Winter 2024 · Torch: U.S. · STATE UPDATES
34
Salvete from New Jersey!
Since returning from the National Convention at the University of Tennessee in July, the NJ-JCL has been working diligently to ensure we have another successful year. This year marks the 75th anniversary of our organization, and we can’t wait to celebrate it! Back in October, we hosted our virtual “Playlists for a Change” community service event, during which we used Spotify to create playlists that called attention to various topics and societal issues. We also held our annual in-person Venus De Volleyball event this November, where schools from Central and South Jersey competed to show off their skills. We are also currently hosting a state-wide canned food drive, which will last until mid-December.
-Miazaly Sipaque
NEW JERSEY
Here in the civitate argenti, Nevada JCLers have been celebrating another year in the classics community. Between gathering for various exams and classes, our students have started Latin League teams. Both our varsity and junior varsity teams have been off to a solid start in the new Latin League competition and are busy preparing for the next round. But it’s not all business! With a new influx of younger members, our celebration of Ludi was packed with people eager to compete in games like chariot racing, javelin toss, and rota before enjoying some seasonal s’mores.
The Nevada JCL has many more events planned in the coming months, with our annual Saturnalia potluck and Lupercalia activities before next year's conventions: Southern Nevada Amici Pratis (SNAP), Northern Nevada Amici Pini (NNAP), and the state convention.
-Miranda Paek
NEVADA
Salvete, fellow JCLers, or as they say ‘round here, “hey, y’all!” My name is Courtney Jolly and I am SCJCL’s President. South Carolina has been up to a lot since the National Convention. We hosted a Classics Day at the University of South Carolina on November 16th. It featured lectures from professors from the University of South Carolina, College of Charleston, and Furman University. In addition to the lectures, the officers of the SCJCL board also led several sessions including a service project and an interest meeting for people who want to run for office on the SCJCL board. The day was a great success and everyone had lots of fun!
The SCJCL board has also been working diligently to improve our Instagram page and website. Our amazing Historian implemented Meme Mondays and Funny Fridays to get people more involved in our Instagram. Additionally the First Vice President, Historian, and I made lots of progress on our website which was looking great. Unfortunately, not long after we made some major improvements, our website crashed and we had to move to a new platform, so it’s looking a bit rough now but be on the lookout for some awesome improvements. Currently, the SCJCL officers are hard at work planning our next statewide event, the Spring Forum, which will have a Graphic Arts contest, Olympika, Certamen, and more.
Valete, y’all!
-Courtney Jolly
SOUTH CAROLINA
Salvete amici!
Though our incredible experience at the 2024 NJCL Convention may be behind us, the TSJCL is just getting started. In just a few months, each of our five Areas will host a highly-anticipated convention before coming together for the 2025 State Convention in April. We can’t wait to see everyone in Houston!
Last September, the TSJCL Executive Board convened via Zoom to discuss these upcoming competitions. At this annual Fall Board Meeting, TSJCL President Paulina Hampel unveiled the 2025 TSJCL State Convention theme: “Nullius boni sine socio iucunda possessio est.” This quote, from Seneca’s Epistle VI, is translated as “No good thing is pleasant to possess, without friends to share it.” The Board also covered several important topics (e.g., the trophy report, proposed budget, membership packet, publications, and contest rule revisions). As Paulina said, the TSJCL community is ready to “JCLive, Laugh, and Love!”
-Jolie Vinh
Texas