and Madison MacKenzie, Secretary Annika Raj, SAR Kais Rabah, and Jared Matisoff all headed to their Senate and House of Representative rooms as they were presenting their bill: an amendment to ban participation trophies in youth sports. 

After a day’s long of debate, students were exhausted and headed for dinner. Alay, Madison, Annika, Kais, and Jared were satisfied as their bill had passed in both the Senate and House of Representatives had made it to the second day of debates. 

By Sunday morning, students wrapped up their last couple of debates in their rooms. Unfortunately, the participation trophies amendment didn't pass for the group; nevertheless, still a great experience for the bill sponsors! By noon, candidates running for state positions gave their speeches, keynote speakers presented, and awards were given. At this year’s Wintercon, BTHS came back home with two best-speaker awards, as Musa Dar and Kais Rabah claimed victory. It was the club’s seventh-best-speaker award this school year, a school record! 

After closing ceremonies, the convention had come to a close, and students made their way back home. Overall, it was a great experience for all those that attended and the club looks forward to traveling to Philadelphia for Spring State in mid-April! ❧