Why You Should Go To Nationals
Lyle Seeligson, NJCL President
Salvete, OJCL!
My name is Lyle Seeligson, and I am the 2016-2017 NJCL President. I thought it would be best for me to write about the NJCL Convention, and why this five-day Latin fest means so much to JCLers.
At the start of my first national convention, I was a shy seventh-grader who had absolutely no idea what she was getting herself into. My teacher suggested that I go to Nationals, and I agreed, acknowledging that Latin was something I found interesting and enjoyed learning about in class.
Little did I know that the Classics and the JCL would come to dominate my middle and high school years, and that making the decision to go to Nationals on somewhat of a whim in 2012 would be one of the most pivotal decisions of my life.
Upon arrival at convention, I was shocked by the scenes that greeted me.
Everywhere, students were sitting together, playing cards and telling Latin jokes.
Wait Chapel at Wake Forest University (where the 2012 NJCL Convention was held) was filled with students taking tests on mythology, grammar, Roman history, Greek life and literature, and so many more subjects.
Whole state delegations came out to cheer on their certamen teams or hear candidates for office. Rows and rows of beautiful artwork, created by students, exploring the Classics lined the tables for Graphic Arts competitions.
The (somewhat) organized chaos of spirit competitions inspired in delegates a contagious, loud fervor for the JCL and its celebration of the Classics.
To a reserved middle schooler, this type of atmosphere was revolutionary. After my shock wore off, I made a decision to dive into this wonderful community as fully as I could.
The JCL has made me a more confident, outgoing person, and I truly believe that its positive effects on JCLers are amazing gifts.
I hope that, this summer, all of you will have the opportunity to feel the JCLove at Troy University in July. This campus is a wonderful place to start your JCL story, or to add another memorable chapter.
I cannot more strongly encourage everyone to attend! It will be a week to remember, full of familiar and exciting JCL traditions and experiences. Hope to see you all there!
E corde,
Lyle Seeligson
2016-2017 NJCL President
21 OJCL TORCH: Convention Spring MMXVII https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjB6MPV-L3RAhVMNiYKHUL8A4EQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmagistrabush.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F23%2Fjcl-t-shirt-contest%2F&psig=AFQjCNHBUl5DxFMgey96R-DH1Oh37W6Q0A&ust=1484356401987376
Left: The Ohio and Indiana delegations cheering during Spirit at the 2016 National Convention at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.