7. For new JCLers interested in Certamen or perhaps incoming advanced players, what advice would you give them?
Jerry: "I'd say to take it easy at first. Because when you're just entering Certamen, or any other extracurricular activity, you always have a new kindled passion for it. Just don't let that die because that will help you push yourself to further limits. The journey is going to be rough if you want to work as hard as you can and try to win those championships. Try to make it fun and really just kind of prepare yourself for the one game."
William: "I'd say [something] similar to Jerry. Just find something that you really, really have a passion for. I think if you really have a passion for something and you're really interested in it, that'll keep you motivated because I know it can get a slog throughout the year. Also, don't take it too deeply. It is, after all, just a high school game. I would not place too much of your self worth in Certamen or anything like that. I [would] just take it as almost a hobby, just have fun with it. In the end, it's just a game to have fun.
Ribhu: For me personally, I would say stay consistent [in your] study. [For] my first two years, I really didn't stay consistent. I did one week on and one week off, and I forgot a lot of stuff. This past year, I've been doing a lot of just reading, in general, and also flashcarding."
Jeremiah: "Don't let the pressure get to you, because at least in our school [and] in our state, we have people like William and Ribhuleaving, and they are really good at what they do. For the people coming in, it's just practicing and being able to have that experience to perform under pressure, like this team in the past year has had. That allowed us to be so great and able to perform under pressure. Just gaining experience and practicing what you study is always the most important thing."
CERTAMEN CHAMPIONS INTERVIEW · Fall 2025 · Torch: U.S.
27
Massachusetts' Intermediate Certamen earns first place.
Wisconsin's Novice Certamen champions pose for a photo.
Certamen MVPs from all three levels gather for a picture.