by Natalie Fitts
What is JCL?
The JCL is the Junior Classical League, which is a national organization comprised of students and teachers of Latin and Greek. It strives to encourage the study and appreciation of these Classical civilizations, which have really affected our modern society.
How long have you done it? How did you get involved?
I’ve been involved in the JCL since my freshman year. I began Latin as a freshman, and I loved the class, so when Magistra Marquis mentioned the JCL, I thought, “Why not?” and decided to join. After attending my first state and national conventions, I was hooked, and I became more involved. I started attending and contributing more in the STA meetings, and later running for office in the Missouri JCL.
What does the STA JCL do in addition to attending the conventions?
The STA JCL has monthly meetings, and recently we’ve started playing more Classically-related games, such as mythology bingo and Certamen, which is essentially Latin Jeopardy. In addition to some JCL holiday parties, we’re planning on doing some fun activities or dinners outside school, too.
How did you become president? What is the voting process?
At each convention, the next year’s student officers are elected to the Missouri JCL executive board. At last year’s convention, I ran for the position of the MOJCL President. I had been the parliamentarian the year before so I had been in charge of the constitution and conducting the election. Candidates for MOJCL offices present themselves at assemblies, campaign briefly, and answer audience questions at Open Forum. Then each school attending [the] convention votes for each office, and whichever candidate for an office receives a plurality wins. I was running for president unopposed, but since schools can choose not to give any votes, I still had to win a plurality.
What happens at the conventions?
Conventions begin on a Friday evening and end the next afternoon. During that time, elections occur and students can participate in competitions and hear a Classically-related colloquium. There’s always a Certamen tournament, a chess tournament, sports games and several art, costume and performance competitions.
Has being involved in JCL helped you with Latin? If so, how?
I think being involved in the JCL has increased my enthusiasm for Latin. Meeting people at conventions always humbles me and reminds me how much I haven’t yet learned about Latin and Roman history. The JCL community has helped teach me how much Ancient Greece and Rome affect our culture. Plus, wanting to do well at state and national Certamen competitions is incentive to study more!
What are some of your duties as president?
I run the meetings of the executive board, and I will also lead the state convention in February. Plus, I am in charge of coordinating service projects for the local JCL chapters in Missouri.
What is your favorite part of JCL?
My favorite part of the JCL is the community it presents. I’ve met amazing people through the JCL, and thanks to conventions, I have friends in Massachusetts, Ohio and throughout Missouri. Everyone who participates in the JCL really wants to be at convention, so their enthusiasm inspires me to be a better scholar and friend.
Do you want to continue getting involved in activities like this in college/beyond college?
Yes! Once I graduate high school, I plan on joining the Missouri Senior Classical League and continuing to attend conventions. I don’t know where I’ll be after college, but I hope I’m still involved with the JCL/SCL.
