delegates split up, going to more colloquia sessions, Ludi Basketball, and the Nominations Committee. Using beautiful voting paddles, created by Parliamentarian Amanda Hansen, two voting delegates from each state advanced ten of the thirteen pre-filed candidates and nominated two candidates for historian from the floor. The state officers had a chance to meet officers from other states for dinner that evening. While some JCLers performed for the Dramatic Interpretation Contest, others were fiercely playing in or watching the first round of Certamen. The NJCL officers held an informal mixer where topics including everyone’s spirit animal were discussed. Before the day could end, JCLers took the Academic Decathlon test, danced the “Hoosier Hoedown,” visited the Agora, and watched Secondhand Lion.
Wednesday was another early morning for marathoners. After Contest Session III, Impromptu Art was created and Candidates were met. After another Certamen Round and Colloquia Session, Spirit fired up again with the theme “Ceres Always Blooming-a-ton in Indiana.” The bulk of GA III consisted of the candidates’ speeches. At the Constitutional Amendment Committee meeting, after GA, three bylaws were discussed. Then, came more competition in the form of Certamen, Sight Latin Reading, and Ludi Ultimate Frisbee. To conclude the night, JCLers had the Classical Art contest, the Agora, the Roman Murder Mystery, and a dance to “Boogie on the Banks of the Wabash.”
Wednesday was another early morning for marathoners. After Contest Session III, Impromptu Art was created and Candidates were met. After another Certamen Round and Colloquia Session, Spirit fired up again with the theme “Cere’s Always Blooming-a-ton in Indiana.” The bulk of GA III consisted of the candidates’ speeches. At the Constitutional Amendment Committee meeting, after GA, three bylaws were discussed. Then, came more competition in the form of Certamen, Sight Latin Reading, and Ludi Ultimate Frisbee. To conclude the night, JCLers had the Classical Art contest, the Agora, the Roman Murder Mystery, and a dance to “Boogie on the Banks of the Wabash.”
Though the week was slowly coming to a close, Thursday, July 28, was no less eventful as the rest. Ludi Soccer in the morning turned into Ludi Slip-N-Slide Soccer with the return of rain. But there was no time to be down as there were more tests to be taken and even the semi-finals round of Certamen. Along with the NSCL officer elections and Colloquia Session V, half of the day already flew by. The second half of the day began with Candidates Open Forum where officers, states, and even the audience were able to ask the candidates questions. Immediately afterwards, states discussed to which candidates to cast their ballots during their voting fellowship. With almost no time to spare, Spirit began. JCLers were covered in purple and gold for the theme, “Purple Pactolus and the Golden Touch.” GA IV was eventful itself with Communications Coordinator Jon Nozik reciting the pledge in Latin, the ballots being cast, the performance of the NJCL chorus, invitation to the 2017 National Convention, presentations of both silver and tray and corona aurea recipients, the promotional video winner’s video, and election results for the new 2016-2017 NJCL Officers. The Awards Assembly for academics began promptly after GA. That evening was particularly special; JCLers enjoyed a special dinner, “Carnival on the Meadow,” inside, complete with reenactors from Legion XXI, temporary tattoos, and dessert. The long day concluded with a fantastic That’s Entertainment.
The final day of activities finally arrived: Friday, July 29. The day began with Ludi Volleyball, another Awards Assembly for graphic and creative arts and Olympika, and Open Certamen. There was more Certamen following with the competitive final rounds. The NSCL held their banquet, and the NJCL officers, both 2015-16 and newly elected 2016-17, ran colloquia based on their duties. Before the final GA, there was one final Colloquia Session. JCLers gathered at the Arboretum in Roman attire and processed to the IU auditorium showing their spirit to the theme: E-I-E-IU. The final GA produced cheers for award winners, tears from the NJCL officer farewell remarks, and new expectations for the coming year with the inauguration of the new officers. The Day in Old Rome dinner was moved from an outside dining experience to the Indiana Memorial Union, but the meal was delicious all the same. To conclude a great convention, there were a number of night activities: the World Series of Certamen, Karaoke, Bowling and Billiards, and the Farewell Dance “Raiders of the Last Dance.” Friday saw the conclusion of Certamen, Colloquia, 2015-2016, and more, but not the end of friendships formed or the love for JCL and the classics. This convention was a great way to unify everyone and we hope to see you again or for the first time for another victorious convention next year in Alabama.
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Fall 2016 · Torch:U.S. · CONVENTION RECAP
Above: Facebook video of Spirit Procession.
Below: NJCL officers before the first GA
Photo Credit: Caitlin Johnston