Spring 2026 · Torch: U.S. · STATE UPDATES
32
illinois
"Salvete omnes!
The ILJCL has been hard at work since the NJCL convention. The big thing that we have been focused on is organizing our state convention, which is just around the corner. Many hours have been spent planning the event, and we are hoping its going to be a good one. We have also published our state newsletter since it was discontinued in prior years. But our newsletter is not the only way we have been keeping up with our members. We have been posting on our social media various updates on events and opportunities so our members stay informed. We cannot forget that our Certamen season is coming to a close, with our final match happening during our state convention. We all will be watching at the edge of our seats waiting to see who will be crowned champion."
By John Laniewski
By Sophia Hill
indiana
"The Indiana JCL is now in the midst of a busy winter and spring season! In November, we had our annual Fall Latin Day where participants could go to professor talks, attend the JCL fair, get to know others from different chapters, and much more! At Fall Latin Day, various IJCL and ISCL adult board members participated in Coin Craze which ended with Mrs. Haworth, IJCL Co-Chair, doing the chicken dance! After the success of the FLD Coin Craze, the IJCL officers have been participating in their own and will continue to collect money until the final loser is determined at state convention. Additionally, there have been three certamen invitationals: Saturnalia Certamen in December, Hoosier Certamen in January, and Indiana Certamen in February. With state convention quickly coming up at IU Bloomington in March, preparations are underway! Whether it’s oratories being memorized or spirit chants being workshopped, many chapters are participating in the pre-convention festivities and March cannot come soon enough!"
"The 2025-2026 KYJCL year came to a close on February 22 with the ending of our annual state convention. This year has been full of spirit, fundraising, and service. This year saw the introduction of multiple new schools into KYJCL. We are so excited to bring these schools into our community.
In November, the KYJCL hosted Fall Forum at duPont Manual High School in Louisville, Kentucky. This halloween themed event was a total success! Delegates participated in a costume contest, practiced their spoken Latin with charades games, and wrote letters to fellow chapters in a mini version of Epistulae. Delegates also donated books at Fall Forum that were given to local Little Free Libraries.
The 2025-2026 year saw new ideas impact the KYJCL experience. Delegates bonded over regular virtual game nights, forming friendships over games of Gartic Phone and Jackbox. KJCL’s communications coordinator and parliamentarian hosted webinar sessions to answer questions about running for office. Kentucky looks forward to showing up at the next national convention, where we hope to continue our spirit winning streak."
kentucky
By Lily Berfield