On April 12 and 13, a group of 34 Jesuit students participated in a statewide event packed with over 2,100 Texas students who went as a part of a nationwide group called the Junior Classical League. They participated in a variety of academic contests, from Greek Derivatives to Ancient Geography. Jesuit fared well in these competitions, finding themselves at the top of the lists of winners.
On the first night, each student was required to take an Academic Pentathlon, a test purely based on your knowledge of Latin. This test brought Jesuit the most success and a few students placed in the top two. Senior and Latin veteran Hayden Tompkins received Summa Cum Laude (first place) honors as well as freshman Jack Mason. Over 16 of the 34 Jesuit students placed in the top three for the Pentathlon, not only making a good name for Jesuit, but for their teacher and sponsor Vanessa Jones as well.
On the second day, students took a slew of different tests including Greek Derivatives, Latin Grammar, Art, Ancient Geography, Roman History and many more. Sophomore Zachary Schutze received first place in the Open Certamen test and also took second place in Ancient Geography. Winning in any of these contests was nearly impossible due to the tough competition, but Jesuit students managed to pull out five ribbons in the top three places and seven ribbons total.
The competition was not only about tests; there were basketball, volleyball, track, and even catapult contests. Raul Estrada ’15 built an extraordinary catapult, and although it did not place, it was the best one Jesuit had seen. JCL officers made it very hospitable and there was even a dance on the first night. Jack Mason ’16 said he loved the event as a whole. Mason went on to say, “My favorite part was meeting all the kids from other schools that I shared many common interests with.”
This year’s state competition seemed special and was put on very well by experienced JCL student officers elected the prior year.
Four-year JCL state veteran Hayden Tompkins said that this was the best year by far. Tompkins went on to say, “I enjoyed this year the most because I knew many of the state officers personally and how they managed situations, so I could expect a lot of JCL spirit along with a unique flow of how the academic events mixed with the Ludi [games].”
Fortunately, Jesuit will be sending 8 students to Nationals this year, one of the biggest turnouts in the years it has been around. Students Alexander Baughman ‘13, Mauricio Narvaez ‘14, Patrick Miramontes ‘15, Jack Hubbard ‘15, Zachary Schutze ‘15, Jack Mason ‘16, Alex Motter ‘16, and John Sauer ’16 will head to Las Vegas to represent Jesuit and take on the rigorous tests and hopefully bring home a ribbon or two. Good luck to all 8 contestants!
