National Junior Classical League
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The National Junior Classical League, or NJCL, is an organization of seventh grade students through high school seniors sponsored by the American Classical League. Founded in 1936, the NJCL is comprised of Latin, Greek, and Classical chapters worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Italy. With over 50,000 members, the NJCL is the largest Classical organization today. It is also the second largest youth organization in the United States, [citation needed] second only the Boy Scouts of America. Its mission is "to encourage an interest in and an appreciation of the language, literature and culture of ancient Greece and Rome and to impart an understanding of the debt of our own culture to that of Classical antiquity."
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[edit] Explanation
Most states have annual competitions where schools compete against each other. The levels can range from county to state region to the entire state itself. Awards are given out to the schools who acquire the most sweepstakes points for their school size. Sweepstakes points are awarded by placing in anything from academics, certamen, and art to costumes and poetry.
Each year the NJCL hosts a convention from late July to early August, where thousands of students compete in written tests and creative categories (such as art competition and oral Latin performances). Another competitive component of the NJCL convention is certamen, which is similar to an academic bowl, except the content of the questions are Latin grammar and vocabulary, English derivatives, and Classical history, culture, and mythology. Students also attend sessions called Colloquia, at which college professors, student officers, and other prominent individuals teach about the classics and the JCL. At each national convention, the student members elect officers from their own ranks. Each state may have only one officer, and the offices include: President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, Secretary, Parliamentarian, Historian, Torch Editor, and Technology Coordinator. The Torch is the NJCL's publication detailing the events of the organization and reporting scores and stories.
[edit] NJCL 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 J C L aids in every way.
In Rome's proud steps we're marching on,
with every true colleague,
And for ever we'll hold to the Purple and Gold,
of the Junior Classical League.
[edit] NJCL Creed
We the members of the Junior Classical League, covenant to hand on the torch of classical civilization in the modern world.
We believe an acquaintance with the civilization of Greece and Rome will help us understand and appraise this world of today, which is indebted to the 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.
[edit] Current Officers
These are the current National Junior Classical League officers. President Seher Munivar (TX), 1st Vice-President Adam Dede (OH), 2nd Vice-President Jon Chang (IL), Secretary Isabel DeBoel (ND), Parliamentarian Jon Survant (KY), Historian Allyson Edison (GA), Editor Caitlin Johnston (IN), Technology Coordinator Jordan Wilson (VA). Wilson and Chang were appointed after no candidate applied to run for the office prior to convention. Chang was appointed after neither candidate for 2nd Vice-President received a majority of votes.
[edit] External links
[edit] See also
- Living Latin - A movement dedicated to promoting spoken Latin.
- National Senior Classical League - The college-level affiliate of NJCL.
