Collier High School Student attends Junior Statesman Program at Princeton University

Jeana has often heard the phrase “Once in a lifetime experience,” but she actually lived one this summer when she participated in the Junior Statesman of America (JSA) program at Princeton University.  The purpose of this program is "to strengthen American democracy by educating and preparing high school students for life-long involvement and responsible leadership in a democratic society."  Jeana was nominated by her Collier History teacher, Eileen Palazza, who wrote, “Her inquisitiveness and perception of historical events, coupled with her passion for learning, enable Jeana to stand out amongst her peers.  She approaches any tasks assigned to her with a genuine interest and desire to master the subject matter.”

During the three-week program, Jeana chose International Relations as her focus of study which consisted of four hours of lecture each day.  “I learned more about terrorism and how the United States interacts with different parts of the world.”  Drawing on her own experience of her father living in Italy while her mother raised her here, Jeana wrote her term paper on international child care and custody issues. 

The second part of the JSA curriculum was a Debate and Public Speaking course, which covered debate tactics, practical experience, as well as observation of notable speakers.  Jeana’s debate topic was to argue the “pro” side of whether the United Nations should expand its number of members, which she proffered would allow greater representation of countries and increase nations’ stake in each particular claim.  She also argued that adding a country that has always been neutral, such as Belgium, could have a significant impact by introducing a unique and peaceful perspective.

In addition to their classroom experience on the Princeton campus, the Junior Statesmen spent two days exploring New York City and taking advantage of its many educational opportunities.  The first day was considered a “Culture Day,” in which students could choose to go to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Times Square, a Broadway Show, or the Met.  Having visited Lady Liberty and Ellis Island with her Collier History class, Jeana chose to go to the Met, Times Square, and Central Park to wet her cultural appetite.  The second day in the city involved a visit to NYU to see several speakers followed by an unforgettable trip to the United Nations in which Jeana and her JSA friends heard an inspiring speech by Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme.

It was difficult for Jeana to choose just one thing that she liked best about the Junior Statesmen program.  From the academics to the cultural opportunities to the friends she made from across the country and abroad, Jeana relished every aspect of the JSA program.  When pressed, however, the important lessons Jeana has learned at Collier came through.  “I learned a lot about myself, and that I’ll probably want to stay closer to home [in college] so that if I’m struggling I will have support.”  Jeana’s ambition to succeed academically was also paramount as she reflected on her time at Princeton.  “I loved the whole experience, but I definitely got a better understanding of how college will be and matured in terms of how I will handle my school work.”  It is clear that Jeana  has a very successful academic career ahead of her and, as Mrs. Palazza wrote in her recommendation, Jeana “is completely dedicated to her education.”