17
GEORGIA
MASSACHUSETTS
RACHEL WANG
This past spring, MassJCL kicked off the end of the year with our 63rd state convention. JCLers from 13 different schools across the state gathered at Barnstable High School from April 26-28 for three days buzzing with activity. We started the weekend with 10 candidates for office with some snazzy campaign slogans and memes. From there on, a frenzy of academic testing, Olympika events, creative art contests, and more ensued.
The #JCLove and the spirit of this year’s national theme – bees are not of a solitary nature – were present in every aspect of convention. At our 3rd annual Project Runway event, teams of students worked together to design and model original outfits for the theme “Zeus’s Lovers.” From participating in a JCL/classics-themed Kahoot! and an original MassJCL Roman Murder mystery, to attending classics workshops held by MassJCL sponsors, to shouting their school pride and love for the classics at spirit and toga parade, the power of a MassJCL convention helped to strengthen a love for the classics and a sense of camaraderie in all who attended.
Of course, friendly competition remains an integral part of the JCL experience. At this year’s convention, Barnstable JCL held the first gladiatorial contest among schools! Each school sent delegates to learn weapon-making and a champion to fight for JCL glory. It was amazing to witness the thrill of a Roman gladiatorial match in the present day, a sentiment echoed by the smiles and boisterous cheers of audience members.
As the school year draws to a close, it is that bittersweet time of the year when we must bid farewell to our beloved graduating seniors, but we also welcome our new, younger members with open arms to the unforgettable experience that is the JCL. MassJCL looks forward to buzzing with all of you at national convention and the start of a new year of purple and gold at our Kickoff event this fall!
Salvete amici!
Once again the Nebraska Junior Classical League has had another wild but fulfilling ride. This year, the NeJCL board was determined to expand upon our 2018 Winter Welcome. We spent many hours over many meetings planning this much anticipated event. After brainstorming, planning, scheduling, finalizing, securing RSVP’s, and sending out flyers, the long awaited week finally came, and with it, a blizzard.
Needless to say, Winter Welcome was canceled, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The convention gods must have been smiling down on us. The NeJCL funneled all the resources originally dedicated for the Winter Welcome toward the state convention. The expanded convention allowed for increased participation, which resulted in the most involvement Nebraska has had in years.
The Nebraska Junior Classical League is looking forward to the national convention this summer. With more delegates attending convention from Nebraska this year than ever before, we are thrilled with our progress and we can’t wait to see all of our friends in July. Valete, and see you soon!
NEBRASKA
EMMA BURBACH