SILVER BOWL · Torch:U.S. · Fall 2019
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SILVER BOWL
SILVER BOWL
SILVER BOWL
RECIPIENT
Geoffrey Revard
Dennis Webb, NJCL President 1969-1970
Jocelyn Robertson, NJCL President 2019-2020
Bruce Taylor, NJCL President 1968-1969
Photo Kurt Ristroph
and public speaking opportunities I experienced in the Junior Classical League have not helped me to communicate with others and work with others toward worthwhile common goals.
I know that you are eagerly anticipating the nominating speeches and the start of the campaign for officers that will begin in just a few minutes. I remember that excitement well.
I very much appreciate having this brief time today, before all of that commences, to address you, members of the National Junior Classical League, on the fiftieth anniversary of an event that was very important in my life and to share with you my encouragement and conviction that your study of Latin will help you in virtually every academic discipline that you pursue—not just in
helping you immeasurably to learn other languages and communicate better in English, but in acquiring, subconsciously and almost by osmosis, the analytical skills and historical perspective that are necessary to lead in a challenging era when the past is often forgotten and intellectual honesty is frequently truant and the wisdom of the ancients is increasingly unknown or ignored. At a time when education itself is viewed by many with suspicion, and the very concept of truth in the public square is frankly at risk, Western civilization needs you to pass on the torch of learning to the next generation.
Be grateful for your teachers. Be grateful for your sponsors. Be grateful for your fellow JCLers who encourage and contribute to your being a classical scholar and an active member of the Junior Classical League. Thank you.