Salvete omnes!
what you make it—thank you all for making it my home for the past for years.
Through a screen, nothing is the same
Same people, but from my bedroom
Bedroom thousands of miles away
Away from Richmond’s lush forests
Forests between my fellow officers and I
I am apart from the people I love most
(At) Most three hours separating us in time
Time spent connecting through waves we cannot see
Seeing bright faces on my laptop screen
Screening the spirit submissions for
For videos, to create a semblance of normal
Normalcy is in the past
Past friendships still provided current comfort
Comfort is a luxury these days
Days alone yet together
Togetherness feels contradictory
Contradictions overwhelm me
Meaning is found in the pixels
Pixelated smiles that I will miss dearly
Maximas gratias,
Athena Davis
2019-2020 NJCL Second Vice President
Salvete amici!
How should I say goodbye to the place and people that have been such a big part of my life? For me, as I’m sure it is for all “graduating” JCLers, this farewell is difficult. But being kept apart by a pandemic, unable to share those goodbye hugs and tears in person, makes that closure even more disappointing.
And yet, this year’s virtual convention simply reminded me once more of how indomitable and persevering JCLove and the bonds we form with each other truly are. Though I only was able to do so through a Zoom screen, I was amazed by the engagement, understanding, and flexibility you all showed, as you have throughout my time in JCL. And I cannot thank you enough.
It has been those sorts of experiences, moments of both challenge and profound support, that have marked my time in the JCL. In particular, I am so grateful to have been able to feel this love, which pushes me to do my best and yet supports me every step of the way, as NJCL Communications Coordinator. I truly thank you for your trust and the opportunity.
Over the past year, I worked with and got to know some of the most dedicated and inspiring people I’ve met: the NJCL board. Whether goofing during Zoom calls or helping each other as we navigated many unforeseen hurdles, and though it was tough, I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. I wish the same growth and success to the 2020-2021 NJCL board, and especially my
A final time,
Gratias maximas vobis ago.
Andrew Cahall
NJCL 2019-2020 Communications Coordinator
For the final time as a JCLer, salvete amici.
It’s honestly quite surreal that this JCL year has come to an end, and my time as a member with it. When first joining the JCL, you can never picture the late-night walks back from fellowship, the delirious conversations with friends after a long day, and sitting sweatily in GA after spirit. But, once you’ve experienced it, you can never imagine it all coming to an end. But now, my time as a
because of my crazy end to the school year, but also because the JCL was the last shred of high-school connected normalcy that I had left. JCL was my home the JCL and all of its JCLers have become mi amici. If I had to leave you with any advice, take advantage of the time that you have with the people around you. If you do so, the JCL will not only give you fun times, but provide you with life-changing friendships, inimitable memories, and, most importantly, help shape you into the best version of yourself. I will continue to hold this organization and its members close to my heart for many years. I can never thank you enough for embracing me with open arms and allowing me to give back to JCL after it has done so much for me. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you all, and to keep the JCLove alive even in the midst of a pandemic.
Gratias et valete,
Faith Woods
2019-2020 NJCL Parliamentarian
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Fall 2020· Torch: U.S. · VOICES
Thank you for an amazing year. From the amazing spirit submissions you all sent in to the amazing turnout for the service project, you made national convention as amazing as possible. JCL is
successor Nolan– though they don’t need my luck. JCL, you are in more than capable hands, and I look forward to seeing where this group of officers and year leads.
JCLer is up and all of this is coming to a close. As surreal as it is to say goodbye, it only seems appropriate that this be what truly brings my time in high school to an end. Over the summer I joked about still being in high school, not only because of my crazy end to the school year, but also because the JCL was the last shred of high-school connected normalcy that I had left. JCL was my home and it often became the best part of my day, week, month, and yes even year. My teacher, Mrs. Rouyer. always told our small class o
Second Vice President
Communications Coordinator
Parliamentarian