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VJCL Fall Forum 2017
Inside Virginia State Certamen
Contributors: PEter McMahon (Novice), Abbie Henshaw (Intermediate), Mary Margaret Lemkuhler (Intermediate), Gwynn Major (Intermediate), Minyoung Hwang (AdvanceD), Ryan Klopp (Advanced), Matt Nelson (Advanced), and Simon Van Der Weide (Advanced)
For people that have never been to Castra, can you share a little about what it was like?
Peter McMahon: At first, I thought Castra would just be studying all day, but it is not just that. It is a rather lax environment, so when you are studying, it doesn't really feel like work. The fact that there are snacks also helps.
What were the most difficult teams you played at Nationals? Any surprises?
PM: New Hampshire and the D.C. filler team by far. I was surprised that none of the teams that normally make it to the finals and are feared nationally (i.e. Florida, Virginia and Texas) made it to finals this year.
What would be you advice to students new to Certamen?
PM: The fact that you are doing Certamen makes it clear that you know more than the average JCLer. But work on speed! Speed is key!
What do you enjoy the most about Certamen - the studying, the material, the actual playing?
PM: Definitely the playing. I don't really like the preparation, but it's worth it to get to play.
If you were going to replace the Aurelia passage, what would it say?
PM: Maybe something about the JSL (the Junior Spanish League) and why the JCL is infinitely superior to it.
NOVICE
Above: The Virginia Novice team with the other teams that tied for 3rd place (L-R: Ethan Robertson, Joseph Amsbary, Peter McMahon, Lincoln Day). Below: The Advanced team during Finals