CONVENTION RECAP · Torch:U.S. · Fall 2019
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per office, and the candidates were permitted to begin campaigning. There was another screening of the Bee Movie, and states began to set up their Agora stations. The first dance of convention was not quite eventful as is every year, but still there was decent turnout and the party continued.
Runners rose early once again on Sunday morning, this time for the marathon. Latin grammar and Roman history buffs trekked to the Fargodome to test their knowledge during contest session III. Students were able to meet their potential future NJCL officers at Meet the Candidates, where the candidates worked hard to win the hearts of the voters. General Assembly III was also on Sunday, where nervous candidates and their proud introduction speakers were seated on stage preparing to dazzle the audience with their speeches. It appears as if no matter how fun colloquias or other events may be, nothing can beat the adrenaline-pumping excitement of JCL elections. After the General Assembly, many students stayed at the Fargodome for the graphic arts and scrapbook viewing. While the stadium is no art museum, the beautiful artworks handcrafted by JCL students sure made for an impressive exhibition. Other students attended the third round of competitive Certamen.
Athletes kicked off Monday morning with Ludi soccer. The familiar stream of both tired and determined JCLers floated half-asleep to the Fargodome for contest session IV. That afternoon, voting delegates and other students interested in JCL politics made the journey to the Fargodome to attend Candidates' Open Forum, a very anticipated event where the candidates for national office can further elaborate on their experience, ideas, and even personality through a series of both funny and serious questions. While it is widely regarded as one of the most dreaded events among candidates, the students enjoy the opportunity to see a more humorous side of their future national officers. With questions ranging from how they seek to improve their office to what deity they would want to be roommates with, Candidates' Open Forum prepared the voters well for what came next: the state voting fellowships.
Right after the voting fellowship, all students walked together back to the Fargodome for the fourth General Assembly. At the assembly, Virginia 2nd Vice President Savannah Thompson invited everyone to the 2019-2020 NJCL convention which is to be held in the University of Richmond. The passing of the torch this year, however, was a little more dramatic than usual. Ambient sounds dimmed at the conclusion of Thompson's speech when an unexpected announcement, "Silence Please," appeared on the screen above the stage. Heads turned toward the back entrances of the stadium where a policeman on a horse—a real, breathing horse—carried the torch in one hand and the reins in the other. Old Town Road played in the background and everyone in the audience remained silent as they were asked to be on the projector screen above the stage. The torch was then passed from North Dakota JCL President Ed Shen to Thompson. NJCL Committee Chair recognized long-time convention attendees and announced the results of the National Committee elections. Then, for the most anticipated part of the assembly, each 2018-2019 NJCL officer approached the podium to congratulate his or her respective successor, and the 2019-2020 officers, struck with both shock and joy, ascended the stage. A mob of JCLers, desperate for good seats, crowded in the Fargodome, again, this time for an audience favorite, That's Entertainment!
Tuesday passed in the blink of an eye as do most last days of JCL conventions. In the morning, students attended Ludi volleyball and awards assembly. Later in the afternoon, everyone gathered together at a field for a gigantic group picture and then processed to the dome for the final General Assembly of convention. At the assembly, the NJCL officers addressed the audience with tearful farewell speeches, and the 2019-2020 NSCL and NJCL officers were pledged into office, and Jocelyn Robertson, the new NJCL president, adjourned the assembly. In the evening, everyone dressed in their finest outfits for the final dance of convention. Unlike the first one, the final dance had great turnout, and everyone was able to have a good time.
Wednesday was bittersweet. While JCLers felt satiated by the incredible memories created at this national convention, its end made the morning a somber one. One by one each student departed campus, some pledging to return the next year and others bidding NJCL a final farewell. No matter how many conventions pass by, year after year NJCL conventions prove to be life-changing experiences for so many. And as expected, the 2019 NJCL convention was truly an unforgettable and one for the books.