Fall 2023 · Torch: U.S. · CONVENTION RECAP
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Something was abuzz at Emory University this past July. On an unassuming Saturday, JCLers from all over the country began gathering—playing card games early in the morning at the Emory Student Center, lugging suitcases up winding hills (and far too many stairs), and poring over their notes as they anticipated the first rounds of Certamen as we all prepared for the 70th NJCL Convention. Students poured into the Woodruff PE Center for the first general assembly, eagerly anticipating the events to come in the following week, even “Rules Barbie” Dr. Generosa Sangco-Jackson’s pages long speech.
The excitement was nearly palpable as convention opened with remarks from NJCL President Nolan Heinrich, commenting on the quote, “Caelum, non animum, mutant qui trans mare currunt,” “Those who rush across the sea change their sky, not their soul,” Horace, Epistles 1.11. Under this Atlanta sky, JCLers then recited the NJCL song and creed, ACL President Jennie Luongo gave opening remarks, and the NJCL and NSCL boards and committee were introduced. Then, Dr. Henry Kim, Director of the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, gave an inspiring opening speech and was followed by a safety debrief from the Emory Police Department, followed by yet more important rules and regulations from Dr. Sangco-Jackson. After former NJCL and NSCL officers were recognized, Seth Knowles, Creative Arts Chair, gave the contest orientation.
To the delight of many, NJCL Publicity and
Membership Chair Catherine Sturgill's membership report noted a significant increase in numbers, indicating a steady recovery from the pandemic. This was followed by the membership and publicity awards. The Ed Phinney Book Award was then presented to Chris and Shannon Sloan of Tennessee, and the Mildred Sterling Award was presented to Dobbie Vasquez of California. The NJCL Registration Awards were then awarded, followed by the Nancy Howell Award presented to Alexandra Hulse, LA; the Dennis Bartlow Award presented to Isabelle Ly, CA; and the Miller Fellowships presented to Hannah Banks, IN; David Finkelstein, TX; Samantha Frodge, OH; and Jennifer Joy, IN.; and finally, the Sherri Cox Award presented to Emma Hulse, LA, and Becky Ream, FL. Then, the Website Contest results were announced, followed by the Digital Contest results and the Constitution Contest results. NJCL Parliamentarian Joe Giambrone then gave an election orientation, and after Jennifer He of Georgia gave closing remarks, Nolan Heinrich adjourned the meeting.
Many JCLers stayed in WoodPEC for the first contest session, while others headed to Olympika swimming and to the Spirit and Service Orientation. Others could attend one of the many colloquia sessions at the beginning of the evening, including tours of the Carlos Museum and an improv exercise, offered for the first time. In the midst of the first two mixers, the first round of competitive Certamen began. Exhausted from their travels, at the end of the night, JCLers had to make one last trek to White Hall for state fellowships, anticipating spirit the next day.
Day two of convention dawned bright and early with Olympika Track and Field at 7:00am and Ludi Chess at 8:00am. With a long day ahead, others also endured the breakfast lines and fickle entrances to Dobbs Common Table, preparing for the English Oratory and the second contest session, while some went to the third colloquia
2023
NJCL
Convention
Recap
Monet Shum, 2022-2023 NJCL Editor