UPDATED 1-2 TIMES A WEEK
MAYA BENZIGER
Midwest Debate Agent and D204 Vice President 2017-2018
I’ve always felt that the phrase, “the mantle of leadership”, was a misnomer. To me, that implied that leadership was like a coat, something you put on or take off depending on the weather. Getting a bit chilly? Time to put the leadership jacket on! But I don’t think leadership is that surface-level. I don’t think leadership is that conscious.
You don’t choose to be a leader. You may or may not choose to lead, but at its most fundamental level, a leader is more than someone who leads. A leader is worth following. A leader is someone inspiring. A leader is someone with a vision so powerful that it attracts and motivates so many others.
Leadership is intuitive. It’s not what you decide to be, it’s who you are.
It is for this reason that I am proud to endorse Litsa Kapsalis for the position of Midwest Governor.
Litsa, from the very first moment I met her, struck me as a leader. She was only a freshman when we first met, arguing about Greece at some chapcon or another, and yet even at that age, Litsa had a vivacity and strength that bespoke authority. She understood herself and was comfortable breaking the mold if it meant being true to who she was. Litsa led by example.
As the years went on and I was able to work more closely with Litsa in a number of capacities - as fellow debate agents and as coordinators for Winter Congress - I watched her develop and grow as a leader. Hesitation turned into confidence. Pause turned into action. Litsa became someone who did not only do what was asked of her, but someone who went above and beyond. She took the initiative on a number of projects, executing them with skill and an eye for detail.
Throughout this evolution, Litsa’s motivations never changed. She did not lead because she wanted to. She led because she was inherently a leader and she was needed. Everything she did was done in service to those around her. I don’t think this is a quality you can often attribute to those in power, but Litsa was and is humble. That humility made her accessible and kept her grounded in the real issues she needed to solve.
When it comes to the Midwest governorship, I believe Litsa is uniquely qualified. She is intimately familiar with the inner-workings of JSA and would be able to effectively utilize the systems in place. She is a fantastic communicator and collaborator and would be talented in overseeing the multiple moving parts of the Cabinet. And she is a true leader in everything she does, whether she has a title or not. I cannot think of a better, more dedicated, more passionate candidate for the Midwest Governor than Litsa Kapsalis.
You don’t choose to be a leader. You may or may not choose to lead, but at its most fundamental level, a leader is more than someone who leads. A leader is worth following. A leader is someone inspiring. A leader is someone with a vision so powerful that it attracts and motivates so many others.
Leadership is intuitive. It’s not what you decide to be, it’s who you are.
It is for this reason that I am proud to endorse Litsa Kapsalis for the position of Midwest Governor.
Litsa, from the very first moment I met her, struck me as a leader. She was only a freshman when we first met, arguing about Greece at some chapcon or another, and yet even at that age, Litsa had a vivacity and strength that bespoke authority. She understood herself and was comfortable breaking the mold if it meant being true to who she was. Litsa led by example.
As the years went on and I was able to work more closely with Litsa in a number of capacities - as fellow debate agents and as coordinators for Winter Congress - I watched her develop and grow as a leader. Hesitation turned into confidence. Pause turned into action. Litsa became someone who did not only do what was asked of her, but someone who went above and beyond. She took the initiative on a number of projects, executing them with skill and an eye for detail.
Throughout this evolution, Litsa’s motivations never changed. She did not lead because she wanted to. She led because she was inherently a leader and she was needed. Everything she did was done in service to those around her. I don’t think this is a quality you can often attribute to those in power, but Litsa was and is humble. That humility made her accessible and kept her grounded in the real issues she needed to solve.
When it comes to the Midwest governorship, I believe Litsa is uniquely qualified. She is intimately familiar with the inner-workings of JSA and would be able to effectively utilize the systems in place. She is a fantastic communicator and collaborator and would be talented in overseeing the multiple moving parts of the Cabinet. And she is a true leader in everything she does, whether she has a title or not. I cannot think of a better, more dedicated, more passionate candidate for the Midwest Governor than Litsa Kapsalis.
KATY BRENNAN
Vernon Hills Chapter President
When Litsa first called me to say that she was running for Midwest Governor and to ask for my support, I was shocked. Not because I was surprised that she would run for Governor or because I was not 110% on board with her candidacy. But because I thought that it was obvious that I would of course support her candidacy just as she has supported my chapter and my personal growth as a leader.
I first met Litsa at Chapter Leadership Conference last year, and while we didn’t talk much until a few months later, I instantly knew that we would be friends. As a young debate agent and CP, she immediately offered to support me in any way possible. Debate suggestions, advice — whatever I needed. With CLC being my first ever Midwest JSA event, I was completely taken aback not only by her kind spirit, but the initiative and confidence she radiated. As a timid, first-year chapter officer, I aspired to someday become a JSAer like her — someone who could speak with composure and ease, offer purposeful support to others and lead a chapter with such poise.
Over time, I have certainly used Litsa’s expertise as a support to my chapter, but more importantly, I have truly used her as a role model for myself. I have witnessed her transform timid, new JSAers — not so different from myself — into passionate debaters who take initiative and now serve as active Midwest members. Serving as CP this year to a majority underclassmen chapter, I used my observations of Litsa last year as an example for my own leadership.
And watching my new, young chapter members grow this year, I have observed them do the same. Every convention, it feels as if a different chapter member is telling me about how Litsa helped them with a speech or aided them in feeling confident in their views. I see in them the same admiration that I felt last year — and still feel now — when I think of Litsa.
As a leader who aims to increase cabinet to chapter connections, Litsa completely embodies her platform. She has made a conscious effort every step of the way to support me and my chapter as a whole. For that reason, it is my honor to nominate Litsa Kapsalis as your next Governor. Her kind spirit, passion for this organization, and dedication to improving every individual chapter are truly unparalleled, and while I sadly will not be here to experience it, I cannot wait to hear about her successes as your next Governor.
I first met Litsa at Chapter Leadership Conference last year, and while we didn’t talk much until a few months later, I instantly knew that we would be friends. As a young debate agent and CP, she immediately offered to support me in any way possible. Debate suggestions, advice — whatever I needed. With CLC being my first ever Midwest JSA event, I was completely taken aback not only by her kind spirit, but the initiative and confidence she radiated. As a timid, first-year chapter officer, I aspired to someday become a JSAer like her — someone who could speak with composure and ease, offer purposeful support to others and lead a chapter with such poise.
Over time, I have certainly used Litsa’s expertise as a support to my chapter, but more importantly, I have truly used her as a role model for myself. I have witnessed her transform timid, new JSAers — not so different from myself — into passionate debaters who take initiative and now serve as active Midwest members. Serving as CP this year to a majority underclassmen chapter, I used my observations of Litsa last year as an example for my own leadership.
And watching my new, young chapter members grow this year, I have observed them do the same. Every convention, it feels as if a different chapter member is telling me about how Litsa helped them with a speech or aided them in feeling confident in their views. I see in them the same admiration that I felt last year — and still feel now — when I think of Litsa.
As a leader who aims to increase cabinet to chapter connections, Litsa completely embodies her platform. She has made a conscious effort every step of the way to support me and my chapter as a whole. For that reason, it is my honor to nominate Litsa Kapsalis as your next Governor. Her kind spirit, passion for this organization, and dedication to improving every individual chapter are truly unparalleled, and while I sadly will not be here to experience it, I cannot wait to hear about her successes as your next Governor.
EMMET BRADY
Midwest Director of CIA 2017-2018
I spent the final two years of my high school career working with, debating with, and getting to know Litsa Kapsalis. Despite being two years older, I found myself learning from her and striving to conduct myself in the way she does (and did). If I could, I’d cast my vote for her as Midwest JSA’s Governor without hesitation.
Litsa is, without a doubt, the most hardworking person I’ve ever met. Anyone who’s worked with her knows this. Rarely does one come into contact with a person capable of chugging through so much work so efficiently while still putting out an extremely high quality of product. I would often ask a lot of Litsa, and she came through on everything I delegated to her, regardless of its size or apparent complexity. While she was Chapter President of our chapter last year, in the height of my college application process, she stepped up and effectively planned OlympiCon entirely on her own. These are the kinds of situations in which Litsa thrives.
She has grit as well. Litsa is tough––capable and level-headed in situations that would cause most others to capitulate immediately. Her style of leadership instills this kind of prowess in all those looking to her for direction, and in fact, even when I was her Chapter President she was causing me to question and change the way I responded to undesirable circumstances. The example above is a good demonstration of this fact as well: she did not chastise me, complain about my unavailability, or criticize me for my business. Instead, she simply did what she felt needed to be done.
Litsa is an intellectual. As a young freshman and sophomore, she came to every meeting prepared and willing to speak on resolutions, often carrying discussion. She was always respectful of other members, but at the same time willing to push back on their ideas to improve the quality of debate. She makes her voice heard despite her young age for her grade, and in doing so makes those around her better.
I knew from the moment Litsa arrived to visit an LFHS JSA meeting as an eighth grader, a year before even starting high school, that she was destined for greatness. As my sister and I were heading home from that meeting, we shared that sentiment with one another. I only saw growth in Litsa from that moment forward. It was obvious that she had it in her to be leader, and I was able to watch her get closer and closer to the most consummate version with every choice she made.
Litsa is compassionate, understanding, and empathetic. She is able to lead by example while still remaining caring and cognizant. Her dedication to success and learning, her pure and unadulterated love for JSA, and her passion for being the best she can be make me so excited about her chance to lead the Midwest State, an institution I care deeply about.
Midwest JSA, before you stands the best (soon-to-be) Governor you’ve had the chance to elect in at least five years––and the past five have been far from unqualified. Don’t mess this one up.
Litsa is, without a doubt, the most hardworking person I’ve ever met. Anyone who’s worked with her knows this. Rarely does one come into contact with a person capable of chugging through so much work so efficiently while still putting out an extremely high quality of product. I would often ask a lot of Litsa, and she came through on everything I delegated to her, regardless of its size or apparent complexity. While she was Chapter President of our chapter last year, in the height of my college application process, she stepped up and effectively planned OlympiCon entirely on her own. These are the kinds of situations in which Litsa thrives.
She has grit as well. Litsa is tough––capable and level-headed in situations that would cause most others to capitulate immediately. Her style of leadership instills this kind of prowess in all those looking to her for direction, and in fact, even when I was her Chapter President she was causing me to question and change the way I responded to undesirable circumstances. The example above is a good demonstration of this fact as well: she did not chastise me, complain about my unavailability, or criticize me for my business. Instead, she simply did what she felt needed to be done.
Litsa is an intellectual. As a young freshman and sophomore, she came to every meeting prepared and willing to speak on resolutions, often carrying discussion. She was always respectful of other members, but at the same time willing to push back on their ideas to improve the quality of debate. She makes her voice heard despite her young age for her grade, and in doing so makes those around her better.
I knew from the moment Litsa arrived to visit an LFHS JSA meeting as an eighth grader, a year before even starting high school, that she was destined for greatness. As my sister and I were heading home from that meeting, we shared that sentiment with one another. I only saw growth in Litsa from that moment forward. It was obvious that she had it in her to be leader, and I was able to watch her get closer and closer to the most consummate version with every choice she made.
Litsa is compassionate, understanding, and empathetic. She is able to lead by example while still remaining caring and cognizant. Her dedication to success and learning, her pure and unadulterated love for JSA, and her passion for being the best she can be make me so excited about her chance to lead the Midwest State, an institution I care deeply about.
Midwest JSA, before you stands the best (soon-to-be) Governor you’ve had the chance to elect in at least five years––and the past five have been far from unqualified. Don’t mess this one up.
NAMISH KAISTHA
Midwest Activism Agent
At HistoriCON 2018, I had the fortune of getting to know Litsa as a person, and this is the first time I was truly able to learn more about who she is as a person. People often quantify Litsa by her accomplishments, but in doing so they forget about her personality. Her accomplishments speak for themselves in regards to whether she is fit to be the next governor of the Midwest, but there are some things that are more important than a title.
An effective governor not only needs to be able to get work done on time but also needs to be able to connect with audiences of people and individuals at the same time in order to get ideas across and lead effectively. Litsa has consistently demonstrated time and time again how much she cares about the betterment of this organization and the individuals within this organization. I am confident that she will be able to continue fostering the welcoming environment that JSA currently has. Her humility and passion will redefine the work ethic and patience that this job requires.
Litsa has constantly demonstrated skills of servant leadership. A servant leader is only in a position of power because they seek to work for the betterment of the members of the organization they are leading. Litsa always asks questions like “What can I do to help others?” and focuses on serving others instead of herself. Litsa never thinks that she is too important to do a job, and she always works on serving instead of dictating.
A vote for Litsa means a greater future for the Midwest. She is constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation for JSA, and her dedication will no doubt encourage her to push through the challenges of being the Midwest Governor."
An effective governor not only needs to be able to get work done on time but also needs to be able to connect with audiences of people and individuals at the same time in order to get ideas across and lead effectively. Litsa has consistently demonstrated time and time again how much she cares about the betterment of this organization and the individuals within this organization. I am confident that she will be able to continue fostering the welcoming environment that JSA currently has. Her humility and passion will redefine the work ethic and patience that this job requires.
Litsa has constantly demonstrated skills of servant leadership. A servant leader is only in a position of power because they seek to work for the betterment of the members of the organization they are leading. Litsa always asks questions like “What can I do to help others?” and focuses on serving others instead of herself. Litsa never thinks that she is too important to do a job, and she always works on serving instead of dictating.
A vote for Litsa means a greater future for the Midwest. She is constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation for JSA, and her dedication will no doubt encourage her to push through the challenges of being the Midwest Governor."
AVIGAIL BAILON
Morton East Chapter President
"Good afternoon Midwest! I am standing here today to talk about a highly-driven person, Litsa Kapsalis. I still remember the day I met Litsa in August of 2017, as CabCon began, I could immediately tell she was well-rounded, cultured, and humble. She was not only the youngest person in the room, but, arguably, the most intelligent person in the room. We talked about our shared love for random history knowledge, while also bonding over the stressful course load we were both enduring.
Since then, Litsa has been a Debate Agent, a 2018 Midwest Bill Director , an FEC Agent for the 2018 Midwest elections, a Convention Bill Director for this past WinterCON, and she currently holds the title of National Director of Debate, while making it all look like a piece of cake. Litsa has been nothing shy of involved, yet, she continues her passion for JSA by holding personal conversations with JSA members, aiding speakers to prepare for debates, and simply being a symbol of support.
Her unwavering devotion to JSA proves that she has gone above par to be qualified for her future position. Her strength and versatility to handle numerous responsibilities proves that Litsa is the perfect candidate for Midwest Governor. Voting for Litsa will not only ensure that the Midwest will be left in well equipped hands, but will continue to further the betterment of a thriving Midwest."
Since then, Litsa has been a Debate Agent, a 2018 Midwest Bill Director , an FEC Agent for the 2018 Midwest elections, a Convention Bill Director for this past WinterCON, and she currently holds the title of National Director of Debate, while making it all look like a piece of cake. Litsa has been nothing shy of involved, yet, she continues her passion for JSA by holding personal conversations with JSA members, aiding speakers to prepare for debates, and simply being a symbol of support.
Her unwavering devotion to JSA proves that she has gone above par to be qualified for her future position. Her strength and versatility to handle numerous responsibilities proves that Litsa is the perfect candidate for Midwest Governor. Voting for Litsa will not only ensure that the Midwest will be left in well equipped hands, but will continue to further the betterment of a thriving Midwest."
LOUIS GLEASON
National Chief of Staff
"When I initially applied to NatCab, I applied for both Chief-of-Staff and Director of Debate. I was eventually chosen for CoS, but worked closely with Litsa due to my interest in debate. She demonstrated herself not only to be a great worker as being a junior of national cabinet (and feat of itself), but also extremely creative, receptive to feedback, versatile, and extremely dedicated. At one point, some felt her national debates could be more exciting. As a good leader, she took this criticism gracefully, and implemented a change in the debates she released. Similarly, she employed great creativity in many initiatives she pursued, including different debate awards, data collection to better craft debate topics, and an upcoming project for Spring State, and great ambition in pursuing change she knew she would have to work hard for. Unafraid of shaking up the status quo for the benefit of JSA and equipped with the creativity to formulate new initiatives, Litsa will make a fantastic governor for students of the Midwest." - Louis Gleason, National Chief of Staff
LIAM CLARK
Midwest Director of Debate