Hey there, you totally tubular sodales! My name is ADAM ASHLEY, and I’m your VJCL SECOND VICE PRESIDENT. I’m currently a sophomore at Falls Church High School, and I am currently taking Latin II. I’ve only been involved in the Junior Classical League for a little over a year (2016 VJCL Convention was my first JCL Convention ever!), but my admiration and JCLove for this organization and the people involved in it has pushed me to work hard and aim high. From the moment I sat down for my first General Assembly, I knew I wanted to be an officer in high school. I especially knew that Second Vice President was the right position for me – I love working with people in need and helping to organize and run service projects. I’m also in love with the fact that the spirit competition even exists; it gives people an outlet to express energy and enthusiasm that a lot of other extracurricular activities don’t offer. Helping with spirit and performing Roll Call at Nationals gave me such a rush, and I don’t think I’ve come down from that adrenaline boost since then.
I think the most important thing JCLers need to know is that, regardless if you are a champion Certamen player or just a nerd who consistently replaces “omnes” with “v’omnes,” you have a place in the JCL. On our board, I’m surrounded by some of the most intelligent people I know, and it was honestly a little intimidating at first. However, these amazing people have helped me recognize my strengths – and I think that is the area in which the JCL shines more than any other organization. Whatever your talent is, you will find a way to share it through the Junior Classical League. Your talent is going to guide you through your time in JCL, as well as (perhaps for some of you) towards running for office.
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