Alae Mercurii Volume 12 Issue 2: Fall Edition | Page 18

This year’s Fall Forum was a mini-state convention of academic and athletic contests, unique workshops, General Assemblies, and fun. Students attended workshops on Greek dancing and gladiatorial combat, dressed in classical attire for the host/hostess interview, and challenged each other in competitions ranging from intense volleyball to classic Certamen. The annual kick-off event for the GJCL was an amazing chance to bond over making a bulla or creating impromptu art while meeting others and spending time with old friends.

Following tradition, Walton performed spectacularly from Olympika to Certamen. Although some may believe that studying classics and playing sports are mutually exclusive, Walton consistently placed in both team events like tug-of-war as well as individual sprints. The advanced Certamen team continued the legacy by placing first, the novice team placed first, and intermediate team performed excellently in their division. Additionally, Walton had an overwhelming number of awards for tests from all levels of Latin. Congratulations to all who participated!

The outstanding showing from Fall Forum is evidence of our upcoming success in April. With these results, Walton is ready to dominate at state convention!

Walton’s November meeting featured the annual Grape-Eating contest, where students challenged each other one-on-one to eat the highest number of grapes in thirty seconds. Contestants bravely participated in the short but intense competition as onlookers cheered.

The pool of competitors decreased with each passing round until sophomore Neeraj Raja and junior Bhargav Tata remained. Spectators watched with bated breath as the thirty seconds of the final round began. Historian Anita Singh recalls, “Neeraj took his sweet time chewing.” With mere seconds left in the round, Bhargav overtook his opponent and won by a single grape.

Fittingly, our current vice president Bhargav Tata carried on the legacy of former vice president Donian Chyong, winner for four consecutive years with a record of thirty grapes in thirty seconds.

Congratulations to everyone who participated!

WALTON

Vivi Lu

Two courageous contestants battle in a fierce round of grape-eating.

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