OJCL Torch Winter 2016-2017 | Page 18

This February, I will attend my fifth and final Ohio Junior Classical League Convention. In a long line of high school lasts that I will endure throughout my senior year, I must admit that this is one of the most bittersweet. As I look back on my time in the JCL, one Latin phrase comes to mind almost immediately: respiciens, progrediens. Looking back, moving forward. This phrase was first introduced to me as part of a design for our Latin Club's shirt, and explained as the motivation for students of the classics. We study the culture and history and language of an ancient civilization, and move forward indebted to its government and laws, literature, language, and arts. And now, at the summit of my time as a K-12 student, I feel a similar sentiment to my time in the JCL. When I first walked into a Latin Club meeting as an eighth grader, I honestly had no idea what to expect, and no idea if I would even be returning for future meetings. What I found, however, was an organization that would have a hugely significant impact on my academic career. I was given a space to grow academically. I was given a chance to create deep and lasting friendships. I was given an oppportunity to grow as a leader. So, as I am about to move forward into the next chapter of my life, I have two things to say to you all, the OJCL:

Number one, to all of you Latin enthusiasts, take advantage of the amazing opportunities the OJCL presents. They will take you far beyond anywhere you could think. I do not regret one second of any of my time cramming for the Latin Literature test, or discussing service projects in board meetings.

And number two, thank you. Thank you so much for everything that you have done for me. I will cherish these memories as some of the best times of high school.

E corde,

Brian Johnson

Respiciens, Progrediens: A Reflection on My Time in the JCL

Brian Johnson, Shaker Heights

North MADD Recap

Blake Himes, Shaker Heights

I owe a huge thanks to the 11 OJCLers who attended North MADD on November 6th! After a late rescheduling we gave Horseshoe Lake Park a lovely shine! It was awesome to see everyone take such care in cleaning a local park. We did a great job cleaning up the park, filling several trash bags. Thanks again to everyone who came out and picked up trash around the whole park.

18 OJCL TORCH: Voices Winter MMXVII https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjB6MPV-L3RAhVMNiYKHUL8A4EQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmagistrabush.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F23%2Fjcl-t-shirt-contest%2F&psig=AFQjCNHBUl5DxFMgey96R-DH1Oh37W6Q0A&ust=1484356401987376

Right: North Gubernator Blake Himes shares a successful selfie with the MADD group