Torch: U.S. LXVII Summer 2018 | Page 7

State Updates · Torch:U.S. · Summer 2018

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STATE UPDATES

Massachusetts

MassJCL's year came to a crashing conclusion with our State Convention. 16 Schools came to Convention, and with over 350 attendees, and one very special guest from Ohio, students dived into the heart of the classics. On April 27th, we opened convention with a bang as 15 candidates read speeches for State Office. Following our General Assembly, numerous events captivated students. Project Runway made its second debut at a MassJCL State Convention with students donning custom costumes and showing off their creativity. Other students dived headlong in competitions of oration and academic testing.

The chaos of convention is always a wonderful thing. Over the course of the next two days, students could participate in a special MassJCL Kahoot! game, or a riveting Roman Murder Mystery experience. JCLers engaged each other in gladiatorial combat, yet no matter win or lose, students walked away with happy smiles and boisterous laughter. Spirit, as always, enchanted the entire crowd. MassJCL was alive with Classics Fever.

While many of us look forward to Nationals, MassJCLers will remain bursting at the seams with purple and gold as we all look forward to the start of a new year at Kickoff.

Jacob Hane, Former Massachusetts JCL Editor

Ohio

The Ohio Junior Classical League held our 68th State Convention during the weekend of

March 9-11 at the DoubleTree Columbus Worthington hotel. Twenty-five schools throughout Ohio came together for this fun-filled weekend to participate in creative and graphic arts contests, nine academic tests, and many other fun activities such as a Break-Out Room. Each delegation also had the

opportunity to display its spirit for the Classics before each of the three General Assemblies, following spirit themes such as Romans at the Races and Cinema Romana. Overall, the Ohio

JCL’s 68th State Convention was a huge success. After State Convention, the OhioJCL celebrated National Classics Week by designating challenges and fun activities for local chapters to participate in each day of the week. We also held service events in each of the three regions of the state: Central Ohio served at NNEMAP Food Pantry on May 12, the South served at The Hope Factory on May 19, and the North served at Hubbard Valley Park on May 19. Currently, we are all preparing to host the upcoming National JCL Convention at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Our video invitation for NJCL Convention can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wDCkY-pf-E. We are so excited to be hosting this convention this year and hope to see you there!

Allie Hinnenkamp, Ohio JCL Editor

Texas

The Texas State Junior Classical League had an amazing State Convention with classical students from all areas of our state. This year, we saw over 1800 students and teachers registered from 90 different schools. Additionally, our 2nd Vice President Isabella Zou led one of our largest service projects to date with 643 pairs of socks and 200 notes donated to homeless shelters in the Dallas. After two days filled with Certamen, Ludi and Academics, Texas JCLers are ready for Oxford, Ohio!

Spencer Allan, Texas JCL Editor

Virginia

Since the last Torch: US, the VJCL has had several state Certamina, at which we held many service projects. The Spring Executive Council meeting was held in early March; during this meeting, we discussed National Convention preparation and state Spirit plans. The Executive Board was invited to and attended the North Carolina JCL Convention in April. A huge thank you to the NCJCL Board for the amazing experience!

Jocelyn Robertson, Virginia JCL Editor