OFFICER VOICES · Fall 2026 · Torch: U.S.
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Letter from the editors
Salvete amores!
It has been an absolute honor getting to serve on this board this year (and last), and I am so very thankful for your trust in me. Since I have already been very emotional over my term ending, I will try to keep this one short. Since our last talk there have been many projects including JCLove day, takeovers, a Loquenda guide, Epistulae guide, president’s resources folder (join the GroupMe here for it!), and most of all NJCL convention where I was able to lead general assemblies, host a colloquium, and, most importantly, meet all of you and feel the JCLove!
I hope that you all keep growing and fostering your passions, this community, and yourself. Never be afraid to try to create a program, run for office, or take a test or go to a game night because it could result in new friendships you won’t forget and memories you’ll love. It might just be what you’ve been looking for all along.
While this is the end of my journey, I will always be a JCLer and stay connected in other ways such as the SCL and ACL. I don’t know if I can thank you enough for the memories, friendships, laughs, and happy little squeals I’ve had in the JCL, but truly from the bottom of my heart thank you. Amo vos <3
Warmly with JCLove,
Reesey Lai
2025-26 NJCL President
Salvete amici!
It’s surreal to think that my term as your First Vice President has come to an end. These four years of JCL-ing — and this one of officer-ing — seemed everlasting as I lived them but now seem to have passed in an instant. Spending this year with you all at Classicalia and Game Nights, seeing your passion through your National Classics Week posts, and Promotional Video submissions, and meeting you all in person at my last nationals as a JCLer has been the most meaningful capstone to this formative chapter of my life that I could ever ask for.
Thank you all for every moment of time, every act of dedication, and every display of friendship that you bring to making the JCL what it is. More than anything, thank you for allowing me to be a part of it — it’s been an absolute honor.
Ab imo pectore,
Stella Anderson
2025-26 NJCL First Vice President
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FROM YOUR 2025-26 NJCL OFFICERS
Salvete, lectores! We are so excited to welcome you to a new volume of the Torch: U.S.! With the school year starting and JCL chapters beginning afresh, this publication aims to embody the voices and memories of all JCLers. Its pages are yours to read and submit. Whether this September marks your first year in the JCL or your last, we hope you find something of yourself and this community in this and future volumes. This issue recaps the wonderful 2026 NJCL Convention. It celebrates your manifold accomplishments and friendships formed. It thanks all those who made convention possible. But most of all, looking back at our shining moments this summer — on the stage, behind a buzzer, or simply laughing with friends — can remind us of the spirit, service, and scholarship we want to carry into this new academic year. We are honored to plumb these depths with you. Happy reading!
E cordibus — Olivia Chen and Shreyas Karnam, 2025-26 and 2026-27 NJCL Editors