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Allow me to break all of that down a bit. Certamen is Latin jeopardy, Olympika is sporting contests, and English Oratory is one of the dozens of academic contests kids participate in at nationals. GA stands for general assembly and it the time when national officers speak about various JCL matters and we hear important announcements for the day. Spirit is a beast like no other. For the thirty minutes before each GA, each state delegation participates in spirit where all of a state? s delegates wear specific outfits, wave banners / signs, and do their state cheers as loudly as humanly possible in the GA room. State fellowship is the time in which your whole state goes into a fun recap of the day / meeting led by your state officers at the end of every day.
Though the schedule I have just described probably sounds like it doesn? t leave a whole lot of time for? just meeting new people and hanging out?, all of my best memories of my first national convention are of times when I was meeting or talking to other JCLers. Those conversations are irreplaceable and create the environment of convention. Everyone wants to meet new people and have the best time they possibly can have: no judgment, and no social stigma, which results in the most fulfilling week where you can truly be yourself. All in all, nationals was an amazing experience that I wouldn? t trade for anything. From the late conversations to the crazy campaigning, it was an absolute blast. Hope to see you at Miami University in July 2018 for another incredible week-Avery Powers, Second VP
" no j udgment, and no social st igma, which r esult s in t he most f ul f il l ing week wher e you can t r uly be your sel f."
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A number of Mounties placed surprisingly well on Greek tests, while other Mounties took on MassJCL in Olympika, Graphic Arts, and Creative Arts competitions. Gio Cavalli,? 19, for example, placed third overall in Olym pika
While MGJCLers did not have too much success in Certamen, many members of the Mount Greylock delegation fought hard in gladiator battles: two even made it to to the quarterfinals. The gladiator battles, a long-time favorite of Mounties, took place everyday. Mr. Davis, the Mount Greylock sponsor, was so enchanted by the gladiator games that he has even expressed interest in bringing the spirit of gladiatorial combat to Mount Greylock.
The final GA took Mounties on a ride of emotions. Najla Nassar,? 17, gave a beautiful speech on the life of the late Mrs. Keeley, former MGJCL sponsor, while Hugh Sanford,? 17, bid farewell to MassJCL as an officer. I was officially elected 2017-2018 MassJCL Publications Editor, while a few other Mounties were called up for awards and recognition. While only placing 8th overall for whole school this year, Mounties left prepared to return next year in the top five under the guidance and leadership of MGJCL President Jack LeBlanc,? 18, and the brilliant 2017-2018 MGJCL Executive Board.-Jacob Hane, MassJCL PubEd