Fall 2025 · Torch: U.S. · CONVENTION RECAP
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Thursday saw the final academic testing session, students testing their knowledge on a number of language related exams: Latin Vocabulary; Greek Derivatives; Greek Life and Literature; and Latin Literature. The day’s main events, however, were those surrounding the elections. Candidates Open Forum dominated the morning, while the SCL held their elections at the same time. States voted on candidates and amendments just after noon, and Ochoa announced the results in General Assembly IV. This General Assembly also saw the presentation of the NJCL scholarships, the recognition of 56 longtime convention attendees, and the performance of the NJCL chorus.
The final full day of convention — Friday — was no less busy than those four preceding it. Students reaped the rewards of their earlier hard work with the morning awards ceremony, which presented ribbons to those who placed in academic testing, graphic arts, creative arts, or Olympika. Open Certamen followed, inviting all — regardless of experience — to explore a mainstay of the JCL. Competitive Certamen also saw their final rounds, pitting, in the senior division, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia against one another. The day’s spirit theme, Romecoming, highlighted both the JCL’s longtime Ohio roots as well as the community that had been forged throughout the convention. The climactic “Day in Old Rome” dinner led far-too-swiftly into the farewell dance (which closed with “Don’t Stop Believin’”, by Journey).
And, with this, convention came to a close. Students shared goodbyes as best they could, promising to text and exchanging contact information. Some left, the JCL already taking the shape of memory, while others marked their calendars for a late-July week in 2026. One convention ended: the next is already beginning.
Thank you so much to everyone who donated to the raffle to raise money for Annual Giving! We had 84 donors and raised over $580. The winner of the raffle, receiving a gift card to our Redbubble merch store, is Manuel Cantillo of Ohio! While there were many enticing items available at the Agora, it truly warms my heart that so many of you decided to donate. Getting to chat with you all and hear your stories at the Agora was a powerful reminder of why this organization matters and how important it is that we each do our part to help it flourish.
Annual Giving Raffle
Lilia AitSahlia, 2024-2025 NJCL President