the torch

16 Pages·2014·9.33 MB·English

THE TORCH
the official publication of the texas state junior classical league vol. LXXIV: Issue No.1
CON TENTS
Editor’s Letter (2)
TSJCL President’s Letter (3)
TXSCL President’s Letter (4)
Certamen Interview with Olivia Hindera (5)
Interview with NJCL President, Ruiqi He (6)
Contest Changes (7-8)
NJCL Convention Results (9-14)
Ludi Torch (15-16)
Editor’s letter- 2
Salvete Omnes!
This year at the 61st annual NJCL convention at Emory University the Texas delegation truly made
the TSJCL proud. From outstanding creative art performances to academic recognition to zealous spirit to
a national office election, the great size of Texas’s enthusiasm for the JCL was not understated. There was a
grand total of 187 Texans- 32 sponsors and chaperones, 149 JCLers, and 6 SCLers. Our own Ruiqi He, the
former 2013-2014 TSJCL 1st Vice President, was elected to the honorable office of NJCL President! Also,
Trace Turner was elected as Vice President of the National Senior Classical League (NSCL), and Angel Pe-
rez-Cortes was elected as Texas Senior Classical League (TXSCL) President.
Texas avidly showed spirit all throughout the week. For Roll Call,Katy Kilborn and David Mann em-
bodied JCLove as they translated the story of The Fault in Our Stars to NJCL. TSJCLers were seen sporting
zombie makeup for “The Walking Dead Language,” using Dr. Pepper signs as fans to fend off the heat on
“Timeless Coca Cola Classics” day, and tripping over their togas to celebrate “A Day in Old Rome.” The
TSJCL’s spirit even won first place on the spirit day of “Race Atalanta to the Purple and Gold.” State officers
proudly hoisted the golden corn-shaped trophy with tired arms and sore throats.
Beyond bellowing cheers at General Assemblies, JCLers were actively involved in everything from
essay contests to dramatic interpretation to art to Ludi Swimming to Certamen. If not prepping for contests,
students participated in the Bazaar, ooohed and ahhhed at That’s Entertainment, and sang-along to the Disney
playlists at the state fellowships. The Emory campus proved to be a Classics Heaven for the JCLers as they
explored the museum exhibits and colloquia. As well, a few hungry Texas state officers and former officers
creatively named a pizza delivery guy an Honorary JCLer and declared their love for the local Chipotle.
Overall, the Texas delegation again performed exceptionally in all fields. The National Junior Classi-
cal League 2014 Convention could not be called anything but amazing!
Gratias Ago!
Gabby Sagun
2014-2015 Editor
Ruiqi He- NJCL President- Left, Gabby Sagun- TSJCL Editor- Right.
TSJCL President’s Letter- 3
Salvete, mi amici!
I would first like to congratulate TSJCL’s very own, Ruiqi He, on her election to 2014-2015
NJCL President! I have a feeling you will accomplish great things during your term. Another year has
come and gone, and with it another National Convention. But the new year also brings with it the pleth-
ora of adventures found at State Convention! My officers and I have been working diligently to provide
the state of Texas with the best convention experience to date, held at the beautiful and hospitable cam-
pus of Amarillo High School. During our Fall Board Meeting, we were met with the utmost kindness
and generosity of the convention hosts, and I cannot wait for y’all to feel the friendship and JCL spirit
which our hosts embody. The amount of work, dedication, and commitment shown to me by my fellow
board members, as well as JCLers themselves, has impelled me to choose the following quote by Lucan
as the quote for the 2015 Convention at Amarillo High School: Nil actum credens, cum quid superesset
agendum— “Thinking nothing done, if anything remained to be done.” (Pharsalia Book II, Line 657).
I am also excited that Texas will be hosting the 2015 NJCL Convention in my home city, San Antonio!
Since everything is bigger in Texas, I expect this nationals to be the largest yet, not only for the NJCL,
but also for the Texas delegation. The 2014-2015 year is full of opportunities for the TSJCL to excel,
and I cannot thank y’all enough for electing me to lead. Now let’s find the greater beauty in the life of
the JCL!
Valete,
Isaiah Butcher
Attention all Local Chapters! We need your help!
Without the hard work of the students and sponsors, the TSJCL would not be possible. Please send us
your stories and photos! Showcase YOUR chapter’s activities in the Torch!
Please email all media to [e-mail]. (Word documents and JPEGs are preferred formats if possible).
TXSCL President’s Letter- 4
Salvete omnes!
My name is Angel, and I want to take this moment to say how honored I am to have been
elected as your Texas Senior Classical League President for 2014-2015.
The Texas Senior Classical League is an organization dedicated to promoting the study of the
classics at the collegiate level. We work alongside the TSJCL throughout the year and we do every-
thing including helping with state convention. We run the catapult contest, organize competitions, judge
events, and give colloquia. We also work in a similar fashion at area events, as well as certamina in
Texas. On top of that, we contribute by writing test questions and certamen questions, providing help to
sponsors, and pretty soon we will be hosting the very first TXSCL Certamen competition! This coming
year the TXSCL will be able to directly assist with helping run the national convention when it takes
place in San Antonio. For the past few years we have been working hard to bring the SCL back to Tex-
as in order to continue the tradition of spreading the classics at the collegiate level.
We are always welcoming new members! The TXSCL is a home for any person, regardless of
where they reside or what they choose to study, who has graduated from high school and has an interest
in the classics. We encourage all high school seniors to come to our meetings at both state and national
conventions in order to learn more about us, as well as all college students who are interested! For more
information please visit www.txscl.org or feel free to email me at [e-mail].
This year our board is very excited to tackle several goals that will help grow the TXSCL even
further and to continue on our mission to assist the TSJCL as a whole, as well as providing new oppor-
tunities to college students who are interested in the classics. I am looking forward to serving alongside
the board, and I’m very excited for the opportunities that lie ahead!
Gratias maximas, amici!
Angel Perez Cortes
TXSCL President 2014-2015
Certamen, Officers, Media- 5
NJCL Certamen Interview with Olivia Hindera
2014-2015 TSJCL OFFICERS:
How did your team perform each day?
President- Isaiah Butcher
Everyone played very well. Each player is exceptional and amaz-
Contact- [e-mail]
ing at certamen, buzzing at the right point or wisely waiting for
the full question to be read. We played tough teams in round 3
1st Vice President- Jeff Khan
(Louisiana) and in semifinals (Georgia), but won in both rounds.
Contact- [e-mail]
In finals, the competition was tough, but I am so proud of every-
one and how well they all did.
2nd Vice President- Jack Sparks
Contact- [e-mail]
How long have you been playing Certamen?
Since the 7th grade
Secretary- Katy Kilborn
Contact- [e-mail]
What initially got you interested or motivated to play Certamen?
My middle school needed an additional player for one of the two
Treasurer- Laura Bryant
teams that would compete at the Crusader Classic and I volun-
Contact- [e-mail]
teered. I then realized that it was actually fun and signed up to
take the Certamen elective class the following semester. During
Historian- Leilani Hamilton
8th grade, the Latin club was not active in JCL, but I was able to
Contact- [e-mail]
join a certamen team again in high school. I continued playing
because my teammates became my closest friends, like family to
Parliamentarian- Caren Valenciano
me, and there was never a certamen practice that did not involve
Contact- [e-mail]
copious amounts of laughter.
Editor- Gabriela Sagun
What would you say to JCLers interested in playing Certamen?
Contact- [e-mail]
Even if you don’t think you are good at Latin, certamen is a
bunch of fun and you do not need to be good at grammar or even
Webmaster- William McKinnerney
have an A in your Latin class. If you like history or mythology, it
Contact- [e-mail]
is a wonderful excuse to study what interests you. Most impor-
tantly, if you miss a question or your team doesn’t make finals,
Area A Chair- Sean Castleman
there is always another round to play.
Contact- [e-mail]
Certamen Players:
Area B Chair- Becca Beam, Ashley Tran
Olivia Hindera (Captain-St. Andrews), Bryce Deskins (St. An-
Contact- [e-mail]
drews), Zihao Zhu (Clark), Kevin Choy (Clark), Cass Plow-
man (LASA), Nate Eakman (St. Andrews). Alternates: Wesley
Area C Chair- Patrick Miramontes
Weidenmeier (St. Andrews) and Walton Schmidt (St. Andrews)
Contact- [e-mail]
g Area D Chair- Abby Gonzales
r
Contact- [e-mail]
o
.
l
Area F Chair- Katherine Salinas
c
j Contact- [e-mail]
s
t
. Convention Coordinators- Kate Holder,
w
Jessica Sifuentes, Joseph Norris
w
Contact- conventioncoordinator@tsjcl.
w
org
interview with ruiqi he- 6
Ruiqi He: 2014-2015 NJCL President
What inspired you to run for national office?
I’ve always loved Latin class, but at my first Area B convention,
I fell in love with the Junior Classical League. It was purely magical
how a thousand Latin students just like me were getting together,
sharing their love for the Classics, and engaging themselves in a
bunch of activities. At my first National Convention at Wake Forest
University, I was captivated by all the friendships and memories I made
in one week. It was then that I dreamed about running for
National Office. The bonds and experiences the JCL has given me throughout these last few years made me
want to give back to something that has given me so much.
Why did you specifically want to run for President?
During my term of State Office, I served as First Vice-President, and I loved the duties concerning Aca-
demic and Creative Arts contests for that position. However, on the national level, the First Vice-President is in
charge of membership, and I felt that I was neither particularly knowledgeable or qualified in that area. Addi-
tionally, the President works closely with the host state to plan Convention, and since I call the site of the 2015
National Convention, San Antonio, my home, I felt that my proximity and familiarity with the contacts and
resources there would be of aid to my position.
What are your plans for the NJCL?
Because the NJCL is a large, established organization, grand plans may have difficulty passing through.
That’s why I decided to settle for realistic, smaller goals to help solve three of NJCL’s main inefficiencies. First,
there is a problem of consistent participation throughout all states for year-round national contests and submis-
sions. I’m creating a mentorship program between national and state officers so that contest deadlines and other
information can be more personally communicated throughout the NJCL. Second, to ensure that each officer is
caught up with their duties all the time, I hope to send emails to the entire board at the end of each month outlin-
ing what each officer has accomplished. Lastly, not all 50 states have JCL delegations, and total membership has
actually slightly decreased. I hope to work with the First Vice-President this next year to personally reach out
to Latin teachers, especially those in states without a JCL chapter yet, to show them the amazing benefits of the
JCL.
What are you most looking forward to contributing to the 2014-2015 NJCL Board?
One of the President’s duties is to dabble in the work of all the other officers and help them achieve their
goals, giving me an opportunity to know each of them better. I’m so thrilled about this, since each of my fellow
officers are so passionate, hardworking, and hilarious in their own way.
What would you say best exemplifies the impact the JCL has had on your life?
The friendships I’ve made through the JCL definitely best represent what it has done for me. The people
you meet at conventions are incredibly dedicated and talented, yet they remain so down-to-earth and fun-loving
at the same time. I know I’ll remain talking to some of my fellow JCLers for decades to come.
What would you advise to JCLers interested in running for state or national office?
It is important to have a set of qualifications and practical goals, but it is probably even more important
to remain sincere and show that you’re truly passionate about the JCL. If people know that you’ve worked hard
in the past and will continue devoting yourself to the organization you love, they will trust you as a candidate.
The NJCL 2015 Convention will be held at
Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, July 27- August 1, 2015.
2015 Theme: tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito. Vergil, Aeneid
VI.95
(Yield not to misfortunes, but advance all the more boldly against them.)
Contest Changes- 7
Classical Civilization Rule Revisions
Costume Characters:
Boys- Phaethon
Girls- Circe
Couple- Hephaestus & Aphrodite
Essay: Time travel has finally been invented and you accidentally transport yourself to Pompeii on August
24th, 79AD. Thankfully you were able to take one modern item with you to employ in your escape from Mt.
Vesuvius as it erupts. Will you escape the wrath of Mt. Vesuvius or will your mistake result in your untimely
death?
Research Paper: Describe how ancient Greek and Latin evolved and shaped other languages over time.
Multimedia art will remain as a ludi category.
A table of contents will be part of judging criteria for scrapbooks (both digital + traditional), and will be
worth 5 points.
The required notecard for all entries has been reformatted to the following:
Contest Changes- 8
Academic Contest Changes
Classical art will become an academic category.
Classical Art: Students should be able to recognize works from the Greek Bronze Age through
the late Roman Empire, including Etruscan art, covering all art forms.
For competing students enrolled in more than one classics course:
Greek Students
a. Students enrolled in ONLY one Classical language course will compete in the level equal to the total levels
of study in a Classical language. (e.g., A Greek I student who has completed Latin III will compete in Level
IV. A Latin I student who has completed Greek III will compete in Level IV.)
b. Students enrolled in two Classical languages at one time will compete at the higher level of study. (e.g. A
Greek I student who is concurrently enrolled in Latin III will compete at Level III.)
The 2014-2015 TSJCL State Convention theme will be:
Lucan: “Nil actum credens, cum quid superesset agendum.”
(Thinking nothing done if anything remained to be done.) Pharsalia Book II, Line 657.
NJCL 2014 Results- 9
Coppell High School
Texas State Awards
Ananthanarayan, Sunkulp
Certamen Certamen: Advanced Level 2nd
Academics
Certamen: Intermediate Level 2nd
Certamen: Novice Level 4th Greek Derivatives I 3rd
Olympika Ludi Soccer 3rd Latin Derivatives I 5th
Relays - Boys 3rd Latin Vocabulary I 5th
Other Publicity - Number of Entries 5th Reading Comprehension 1/2 & 1 I 6th
Latin Grammar 1/2 and 1 I 8th
Alamo Heights High School
Creative Arts
Individual Awards
Dramatic Interp. 1/2 & I Boys 2nd
Sagun, Gabriela
Latin Oratory - Levels 1/2 & I 2nd
Academics Roman Life IV 8th
Sight Latin - 1/2 & I Boys 2nd
Graphic Arts Acrylic/Oil 11 5th
Graphic Arts Impromptu Art 10 2nd
Antonian College Prep High School
OVERALL Creative Arts 5th
Individual Awards
Flower Mound High School
Hanna, Madeleine
Individual Awards
Certamen Open Certamen: Intermediate 3rd
Suh, Reena
Graphic Arts Watercolor 10 1st
Academics Hellenic History V+ 9th
Atascocita High School
Grace Academy Upper
Individual Awards
Individual Awards
Castleman, Sean
Prinz, Nicole
Graphic Arts
Creative Arts Dramatic Interp. Poetry Girls 3rd
Greeting Cards 11-12 4th
Greenhill High School
Computer Photo 11 6th
Individual Awards
Traditional Photo 11 9th
Grishin, Peter
Garza, Kaitlyne
Academics Academic Heptathlon V+ 6th
Graphic Arts
Creative Arts Sight Latin Prose Boys 6th
Jewelry 7-9 5th
Marshall, Megan
Textiles 7-9 8th
Creative Arts Dramatic Interp. Poetry Girls 6th
Hamilton, Leilani
Graphic Arts Impromptu Art 10 7th
Graphic Arts Traditional Scrapbook Small 5th
Menon, Remya
Knight, Ian
Creative Arts
Creative Arts Essay - 12th Grade Boys 1st
Sight Latin Prose Girls 2nd
Brandeis High School
Latin Oratory - Level IV+ 9th
Individual Awards
Pigott, Theiline
He, Ruiqi
Graphic Arts Impromptu Art 10 5th
Creative Arts
Prabhakar, Tamara
Latin Oratory - Level III 2nd
Academics Mottoes IV 3rd
Essay - 11th Grade Girls 7th
Rao, Nikhil
Kilborn, Kathryn
Academics Mottoes II 5th
Creative Arts
Dramatic Interp. II Girls 1st
Latin Oratory - Level II 2nd
Costume Sr. Girls 6th
Sight Latin - Level II Girls 7th
Graphic Arts Jewelry 10 5th
Whang, Alexis
Academics Greek Life and Literature III 6th
Creative Arts Essay - 11th Grade Girls 6th
NJCL 2014 results- 10
Greenhill Middle School
Individual Awards
Amer, Areeba
Academics Latin Literature I 6th
Creative Arts
English Oratory - Lower 3rd
Essay - 7-8th Grade Girls 3rd
Bovard, Samuel
Creative Arts
Modern Myth - Lower Division 8th
Dramatic Interp. 1/2 & I Boys 9th
Graphic Arts
Watercolor 7-9 2nd
Colored Ink 7-9 10th
Desai, Mohan Traditional Photo 11 4th Schrakamp, Tyler
Academics Greeting Cards 11-12 8th Academics
Ancient Geography 1/2 2nd Hill Country Christian School Greek Derivatives III 10th
Mottoes 1/2 3rd Individual Awards Creative Arts
McGuire, Erin Prado, John Sight Latin Poetry Boys 3rd
Creative Arts Academics Schutze, Cameron
Dramatic Interp. I Girls 5th Roman Life I 2nd Certamen Open Certamen:
Essay - 7-8th Grade Girls 8th Certamen Open Certamen: Novice 4th Novice 5th
Sedacca, Joshua Senior, Jacob Graphic Arts
Creative Arts Academics Large Models 7-9 1st
Essay - 7-8th Grade Boys 9th Academic Heptathlon 1/2 7th Schutze, Zachary
Sight Latin - 1/2 & I Boys 10th Roman Life II 18th Academics
Hebron High School Tyler, Jace Ancient Geography III 2nd
Individual Awards Olympika Creative Arts
Ellerd, Rachel 100-yard Medley Jr. Boys 3rd Dramatic Interp. Prose Boys 4th
Graphic Arts 50-yard Butterfly Jr. Boys 3rd Essay - 11th Grade Boys 7th
Chalk/Pastel 11-12 1st 100-yard Freestyle Jr. Boys 4th Schwab, Jack
Sculpture 12 5th 50-yard Freestyle Jr. Boys 6th Creative Arts Latin Oratory
Pottery 11-12 Tyler, Jillian - Levels 1/2 & I 8th
Jang, Jun Academics John Marshall High School
Academics Latin Vocabulary II 3rd Classical Greek 1/2 1st Individual Awards
Paeng, Da-Eun Roman Life 1/2 2nd Stockton, Leah
Graphic Arts Ancient Geography 1/2 6th Creative Arts
Dolls 10 1st Olympika Costume Sr. Girls 2nd
Greeting Cards 10 3rd 100-yard Freestyle Jr. Girls 3rd John Paul II High School
Cartoons 10 4th 50-yard Butterfly Jr. Girls 3rd Individual Awards
Posters 10 4th 50-yard Freestyle Jr. Girls 4th Moncrief, Megan
Patel, Yash Jesuit College Preparatory Of Graphic Arts
Academics Individual Awards Small Models 11-12 1st
Latin Vocabulary V+ 1st LaCour, Ethan Sculpture 11 6th
Latin Derivatives V+ 9th Creative Arts Essay - 9th Grade Boys
Shah, Priyanka 9th
Graphic Arts Mason, Jack
Mixed Media 11-12 4th Olympika 200 Meter Sr. Boys Track 6th