Spring 2025 · Torch: U.S. · CLUB OF THE MONTH
10
Club
At the same time of hosting this convention, I decided to undertake the task of running for a high position: 1st Vice President. I honestly didn’t think I was going to win, as it seemed like a monumental task to win, but I did.
Over the next few months, I fulfilled my duties as the Vice President. This was until NJCL. I talked with my sponsors and state chairs, and they approved my campaign to run for national office. Now this, this was something I was scared about. That year’s national convention was being held at the University of Tennessee (UT) , and I would need to speak many, many times. One of which would be in front of a massive crowd.
Now this, this was something I was scared about. That year’s national convention was being held at the University of Tennessee (UT), and I would need to speak many, many times. One of which would be in front of a massive crowd.
I spent the next few weeks perfecting my campaign. I made posters, websites, and everything that I could. Of course, I procrastinated writing my many speeches until I arrived at UT, but everything else was ready. Over the next week, I campaigned my butt off. I handed out a bunch of pretty awesome flyers, and gave speeches in front of hundreds of people.
Finally, it was time for the big speech. I would be on the floor of the Tennessee Basketball Arena in front of around 5,000 people. Walking onto the stage, the arena was silent. I can’t begin to tell you how incredibly nervous I was. I mean, my palms were sweaty, and I was beginning to feel lightheaded— and that’s not the half of it. Looking at the crowd, I took a deep breath and spoke,
“Salvete Omnes!”
As soon as I started to speak, I realized how far I had made it. Thousands of people were here to watch me.
My heart beat started to slow down and I went into a zone of reminiscence and happiness. This was it. I was here. Before I knew it, the arena erupted into a mass of cheers and applause. It was over, and all I needed to do was to wait. I honestly was not sure that I was going to win my candidacy, and although my nerves for the speech were over, my nerves for the election were not. The next day I spent pacing around the university. Was I going to win? If so, what do I do? If I don’t, what happens now?
Finally, it was the day. I sat down in my seat and the day's General Assembly started. After making a few announcements, they started to read out the election results. It was time for the NJCL Historian results. I held my breath in anticipation for what felt like hours. Finally, they walked up to the podium and announced the results.
I couldn’t believe it. Here was this organization with more than 23,000 students, and I would help run it. I truly made it to the highest point I could.
The last few days of NJCL were a blur. People from everywhere in the country and beyond were congratulating me. I didn’t even know these people, yet somehow, they knew me.
Speaking to Felix Chen, the NJCL Editor, it’s easy to see why the JCL community is so ecstatically friendly. Felix is an incredibly outstanding guy who understands the real reason why so many people love the JCL. While speaking, we landed on a specific term: A method of connection. The Classics was a method of connection into lasting friendships and beliefs. Felix put into words my feelings. Yes, I loved Latin, but that wasn’t quite it. I had always thought that Latin and Greek were super interesting, but it wasn’t till I joined the JCL that I truly loved the Classics. I loved Classics because of the people involved with it. I loved Classics because of Certamen, and arts contests, and Agora (a marketplace), and sports, and most of all, the little traditions that had developed. Traditions such as JCL’s Got Talent, a yearly talent show that exhibits awesome tricks and performances, including a national officer sketch. Traditions such as oohing and ahhing simple prizes for spirit. Traditions such as cheering for the small states in spirit since they aren’t big enough to make a huge amount of noise.
In my opinion, this pretty much sums up the JCL— a group of supportive individuals who truly care about one another as much as they care about the Classics. That's why so many people love the JCL. That’s why I love the JCL.
of the
Pinkerton’s main event was their Centennial where they invited current students and many, many alumni to return and celebrate their club's 100th birthday! They had many guest speakers, a song, and a skit, as well as Greek food catered by a local restaurant. This photo was taken on an antique Brownie Camera, owned and operated by their club advisor.
Pinkerton Academy, New Hampshire
FIDES
club of the month:
november
COMITAS
club of the month:
december
BRMHS JCL participated in their state’s Fall Forum, where they donated 1074 cans (out of the total of 1110) to the Canned Food Drive. They also donated an additional 796 cans to their school’s Beta Chapter. To celebrate the spooky season and thank their teachers, they held a Pumpkin Decorating event after school.
Baton Rouge Magnet High School, Louisiana