state updates
hear from peers across the NJCL!
Salvete omnes!
The 2024-2025 AJCL executive board wrapped the year up with two things: our NCW activities and officer elections for the next school year. We tried something new for NCW – instead of just having our annual Roman cake-off, we decided to add some other activities, such as an AJCL Bingo and the ‘24-’25 AJCL officer buzzfeed quiz. As for elections, we have officially elected and inaugurated the 2025-2026 AJCL executive board! The exchange of tips, ideas and files occurred between the boards as they bid their welcomes to the new cabinet members and farewells to those leaving. 3 officers who served on the previous board have returned to lead the AJCL for this upcoming school year.
The AJCL’s main focus for June and July are two words: National Convention. AJCLers are pumped and ready to head on over to Ohio for JCLove and plenty of fun. We absolutely can’t wait for another great convention! Safe travels to everyone attending!
–Chandana Suru
ALABAMA
Salvete et felicem aestatem!
The MDJCL has had a very eventful last few months! We started off the spring with an Open Certamen at the McLean School, who were hosting for the very first time. The theme was ‘Roman Women,’ and contestants were divided up into random teams aptly named after classical women, such as the Agrippinas, the Sibyls, and the Hecates. In addition to regular Certamen questions, students were asked about popular franchises such as Pokemon and Star Trek and paid several visits to the Cinema Romana!
We also held our annual State Convention at the beginning of April at Easton High School. While there, we elected our new state officers, hosted Ludi, competed in arts contests, won gladiator fights, tried academic tests, and of course, played Certamen! The theme this year was ‘Oracles and Prophecies.’ After the gladiator champion was crowned, we witnessed a riveting school vs. school matchup as the Gilman School and the Key School butted heads. This year, we also had the greatest number of candidates running for office in recent MDJCL history—twelve!
Looking ahead, we will have our first Certamen of the ‘25-’26 school year at UMD in the fall, and Nationals in July! We are so excited to see you all in Ohio, wearing our new purple and black state T-shirts—‘non scholae sed vitae discimus’!!
What is a fun fact about your state's JCL?
We try to hand out crab-related souvenirs at Nats, so if you see someone rocking a crab keychain or a glow-in-the-dark crab charm (both from previous years), it’s probably because of us!
How many members does your state JCL have?
What does your state JCL have that you're sure no other JCL does?
A pega-frog named Percival, who wears a bandana and is committed to attending every MDJCL event (including Nationals)!
–Bani Gourab
MARYLAND
Summer 2025 · Torch: U.S. · STATE UPDATES
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