WHERE THERE IS UNITY, THERE IS VICTORY
T
Reuniting after nationals
he GJCL held its annual kick-off event, Fall Forum, on October 10th at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School. Over 500 students from all across the state had the opportunity to meet up, enjoy the festivities, and partake in the multitude of activities, including a Classics Photo Booth, Certamen matches, essay competitions. The first General Assembly was met with riotous uproars of school spirit and standards waving in the air, and as President Ashley Choo-Hen gaveled to adjourn the session, it signified the inception of a truly unforgettable day for the GJCL. In particular, the gladiatorial combat shows were highly popular, as students engaged in head-to-head combat with foam weapons and dozens of spectators gathered to cheer on their friends and vie for the opportunity to compete. JCLers shared the spirit of camaraderie while meeting new friends and participating in a wide array of workshops that catered to all interests, such as Greek Dancing and the Roman Feast. Delegates also participated in a special service project for MUST Ministries, a local homeless shelter, by decorating lunch bag donations for those in poverty in order to leave a meaningful impact through JCL service projects. A special workshop featured a reunion of all delegates of Praetoria, the annual leadership conference held in September to initiate partnerships amongst schools to strengthen JCL chapters. Additionally, the crafts workshops guided students in the step-by-step processes to make their own Roman helmets, cookie coins, signet rings, mosaics, and bullae as small keepsakes from their experience at Fall Forum. The officers led workshops to share tips on publicity and running for office to begin preparations for passing on the torch to the next generation of passionate JCLers. Finally, at the second general assembly, the two winners of the Host and Hostess Competition, Bryce Mathis and Hannah Marier, were announced and appointed as official board members of the GJCL, prepared to take on their new responsibilities and promote the classics at their schools. The winner of the Illustrated Quotations contest was revealed, whose artwork will be promoted as the cover page for the State Convention program, and ribbons and certificates for the academic and creative arts competitions were distributed to the ecstatic winners. Most notably, the amendment for installing a 2nd Vice President in the state constitution was passed at Fall Forum, paving a new path for the GJCL to become more proactive in spirit and service. Overall, the GJCL is off to an amazing start for this unifying year and hopes to see all delegates again at State Convention in April!