Miami University in Oxford, Ohio hosted the NJCL Convention this year from July 23-28. California brought a total of 48 delegates including our wonderful sponsors and chaperones. Miami University had beautiful architecture and comfortable facilities. A major difference between the two conventions is instead of representing a school, each state brings students who then form a delegation together. We then compete together as the CAJCL, forming sports teams, hanging out at state fellowship, and voting as a state. Nationals is an amazing opportunity to not only connect with JCLers from California, but from all across America. Convention was truly a success! From novice certamen qualifying to semi finals to California placing second in spirit, Cali brought the JUICE.
Our t-shirt one first place in the nation, our website placed seventh, and our publication placed ninth.
Three of the twelve finalists in the NJCL That’s Entertainment Finals were from our golden state! Kiana Hu from Miramonte performed a beautiful opera based on the myth of Dido and Aeneas. Keon Honaryor performed on the piano. Jeff Frenkel-Popell performed Não Existe Amor em SP, a. All three wowed the crowd with their musical prowess.
Another exciting outcome from the National Convention was the election of 2017-18 CAJCL Convention President, Natalie Hilderbrand, as the NJCL Board Communications Coordinator! She represented California with the poise of a true leader. Natalie by impressed delegates from across the nation with her public speaking skills, experience, and comprehensive campaign platform. We cannot wait to see her on the GA stage in Fargo, North Dakota next year!
After an exciting week of academics, spirit, and JCLove, the CAJCLers danced away their Post Convention Depression at the farewell dance. We said “Vale” to the state of Ohio and “Salve” to sweet home California. I cannot wait to quest with the CAJCL for glory, honor, and friendship at next year’s National Convention in Fargo, North Dakota!
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