From the moment I met Magistra Curcio, I felt that her welcoming heart, energetic personality, and constant care for her students would always bring a smile to my face. Over these past four years, I’ve been so lucky to have a teacher and mentor who’s inspired my love for the classics and encouraged me to become a leader in the JCL community. As a freshman, Magistra Curcio’s spirit in the classroom made me immediately fall in love with Latin. She taught us fun songs to remember the declensions and encouraged us to sing at the top of our lungs, “I see a noun/it ends in -us/it’s in the 2nd declension…” along with the always enthusiastic “feliz dies natalis tibi” on everyone’s birthday. She also has an impeccable wardrobe that shows off her stellar knitting and crocheting skills. Magistra Curcio is not Magistra Curcio without her purple color scheme, perfectly crafted poncho, and trusty piano by her side. Every day, I feel extraordinarily lucky to have Magistra as a mentor. Because of her belief in me, I have had the opportunity to be a CAJCL officer, support an organization I love dearly, and gain invaluable leadership skills. Whether I spoke at board meetings or helped organize fun JCL events, Magistra constantly supported me, and that is something I will forever be grateful for. My love for the Aeneid is also completely because of Magistra. I don’t think anyone can love the Aeneid and be as passionate about the story as she is, but I can confidently say that, thanks to Magistra, my love for the Aeneid grows each day. As I finish my last year as Magistra Curcio’s student, I’m inspired by her vivacious spirit and optimism that have created such a beautiful community, and while I will miss my teacher, I feel so lucky to have gained a lifelong friend!
Summer 2021· Torch: U.S. · TO OUR TEACHERS
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TO OUR TEACHERS:
A THOUSAND THANK-YOUS
Ms. Grace Curcio
by Kaleigh Ruegg, CAJCL
"I’m inspired by Ms. Curcio's vivacious spirit and optimism that have created such a beautiful community, and while I will miss my teacher, I feel so lucky to have gained a lifelong friend!"