STATE UPDATES · Winter 2025 · Torch: U.S.
By Sophia Hill
By Mokshi Gunduboina
"The Peach State’s delegates have been keeping the Classics close to their hearts and alive this past summer and fall! Each chapter hosted its own unique club traditions for the spooky season, from annual Mt. Vesuvius eruptions to pumpkin painting, helping our community grow even closer. In October, delegates from around Georgia gathered for our annual Fall Forum, where students took exams with dedication, learned to dance like the Greeks at workshops, and connected with zealous Latin scholars from all over! This year’s Fall Forum also featured a special service project led by Second Vice President Kaleb Larin Medina, where officers and delegates came together to create hygiene kits for Must Ministries, serving families in need across Metro Atlanta. Our JCLers have also been shining on the national stage, with delegates from Walton making the long trip to New Haven, Connecticut, to participate in the 2025 Yale Certamen Invitational. Riding on their win at NJCL’s National Convention this year, our impressive delegates made us proud once again at Yale, earning third place. This November, our wonderful First Vice President Hayden Yoo is hosting our annual Praetoria, an online event with opportunities for Georgian delegates to meet their officers and engage in workshops like learning how to host service projects or relaxing to the classic Charlie Brown Christmas movie!"
Georgia
Indiana
"The Indiana JCL has been busy since the last issue of the Torch! In June, 15 IJCL members travelled 4,820 miles to Rome for the annual IJCL Italy Trip! Attendees saw many famous sights, such as the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican — and that was just in Rome! The group went on to travel to Capri, Brindisi, and various regions in Greece, seeing Mt. Vesuvius, the Albanian Coast, the Temple of Apollo, the Acropolis, and many other breathtaking fields and ruins.
After the trip, JCLers had another chance to celebrate the classics at National Convention! In July, 40 delegates, sponsors, and SCLers attended National Convention at Miami University! Before Convention, however, delegates went on the annual pre-Convention Bus Trip! The trip kicked off in Cincinnati, where delegates went to the Cincinnati Zoo and, later, the Cincinnati Art Museum. After seeing everything from leones to Greek amphorae, the following day, the delegation went to the fan-favorite Newport Aquarium. IJCLers headed to Kings Island soon after before departing for Convention! Convention was a big success, with Indiana winning awards for spirit, Certamen, and Roll Call. It was an amazing experience, with IJCL chapters and members alike receiving many awards and making connections and memories that they will carry far outside their time in the JCL.
In September, the IJCL met for their first official event of the year — Leadership Development Academy (LDA)! Organized by Indiana’s parliamentarian, LDA is an opportunity for chapters to become familiar with the IJCL, set goals, and strengthen their leadership skills for the upcoming year! There were many different focus sessions that were led by both student board members and adults, which diversified the amount of information and ensured chapters were well-prepared. Indiana is very excited for the year to come and is already looking forward to National Convention 2026 at Indiana University Bloomington!"
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