This summer, from July 25th to July 30th ten Jesuit students competed in the National Junior Classical League (JCL) convention in the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The students who competed includes Tres Gordon ’23, Michael Hasenfratz ’25, Flyn Hughs ’25, Greg Kimatian ’25, Miguel Mancilla ’25, Nestor Resendiz ’25, Thomas Westerman ’25, Ben Woodard ’25, and Ryan Zito ’25. Also, Ms. Jones, Mr. Allison, and Mrs. Hudec chaperoned the students and made the experience unforgettable.
Why go to JCL nationals?
NJCL is a place where students of common interests in the classics are able to compete against each other and create friendships with one another around the country. Also, no latin teacher is able to touch on all of Roman and Greek history, mythology, literature, and more. Even if students do not enjoy taking academic test, JCL has something for everyone. It might be art contests, olympika (sports competitions), certamen (quiz bowl), or just hanging out with friends in different activities. JCL is a way for all latin students to have fun over the summer. Anyone who is not part of Jesuit’s JCL club should definitely join, to try something new and enjoyable for everyone.
Jesuit students playing a pandoras box game.
WINNERS
Left to Right: Michael Hasenfratz, Thomas Westerman, Ben Woodard, Nestor Resendiz
Academic Competitions:
Essay Contest: 3rd Place Michael Hasenfratz
Essay Contest: 2nd Place Thomas Westerman
Essay Contest: 4th Place Ben Woodard
Greek Life & Literature: 5th Place Ben Woodard
Essay Contest: 5th Place Nestor Resendiz
6th – Essay – Royce Szarzynski
6th – Greek Life & Literature – Royce Szarzynski
7th – Classical Art – Royce Szarzynski
8th – Essay – Miguel Mancilla
8th – Essay – Tres Gordon
8th – Classical Art – Thomas Westerman
8th – Greek Derivatives – Thomas Westerman
9th – Greek Derivatives – Michael Hasenfratz
10th – Latin Sight Recitation – Miguel Mancilla
Olympika(Sports) Competitions
Royce Szarzynski: 1st Place Shotput, 2nd Place Track 100 meter
Michael Hasenfratz: 3rd Place 50 meter Butterfly Swim, 3rd Place 50 meter Freestyle Swim
Flyn Hughes: 1st Place 50 meter Butterfly Swim, 1st Place in both 50 & 100 meter Freestyle,1st Place 100 meter Track, 1st Place 400 meter Track, 2nd place Long Jump, 2nd Place Shotput
Congrats to Flyn Hughs for getting 1st place in the Olympika top Overall Sweepstakes!
Left to Right: Royce Szarzynski, Michael Hasenfratz, Flyn Hughs
Ben Woodard: TSJCL State Officer and Area C Coordinator
At JCL nationals State Officer Ben Woodard had large roles in helping out with the Texas JCL activities with other state officers from other high schools in Texas. Some of his jobs during were to help conduct the State Fellowship meetings, prepare the TSJCL spirit, and help run the spirit at the general assembly. With Ben’s role, he will also be coordinating the Area C convention at Jesuit in February!
Ben Woodard said about his experience, “JCL nationals was the best experience I could ever ask for, I made a lot of new friends from across the state, and learned a lot of important leadership qualities as a state officer. The relationship I made with my Jesuit brothers is unforgettable and I am extremely excited for next year. I want to thank Magistra Jones the most for all of the hard work and care she puts into making JCL a great experience for not only her students but for everyone.”
Jesuit Students’ thoughts on JCL nationals
Greg Kimatian ’25 said, “I simply loved JCL, not because of the academia, even though it was great, but more from the friendships and memories that came from it. Whether it was parties every night or an escape from the room, JCL was a priceless experience that I can only hope to do again.”
Royce Szarzynski ’25 said, “I thought that JCL was a phenomenal experience where you can meet people along with testing one’s knowledge of classical languages, history, and culture. There is Spirit, where everyone yells and yells until they can’t yell anymore. JCL truly has something for everyone.”
Just the Beginning…
JCL nationals are the best way for Latin students to spend their summer and get ready for the school year. As nationals is the biggest convention for JCL, this school year is still filled with the next area and state convention that will be just as fun as nationals and easier to get to. All Latin students should join!
