The end of July always means one thing — well at least to JCLers, SCLers, and the many adults who volunteer a week out of their summer to spend time with us — NJCL Convention. Just like the past 70 years, the 71st NJCL Convention happened this year between July 21-16, with this year’s edition hosted by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As Classics enthusiasts gathered from around the country on UTK’s campus, eating their first meals in Rocky Top Dining Hall, navigating the quickest route to Thompson-Boling Arena for General Assemblies or Graphic Arts Submissions, and walking across the pedestrian bridge for the first time whether for academic testing or fellowship, slowly but surely the convention atmosphere came back together.
The 71st NJCL Convention officially opened as NJCL President Krish Sharma struck his gavel three times and welcomed everyone with his remarks, reflecting on this year’s convention theme: “Multa, quae impedita natura sunt, consilio expediuntur,” “Many things, which are naturally difficult are solved by ingenuity” from Livy’s Ab Urbe Condita XVV.11. Keeping with the excitement of a new convention’s start, JCLers, SClers, and adults, together, recited the JCL creed and joined arms to sing the JCL song. Then, with the NJCL, NSCL, and National Committee announced, Dr. Beauvais Lyons, Divisional Dean for Arts and Humanities and Chancellor’s Professor of the University of Tennesse, and Dr. Jessica Westerhold, Assistant Professor of Classics at the University of Tenessee, both gave a UTK welcome to convention goers, which was followed by a safety orientation by the University’s Police Department. Everyone’s favorite Rules Barbie, Dr. Generosa Sangco-Jackon, then gave a highlight of General Assembly I: an overview of the rules and regulations of NJCL Convention.
After, Ms. Krystal Kubichek and NJCL First Vice President Sophie Heitfield gave the Membership Report and awarded the awards for the Publicity Contests. Unfortunately, this year the number of JCL members worldwide has declined for the first time post-pandemic, however, there was a new state this year joining the JCL: Alaska! The Ed Phinney Book Award was subsequently presented to Mr. Michael Howard of Massachusetts and the Mildred Sterling Book Award was presented to Ms. Amy Elifrits of Ohio. Sophie Heitfield then returned to the podium again to recognize the recipients of the two registration packet awards from the NJCL officers. Mr. Todd Wegenhart also returned to the podoium to acknowledge the NJCL Registration Awards — the Nancy Howell, Dennis Bartlow, and Sherri Cox Awards, along with the Miller Fellowships. Following this, NJCL Communications Coordinator announced the Website Contests awards, NJCL Digital Contest Chair Dr. Sangco-Jackson recognized achievements on this year’s Digital Contests, and NJCL Parliamentarian awarded the Constitution Contest awards and gave an update on this year’s elections. Edie Todaro gave a warm Tennesse welcome from the TJCL for closing remarks and Krish Sharma adjourned the meeting.
Delegates then made the journey over the pedestrian bridge to the Alumni Memorial Building for the first Academic Contest Session, while others participated in the Spirit and Service Orientation, Olympika Swimming, or the first Colloquia session. As the sunset over the Knoxville campus, the first rounds of Competitive Certamen began, the NJCL officers hosted the first two mixers — one for those new to NJCL Convention and the other for state officers — and the first session of Agora happened.