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Fall 2019· Torch:U.S. · VOICES
cringey but snazzy roll call skit!
II. Get to know all JCLers, whether they live across the country or have never met you before. I met two of my dearest friends, Rushee and Keegan, four years ago as competitors at Harvard Certamen, and only through the national convention, could I reconnect with Garrett, Arthur, and Alexisse.
III. Thank your sponsors, chaperones, and other adults working to make this happen for us all. They are the real MVPs. Especially, you Imperator. Thank you for everything.
IV. Live in the present. Think about where you are right now: the Thunderdome, sitting with friends new and old, throat sore, face sunburnt, sleep deprived, and about to finish your first, last, or even your 50th national convention. Remember this feeling and cement it in your memory.
Michaela Phan
2018-2019 NJCL 2nd Vice President
Comm. Coordinator
Aleah cry in a penguin costume, I had so much fun in North Dakota this summer, and it was rewarding to see all our efforts in convention preparation pay off.
Sitting in GAs, the spirit and energy of the JCL never fails to amaze me. Even after spirit is over, the love and support inherent in the JCL is clear in the cheers each state gives their own, the failure to adhere to the one-clap rule because everyone is just too excited to support their friends, the support for even the stage crew in TE. That energy has shaped me these past four years, reminding me that the JCL community supports me just for being me and teaching me to support my friends, inside and outside the JCL, in the same manner.
JCL, thank you for choosing me to serve as your Communications Coordinator this past year. It has been a privilege working with the board and with all of you. I know that my experience as an officer has taught me life lessons that will stay with me through college and afterwards. Now, it is time to pass the torch to the 2019-2020 board and to my successor, Andrew Cahall. You are a very capable group of leaders, enjoy your time as the JCL board. And to the JCLers, take advantage of your time in the JCL, because you won’t believe how quickly it will go by. Thank you for an amazing four years; I will miss you all.
E corde,
Natalie Hilderbrand
2018-2019 NJCL Communications Coordinator
Parliamentarian
life. From Peebs who first sparked my love of Latin and the world of JCL, to Ms. Sheinholtz who introduced me to Latin literature and helped me fall in love with the language all over again, to my mentor Mr. Webb without whom I could not have gotten through the year, to my fellow officers who make me smile, make me laugh, and make me proud, to so many more I could mention, there are not enough words to express my gratitude, respect, and love.
How do you say goodbye to seven years of your life? You can only say this is a beginning. As an SCLer, a chaperone, or sponsor (perhaps someday), I will be back.
Thank you, North Carolina, for inspiring me and helping me run for national office, and showing me the true meaning of JCL Love.
Layla Fistos
2018-2019 NJCL Parliamentarian
Historian
Dear NJCL,
The past year has been incredible. Throughout it, I’ve been lucky enough to witness your activity, passion, and growth firsthand, and let me tell you: my life has been—and will forever be—impacted by your smiling faces, unwavering spirit, and inspiring enthusiasm. I cannot thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to serve you this past year. As a historian, I’ve been gifted with the opportunity to leave something tangible behind, and I hope my scrapbook serves it purpose (go check it out at bit.ly/njclscrap19)! It is the essence of what I’ve accomplished as your historian this past year, so I hope the photos and memories give you a chance to remember, reflect, and learn.
I’d like to thank my mentor, Miss Jordt, for her guidance over the past year, as well as my supportive fellow officers (the loves of my life who I could not have survived without), the NJCL Committee (who ran everything behind the scenes with due diligence, passion, and love for which I am so grateful), Ms. Susan Schearer of VA (whose hard work archiving NJCL history gave me a glimpse into the rich past, present, and future of this organization), the Massachusetts and AMSA delegations (whose Jesse Hogan cheers and endless support allowed me to believe in myself), and all else who have allowed me to succeed this year. A special shoutout goes to Emma and Rachel of AMSA, for without whom I would never have fallen so deeply in love with this organization so dear to me.
It is extremely bittersweet seeing my time in service to the JCL come to a close. JCL, I am forever grateful that you gave me something I can never forget: a community, a source of inspiration, and a home. All the more reasons to love a dead language, eh?
For the last time, gratias vobis ago JCL, and valete.
Jesse Hogan
2018-2019 NJCL Historian
Salvete amici!
I cannot believe that my last days as a JCLer have come and gone. During this past convention and year, I made memories I know I will never forget, and I hope you had the same experience. From finishing my GA minutes at two in the morning to the long, long trek to the FargoDome to watching Aleah cry in a penguin costume, I had so much fun in North Dakota this summer, and it was rewarding to see all our efforts in convention preparation pay off.
Sitting in GAs, the spirit and energy of the JCL never fails to amaze me. Even after spirit is over, the love and support inherent in the JCL is clear in the cheers each state gives their own, the failure to adhere to the one-clap rule because everyone is just too excited to support their friends, the support for even the stage crew in TE. That energy has shaped me these past four years, reminding me that the JCL community supports me just for being me and teaching me to support my friends, inside and outside the JCL, in the same manner.
JCL, thank you for choosing me to serve as your Communications Coordinator this past year. It has been a privilege working with the board and with all of you. I know that my experience as an officer has taught me life lessons that will stay with me through college and afterwards. Now, it is time to pass the torch to the 2019-2020 board and to my successor, Andrew Cahall. You are a very capable group of leaders, enjoy your time as the JCL board. And to the JCLers, take advantage of your time in the JCL, because you won’t believe how quickly it will go by. Thank you for an amazing four years; I will miss you all.
E corde,
Natalie Hilderbrand
2018-2019 NJCL Communications Coordinator
Salvete omnes!
It is crazy to think that this convention marks the end of my experience as a JCLer. I have shared so many heartfelt memories, laughs, and friendships throughout my time as a JCLer. It’s hard to quantify the impact that this organization, my fellow JCLers, my two Latin teachers, and my Chihuahua have had on my life. From Peebs who first sparked my love of Latin and the world of JCL, to Ms. Sheinholtz who introduced me to Latin literature and helped me fall in love with the language all over again, to my mentor Mr. Webb without whom I could not have gotten through the year, to my fellow officers who make me smile, make me laugh, and make me proud, to so many more I could mention, there are not enough words to express my gratitude, respect, and love.
How do you say goodbye to seven years of your life? You can only say this is a beginning. As an SCLer, a chaperone, or sponsor (perhaps someday), I will be back.
Thank you, North Carolina, for inspiring me and helping me run for national office, and showing me the true meaning of JCL Love.