Fall 2025 · Torch: U.S. · OFFICER VOICES
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Salvete amici!
To be honest, at first, taking middle school Latin and joining the JCL was not my idea. Going to Certamen practice was my way of convincing my mom to let me have sleepovers with my best friend. It wasn’t until after a year of virtual Certamen tournaments that I realized how fun learning about the Classical World could be.
I attended my first in-person National Convention at Lafayette, Louisiana, and immediately connected with the spirit of the NJCL. There is something so incredibly unique and eye-opening about this community. I was surrounded by insanely creative artistic talent, impressive athletics, academics on the deepest level, and many of the kindest and funniest people I have ever met. It was definitely not what I was expecting, but it was certainly life changing. Ever since, JCL conventions have been the highlights of my high school years.
My love for this community has only deepened over the years. I realized that studying Classics was not only a fun way to spend a week of the summer with my friends, but that the field is still important and relevant, and its nuances are deeply fascinating. I started paying closer attention to the writing of ancient poets and authors, and was captivated by ancient cultures. I explored my own academic curiosity and interest through studying ancient texts and stories, and I truly believe that being a Classics student has shaped the way I think and view our world.
The privilege of being NJCL 1st Vice-President this year has connected me further to the students of our organization, and I have loved getting to know many of you through our events throughout the year, discussing the situations of Classics programs in your home states and regions, and through your involvement in our celebrations and conventions. I am so grateful for your passion and energy– that is what makes the JCL the community it is.
I made many of my closest friends through studying Classics and being involved in the NJCL. I urge you to embrace this incredible community. There truly is nothing quite like JCLove.
Describing my summer plans of attending a national Latin convention would often raise a few questions from friends and family who weren’t familiar, but to me, the NJCL has been, and will always be, a home. I hope you will find home with the JCL too.
It has been an honor.
Gratias, et valete,
Yuki Mitchell
2024-2025 NJCL First Vice President
Salvete Amici!
Wow. This has been such an incredible year, and it has been my greatest honor to serve you all as Second Vice President. This year, I felt so grateful to have bonded so closely with my fellow board members and to have met so many of YOU. I met some of you virtually through email correspondence, COTM submissions, or game nights. And I met others in person while you were cheering your hearts out during spirit, packing deodorants into care packages, or just eating in the dining hall. Thank you so much for your spirit, your love, and your dedication to this organization.
I began this year by crafting the 2024-2025 Club of the Month packet and submission form. The theme of COTM was “The Heart of the Classics,” through which I highlighted the mos maiorum of the Ancient Romans. It was so fun to see how you all incorporated these themes into your club activities!
This fall, I had a wonderful time at the Fall Planning Meeting held at Miami University in Ohio. The campus was beautiful, and it was so nice getting to know all of my fellow committee members. There, we collaborated on choosing spirit themes and National Service Project ideas.
This year, I also had so much fun working with NJCL 1st Vice President Yuki Mitchell. Together, we collaborated on planning Classicalia and National Classics Week. Classicalia was such an incredible experience, and I had so much fun listening to both guest and student speakers. Additionally, NCW, themed “These are a few of our favorite things…” was a hit! I am so grateful to Yuki for her partnership and hard work.
I also had the honor of crafting the 2025 Guide to Spirit and Service, too. I implemented new markings called “First Time Delegate (FTD)” stars, with the hopes that spirit and service be accessible to all states. I was very proud of this, as I was once a first time delegate and the only delegate from my state. I hope this guide helped many people out as they navigated Nationals!
Lastly, Nationals was such a great experience. With your help, we more than tripled our initial estimation for care packages. We gave back to the Miami University campus by hosting a campus clean up, and we raised around $800 for the National Brain Tumor Society.
JCL, it has been an honor. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Valete amici,
Audrey Lin
2024-2025 NJCL Second Vice President