LATIN CLUB & JCL

JCL Creed

We, the members of the Junior Classical League,
covenant to hand on the torch of classical civilization in the modern world.
We believe that an acquaintance with the civilization
of Greece and Rome will help us understand and appraise
this world of today, which is indebted to ancient civilization
in its government and laws, literature, language and arts.

We affirm the JCL experience develops
responsibility, fosters brotherhood,
promotes enthusiasm, encourages competition, inspires
dedication, and enriches our total growth.

JCL Song

Seeking the best, the highest our goal,
working for greatness through glories of old,
searching the realms of the golden past,
we follow the classics' truths that last.

In knowledge, truth, and fellowship,
we're growing everyday;
the friendly hand of JCL aids in every way.
In Rome's proud steps we're marching on
with every true colleague,
and forever we'll hold
to the Purple and Gold
of the JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE!

I'm hoping to have regular Latin club meetings this year, either on Monday or Wednesday afternoons. Most club activities this fall will probably revolve around certamen practice for competition. (See below.)  However, I am sure there will be playing cards in Latin and other all Latin activities. We should also elect new officers.

T-Shirts

Junior Classical League

Formed in 1936, The Junior Classical League is an organization of 5th through high school seniors sponsored by the American Classical League. Composed of local and state chapters across the United States, Canada, and Australia, it is the largest Classical organization in the world today with over 50,000 members. The Junior Classical League encourages an interest in and an appreciation for the language, literature, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. They hope to impart an understanding of the debt of our own culture to that of classical antiquity. 

We are in Area F of the Texas State Junior Classical League. You can find out more information at the Texas State Junior Classical League Website, including rules for academic contests, certamen, and classical civilization events, plus the JCL Creed and the JCL Song.  Rules for Area competition are different from state, especially for classical civilization events.  But I guarantee there is something for everyone.

Feel free to download this year's current certamen syllabus. The following is the current schedule for events.

• October ??, 2007: (to be announced--MIGHT IT BE US??)
• November ??, 2007: (to be announced)
• December 8, 2007: Certamen Competition, St. Andrew's Upper, South Austin
• February 22-23, 2008: Area F Convention, Pflugerville HS, Pflugerville (North Austin metro area)
• April 11-12, 2008: TSJCL State Convention, Atascocita HS, Atascocita (Houston metro area)

I don't know whether we will truly go to state this year, but there's always the possibility, especially if I have parental help organizing our getting there.

Should I mention there is also NATIONAL competition? The National Junior Classical League website provides more information, old tests and keys, etc. There is even a Wikipedia page on the National Junior Classical League!

These web pages last updated August 25, 2007.