35 middle school students traveled to Anderson High School in Austin on April 5 to compete in the Texas State Junior Classical League Convention, with 22 students qualifying for the National Junior Classical League Convention in July.
TSJCL is a nonprofit organization that is student-led with the goal of spreading the love of classic languages, both Latin and Greek, through contests. Students can compete in academic and art-based categories ranging from dramatic interpretation to sculpture.
This year, the Middle School JCL group placed first for the third year in a row at the state competition. Additionally, they earned first place in Certamen, the Latin version of quiz bowl, for the first time at the state level.
Students do most of their preparation outside of school.
Middle school Latin teachers Joan Romanosky and Jenna Bernstein offered after school practice sessions in the weeks leading up to TSJCL to further aid students.
“There are all sorts of resources available to help us practice like maps, packets and guided notes,” seventh grader Abe Glazer said. “It is hard to study but it is a very fun experience.”
Looking ahead, preparations for the JCL convention will look different compared to how students prepared for the state competition.
“Students have an understanding of what they need to adjust, but it can be challenging,” Bornstein said. “Students will be traveling or will be in summer camps and so practice can look different for everybody, but the kids will get what they put in.”
Some students say they are feeling anxious and pressure to do well in NJCL in July. However, there is still a strong sense of excitement for what is to come.
“That feeling I had when I got into nationals was really precious,” eighth grader Ayaana Joshi said. “It feels good to win and I am very proud to have contributed to our overall success at TSJCL.”
Overall, the teachers attribute the students’ success is to their determination and love for Latin.
“These students work hard beyond the classroom, so they should be recognized for their hard-earned success,” Romanosky said.
22 middle school NJCL participants will travel to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville on July 2 to compete in the 71st annual National Junior Classical League Convention.
