“We need young people like you out there to help make our country as good as it can be,” Young told students.

The original article was posted on The Mooresville-Decatur Times website and is available here with subscription. JSA has obtained permission to repost this article by, Managing Editor, Brian Culp.

Junior State of America links teens with politics
Julie Crothers jcrothers@reporter-times.com
September 3, 2011

MOORESVILLE

Mooresville High School’s Junior State of America group hosted an afternoon chat with U.S. Rep. Todd Young on Tuesday.

Young, the Republican representing the Indiana’s 9th District, spoke to students about the importance of getting involved with government and then opened the floor for a question and answer session.

“We need young people like you out there to help make our country as good as it can be,” Young told students.

Students asked Young about legalizing marijuana, the nation’s budget concerns and the challenges of deciding what to do with Medicare and Medicade funding.

“My focus is on making these programs sustainable so that we can continue to provide funding for the people sitting in this room,” Young said.

Another student asked about federal education programs and the challenges of basing teacher’s pay on student achievement.

“I see so many students in my classes that don’t want to be in school. How do you feel about the No Child Left Behind act?” the student asked.

Young said he was waiting to see the reforms from the education committee, but that he believed students should be tested based on their performance, just perhaps maybe not from a federal exam.

“I do think there should be more competition within education, and Indiana is making steps toward that,” he said.

Young also answered questions about foreign markets, debt ceiling debates and government spending in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I think most everyone at this point will tell you that we need to get out of there as soon as possible,” Young told the group. “We are in a down economy and only have so many resources.”

More than 85 Mooresville High School students, in addition to school staff and community members, attended Tuesday’s event.

The Junior State of America group is part of a nationwide organization that helps students learn about government and politics and the importance of being a good citizen, said Mooresville High School club president Molly Whitley.

Each week, the group meets at the high school to talk about different topics and debate current issues. All high school students are invited to attend.

The group’s advisor, Joyce Gilly, said she was impressed with Tuesday’s turn out. Gilly, who teaches government and history at Mooresville High School, praised the student officers for their hard work putting together the event.

“This is only the 5th year that we’ve been at Mooresville and we have about 30 students involved. Those are great numbers for such a young group,” she said.