Students attended the Florida Junior Classical League State Latin Forum at the Wyndham Orlando Resort and Convention Center on April 11-13, competing against other schools to test their knowledge on the language.
“I took the Latin Grammar II and Hellenic History II [tests], which I got ninth and fourth respectively in,” freshman Daniel Mirell said.
The students left for the event during the school day April 11. Parent volunteers drove them to the resort.
“All of the volunteers and students met in my classroom at the beginning of fourth period and we split the students amongst the volunteers,” Latin teacher Jennifer Staton said. “Then, we got all our bags and left at the same time.”
Along with tests based on Latin subjects, the students participated in other activities and competitions, including the bazaar, a market where kids can buy self-made items. Freshman August Terry and Adelia Torvik sold crocheted manatees. The girls won first place for their overall bazaar sales and performance.
“This was the first year we participated in it and we had a blast,” Terry said. “We sold out in about 20 minutes.”
In order to stay organized, the group used multiple ways to stay in touch.
“I had two other chaperones with me, and the whole organization also has chaperones that are watching all the students,” Staton said. “All of our rooms were located together, and we used the Band app to communicate with each other.”
Staton had other roles to fill at the event in addition to being the students’ supervisor.
“As a Latin teacher, we are supposed to judge all the projects and make sure everything is scored,” Staton said. “I judged mixed media for the projects, so I was assigned random projects to grade.”
This year’s event offered new experiences for returning students.
“I did different things this year, so I had different experiences, but I would not say it was better or worse than my first time going,” Terry said. “Overall though, it was a great experience and I’m so glad I get to do it again next year.”
By Kris Rosa
