Torch: U.S. The Official Magazine of the Junior Classical League Volume LXII, Number 1 • Fall 2012 Opinion 2 The new Torch: U.S. Editor thanks all those whose hard work and dedication made the 2012 NJCL Convention at Wake Forest University such a success. Voices 3 Don't Our 2011-12 officers offer their thanks, farewells, and advice for the new year of NJCL the National Junior Classical League. 'Wait ': National News 6 Convention Many awards were won in all sorts of categories and many pieces of official business were conducted and completed this year at national convention. 2012 Convention Recap 14 Whether you were among the 1600 who attended NJCL convention or not, don't miss Inside! the highlights of the Wake Forest week in this article. Service Review 19 Our unprecedentedly service-filled year culminated in three separate charitable or service-related activities at convention this year. Results 20 From Academic Decathlon to Ludi Soccer and more, find the names of those who emerged victorious from Wake Forest. www.njcl.org NLE 2012 Fall 2012 Fall Torch:U.S. Torch:U.S. Torch:U.S. 2 opinion Junior Classical League Directory Gratias Tibi Agimus, Wake Forest! NJCL Officers 2012–13 Trace Turner, 2012-2013 NJCL Editor President Caroline Tucker 190 Pennridge Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46240 To begin a journey, that is the hardest part. A wise man once (317) 590-8789• [email protected] said, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." First Vice President Peter Chung Another wise man, Horace, also said, “Dimidium facti qui coepit 209 Spring Creek Road, Barrington Hills, IL 60010 (847) 732-0234 • [email protected] habet” or “He who has begun has half the deed done:” the Second Vice President Danny Trunzo theme for the 59th National Junior Classical League convention, 18960 Ashbourne Lane, Brookfield, WI 53045 (262) 957-6445 • [email protected] which rang true for all 1,600 Latin enthusiasts in attendance. Communications Coordinator Molly Hemenway Every part of the convention was filled with as much, or more, 3428 Surrey Lane, Falls Church, VA 22042 (401) 533-1260 • [email protected] excitement as in years past. Every person found that thrill on Parliamentarian James Dow all corners of the grounds of Wake Forest University. The usual 540 West Magnolia Circle, Johns Creek, GA 30005 convention activities brought on the excitement; whether the (678) 477-2879 • [email protected] Historian Janet Chen Decathlon, Dramatic Interpretation, or those overly competitive 5653 Stoneybrook Drive, Broomfield, CO 80020 Ludi events, JCLers dove right in (especially in Ludi swimming). (720) 284-9063• [email protected] Editor Trace Turner They set the week off to a great start, and that is half the ordeal. 2904 Bridle Path, Austin, TX 78703 There were also many beginnings with this past nationals. (512) 799-7617• [email protected] Many new JCLers came for their first convention and even NSCL Officers 2012-13 a few new states attended such as Washington, and Hawaii. President Ethan Kraft These new delegates were greeted by a community of people 1734 12th Ave. N, Grand Forks, ND 58203 who loved Latin and extended the friendly hand of JCL, (701) 799-1210• [email protected] Vice President Brendon Walsh forging unforgettable bonds with many different people. 5510 Long Cedar Drive, Kingwood, TX 77345 While this convention was a beginning for many, it was also (281) 389-8118 • [email protected] Secretary Bri Forney a continuation of the JCL journey many have been traveling for 7862 Woodglen Drive, West Chester, OH 45069 some time. What brings people like Susan Schearer back to NJCL (513) 236-9770 • [email protected] Treasurer Taylor Locks for 52 years? The answer is simple: the experience and the people. 11901Powder Mill Ct, Spotsylvania, VA, 27553 Whether you are JCL, SCL, sponsor or chaperone, faculty or staff, (540) 850-3715 [email protected] Parliamentarian Elliot Wilson you create a feeling of camaraderie, and for that we are eternally 8006 Stanford Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63130 grateful. We are thankful for each and every attendee of the (314) 541-1074 [email protected] convention, the thrilling competitions, whether written or physical, Editor Kurt Ristroph 1222 Pickett Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 the Colloquia, and the Certamen. Nor must we overlook the tireless (225)-955-4656 [email protected] work put into this convention by the host state and state chairs of Historian Hannah Carlson 3086 Waterford Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32309 North Carolina. Most importantly, we are thankful for the National (850) 688-3271 [email protected] Executive Board and Committee for spending their past year serving National Committee 2012-13 the NJCL and planning this convention that was such a success. Chair Amy Elifrits Even after such a Convention, now is also a time to look to Contests, Creative Arts 6616 Fountains Blvd #9, West Chester, OH 45069 the future. After many handshakes and campaign stickers, a (513) 759-6907 • [email protected] Vice Chair Laura Long new national board was elected for the coming year. That board Contests, Academics 615 Harper Road, Clarksville, TN 37043 is already planning a wonderful 60th convention for all at the (931) 358-4731 • [email protected] Secretary William Lee University of Nevada in Las Vegas. In the spirit of next year’s theme Communications 18200 Blanco Springs Apt 1337, San Antonio, TX 78258 “Quid sit futurum cras, fuge quaerere: et quem fors dierum cunque (210) 367-0208 • [email protected] Public Relations/Membership Jeremy M. Walker dabit, lucro appone” (Cease to inquire what the future has in store, 209 Maple Street, Crown Point, IN 46307 and take as a gift whatever the day brings forth) get excited for (219) 775-7307 • [email protected] Contests, Olympika/SCL Tony Martin the future ahead! 7745 Ivydale Drive Apt B, Indianapolis, IN 46250 (317) 294-4714 • [email protected] Contests, Certamen Tom Reed Torch:U.S. 335 Samantha Drive, Sterling, VA 20164 Torch:U.S. Policy (571) 436-1182 • [email protected] Contests, Graphic Arts Melissa Burgess Torch:U.S. is published four times yearly as the official Staff 6800 Kugler Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236 magazine of the National Junior Classical League. Issues are (513) 602-7606 • [email protected] published in fall, winter, spring, and summer. It is entered as Convention Advisor Sue Robertson third-class material from the Oxford, Ohio, Post Office. 12211 Diamond Hill Dr, Midlothian, VA 23113 Editors (804) 794-9528 • [email protected] The ideas expressed in the Opinion section are the Programs/Scholastic Services Sherry Jankowski comments of the Torch:U.S. and its staff and should not Kurt Ristroph 7034 Forest Heights Court, Las Vegas, NV 89166 necessarily be considered the policy of the National Junior (702) 622-5272 • [email protected] Classical League, its officers, or the National Committee. Trace Turner Constitutional Advisor Dennis Webb Readers are encouraged to express their opinions on any 7632 Tampa Way, Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 617-7778 • [email protected] subject relevant to the classics or JCL on the Voices Page. Advisor Publications Caitlin Johnston Your name and address or title must be included with your 10720 Grand Blvd, Crown Point, IN 46307 submission. All names will be published. Submissions may Caitlin Johnston (219) 743-1061 • [email protected] be sent to the editor or the advisor (see addresses to the left). Administrator/Ex-Officio Geri Dutra American Classical League, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 Photo credits: Emily Chang, Samantha Collette, Ed Cormany, (513) 529-7741 • fax (513) 529-7742 • [email protected] Giana Dawood, Alex DiLeo, Caitlin Johnston, Melanie Keating, Kurt Visit NJCL on the web at www.njcl.org Ristroph, Ryan Vinson, Dennis Webb Torch:U.S. voices 2012 Fall 3 To the Unforgettable JCL: A Heartfelt Farewell As I write my last reports, say my last goodbyes, give Mea Familia, my last speeches, and write my last letter for the Torch, I am reminded of every memory I had No matter how annoyed my biological parents become, I in JCL. Starting from when I arrived will always consider you, the National Junior Classical League, at my first convention – all eager-eyed to be my family. You inspired me to become who I am today, and completely unaware of the surprise and for that, I am forever grateful. The past four years that we that I had in store for me – until now, have spent together, creating bonds that will last a lifetime, I still find it hard to believe that all of have cemented your (rather dominant) place in my heart. Your this happened. If only one of many little place may as well have a little concrete sign that reads, “JCL: things had gone wrong, I would not be The place where I will always belong,” or maybe “JCL: Home of standing here today. It’s difficult to condense into words how Erika Russ.” If nothing else, I hope that in my term as grateful I am to the JCL and to you, my fellow JCLers, for NJCL First Vice President, I have helped this indescribable opportunity. It’s been a journey, and one one Latin student find his own way home that I would not give up for anything else. But at this point, to the organization that welcomed me with it’s sad that this journey’s reaching its end, because I can never open arms, both as a scared freshman and as again be the JCLer that I was. a sobbing slasher, addressing this body for a Through this entire process, I have several people to thank final time. At 40,039 members, we are a big for making it that much more memorable and meaningful.