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Health & Fitness

JWHS World A-Fair Provides Unique Educational Experience to Students

Joliet West High School students took on modern international issues during the World A-Fair competition on May 23.

“The World A-Fair provides students with the opportunity to students present original research projects completed in their World Affairs class to an authentic audience of adult judges who score their projects,” said teacher Peter Nackovic.

The authentic audience was provided thanks to the support of over 80 Community judges who were on hand at the event to listen and evaluate the student projects.  “Judges included college professors, administrators, elected officials,  fellow teachers, parents and members of the Joliet community,” said Nackovic.  “The students were very appreciative of those who took time out of their day to participate in the event.  They worked hard to impress the judges and took it extremely seriously.“

The student projects tackled modern international issues, such as America’s use of drones, human rights abuses in North Korea, the One Child Policy in China and other relevant foreign policy issues.

After choosing a topic and completing extensive research, students created a unique thesis, interviewed a person with firsthand experience, located relative visuals and then finally designed an original presentation of their findings.

JWHS student Robert Johnson researched the impact of AIDS in Africa and had the opportunity to present his project to Mayor Tom Giarrante.  “I felt honored to present to the Mayor,” said Johnson.  “He seemed to enjoy my presentation, and I really appreciate that he took the time out of his day to hear me speak.”

Teacher Dan Tito also remarked on the authentic audience that the students experienced.   “At first the students were very nervous, but many reported at the end about how exciting and memorable the event was and how much fun they had,” said Tito.  “The World Affairs’ teachers Peter, Jon, and I really put a premium on giving the students an experience and they responded in extraordinary fashion.  We are really indebted to all the judges and the community for helping us give the students this experience,”  said Tito.

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