The 2024 Virginia Junior Classical League convention was held in the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Ms. Gephardt, along with 25 students in various levels of Latin, stayed in Richmond for two days to attend. There, they participated in speaking, costume, craft, and academic competitions.

The National Junior Classical League (NJCL) was founded in 1936 as a way for high school students to compete across the country with fellow students in Latin. In 1961, the first delegation of six students from Virginia attended the NJCL convention. That was the start of Virginia’s own branch, the Virginia Junior Classical League (VJCL). Now the VJCL has over a thousand delegates and hopes to spread the knowledge and appreciation of Roman and Greek culture. 

Along with a great learning experience, the convention is also a great social opportunity. Students will have the chance to meet new people, make new friends, and even reconnect with old friends. Charlotte Waggy, a freshman in Latin III, says that she’s looking forward to going this year so she can see her old friends from middle school. They can also bond with their classmates through games and contests that involve teamwork and collaboration. 

There are no further requirements to go than to be currently taking Latin, registering, and paying the fees. It is highly recommended that students bring an art project to showcase at the event. Students definitely worked hard on their projects, some even going above and beyond. One of the projects displayed there was a model of “The Hanging Gardens of Babylon,” which included small details such as faux plants, miniature pathways, and texture and cracks to the bricks.

Upon returning from the convention, many students stated that they had a great time! This year’s convention definitely lived up to the expectations of the students.