25_26_Keystone_Convention Magazine

PENNSYLVANIA JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE

KEYSTONE EXPLORING ANCIENT CULTURES AND MODERN CONNECTIONS

CONVENTION 2025

HTTPS//TINYURL.COM/PAJRCL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMMANUELLE KRAMER SILVIA KAUR KANG MANAGING EDITOR TRACI DOUGHERTY CONTENT DIRECTOR TRACI DOUGHERTY

ART DIRECTOR ARLO DALGARNO PLATT SILVIA KAUR KANG CONTRIBUTING LEADERSHIP SARA FLOUNDERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHRISTOPHER CHANG MERIAH WILSON OLIVIA LEE SABRINA BAUER SILVIA KAUR KANG SANSAN LAU SOHUM BANDYOPADHYAY TRACI DOUGHERTY

Proud smiles and school spirit—as Phoenixville delegates celebrate their third-place trophy win at the PAJCL Convention

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

04 EDITOR’S LETTER

10 GAMES

Peek into the issue from the vantage point of our our new editor, setting the stage for the year to come and looking back on the convention's success.

07 OFFICER’S LETTER

Learn about the classics on Main campus through a Certamen Challenge and prepare to tackle our special Penn State themed crossword puzzle

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Celebrate the classics with club updates and news from students, sponsors in this peek at our chapters from across the state.

Meet PAJCL Certamen Chair as she presents a more accessible and engaging event for students, highlighting recent changes.

09 STATE STANDINGS Discover the remarkable achievements of students at the 2025 PAJCL State Convention, who showcase their talents across a range of academic, artistic, athletic, and spirit events.

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GRAPHIC ART WINNERS

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ACROSS THE STATE Celebrate the classics with club updates and news from students, sponsors in this peek at our chapters from across the state.

CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

FROM THE EDITOR 07

Dear Latin Community, As we begin the new school year, I would like to draw attention to many new developments in the Keystone Magazine and important recaps of the State Convention this past May. As we say a heartfelt goodbye to our prior officers, we also welcome Olivia Lee, Aleena Martinez, and myself, Silvia Kang, as members of our student board. I am excited to highlight the community within PAJCL as we embark on this classical journey together. It is integral to our community to congratulate our students and faculty on an amazing 2025 PAJCL State Convention through this showcase of friendship, spirit, and the creativity that makes PAJCL the success that it is.

Sandy Run and Upper Dublin delegates pose in their Roman-inspired attire outside the dorms, bringing classical tradition to life at PAJCL Convention.

Within this issue, you’ll dive into the depths of crossword puzzles, glimpse at the creative process of top student artists across the state, celebrate notable club updates from students, and uncover how last year’s officers transformed PAJCL through their exemplary leadership.

From the toga march in the State Convention to the volunteer work in the National Convention, this edition underscores how Classics can create lifelong friendships and memories.

For those interested in the inspiring work of previous officers, this edition includes detailed, personal articles for each officer and how they have left their transformative legacy on Pennsylvania’s classical community. Our articles also examine the roles of our new student officers that were elected during this past State Convention.

I look forward to appreciating this school year’s first issue and sincerely hope you enjoy our fellow students’ work just as much as I do. No matter your location in Pennsylvania, there’s bound to be something to your liking in the newest Keystone edition!

The delegations from Owen J. Roberts high school and Sandy Run middle school marches proudly in the toga parade, carrying their banner high in true JCL spirit.

Front cover image: Upper Dublin High School Contributors' Page image: Phoenixville High School Editor’s Letter image: Owen J. Roberts High School Back cover image : All delegates

Gratias,

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Standing beneath these stately columns, it's easy to feel the connection between the past and present—a perfect backdrop for a convention where ancient history comes alive.

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FAREWELL ROHA Uncover how Roha transformed PAJCL— from pioneering statewide Saturnalia celebrations to empowering young women in the Classics—leaving a legacy of service and community that endures beyond her presidency.

25 MEMBERSHIP MAP Discover the reach of our community! This map shows all the places where Latin Club members are making an impact, from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and everywhere in between.

28 ELECTION RECAP Meet the new PAJCL state student board.

These new leaders are ready to carry on the spirit of our league, leading with the dedication and passion that lit up Penn State.

30 TALENT SHOW RECAP Experience the PAJCL talent show that showcased everything from From fox costumes to dulcimer strings and lit up Penn State with music, laughter, and a spirit that carried far beyond the night.

26 CONVENTION IN FOCUS 38 SERVICE RECOGNITION Catch all the excitement from this year's State Convention at Penn State! Our photo collage captures the fun, friendship, and fierce competition that defined the weekend.

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Honor the spirit of volunteerism at the PAJCL Convention. See the Volunteers—including sponsors and chaperones— committed to making this event a success for all students.

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CALENDAR

g n i m o c p U s t n Eve

SEP

OCT

OCT

22

25

25

ETC B2S GAME

PAJCL FALL FEST

NJCL ETYMOLOGY EXAM

Competition

PAJCL event

Competition

OCT

NOV

NOV

27

1

15

NJCL ROMAN CIVILIZATION EXAM

YALE CERTAMEN

PCS FALL PROFESSIONAL DAY

Competition

Competition

teachers only

NOV

DEC

DEC

21-23

5

15

ACTFL CONVENTION

SATURNALIA

SATURNALIA

teachers only

Regional Event

Regional Event

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STATE OFFICER LETTER Salvete!

As we gear up to start the school year, I am happy to share some news about Certamen.

My name is Sara Flounders, and I am starting my second year as a member of the PAJCL Board, where I currently serve as the Certamen Chair. This year, I’m also looking to expand my role to include outreach to middle schools. I’ve been involved with PAJCL for about 15 years through my work as a teacher, and I’m thrilled to take on a leadership role in an organization I hold so dear.

What does the Certamen Chair do?

In my role, I work to make Certamen accessible and engaging for students across the state. Last year, I focused on our State Convention—writing (and rewriting!) questions for the preliminary and final rounds.

My goal was to create challenges that were fun and dynamic, drawing on mythology, history, vocabulary, and even pop culture. Looking ahead, I plan to develop a syllabus to guide preparation, share resources, and build a database of past questions for practice. I also hope to help coordinate additional scrimmages and competitions so students can showcase their Latin knowledge beyond Convention.

New Certamen Changes This Past Year: Middle School (Level .5) Certamen at State Convention We welcomed more middle school students than ever before at this year’s Convention and wanted to involve them in ways that suited their interests and abilities. By request, we introduced a preliminary round of Level .5 Certamen! Three schools competed, answering questions on Latin body parts, Roman numerals, song and movie titles in Latin, and Roman history and mythology. The feedback was positive—students enjoyed it and are eager for more.

Open Certamen Also new this year was a non-competitive round of Open Certamen at Convention. We created a round of questions suitable for Latin students at any level. These questions were fun in nature and included topics like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish song titles, mythological names of sports teams, movie titles in Latin, television shows described in Latin, and even candy names in Latin. We are examining when to host this event to maximize turnout, since this event is open to all.

I am excited to continue building Certamen in Pennsylvania and to encourage more schools and more students to get involved. Keep an eye out for more details soon about resources, a syllabus, and upcoming events.

I’m honored to collaborate with you all and can’t wait for another great year!

EX ANIMO, MAGISTRA SARA FLOUNDERS PAJCL STATE CERTAMEN CHAIR

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CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

CONVENTION STANDINGS PENNSYLVANIA STUDENTS SHINE AT PAJCL STATE COMPETITION The 2025 PAJCL State Convention showcased the incredible talent and dedication of Latin students from across Pennsylvania! Participants from numerous schools demonstrated exceptional skills, creativity, and sportsmanship across a wide range of academic, artistic, athletic, and spirit competitions.

Pennsylvania students delivered a powerful performance overall. The convention saw students from schools including Boys' Latin, Conestoga, Conrad Weiser High School, Germantown Academy, Harriton High School, North Allegheny, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, Owen J. Roberts, Sandy Run Middle School, Seneca Valley, Upper Dublin High School, William Penn Charter, and Winchester Thurston, all contributing to a vibrant and competitive atmosphere.

Highlights included the return of the banquet dinner at the Bryce Jordan Center, new academic tests and two testing blocks, and a movie night.

Special recognition goes to the PAJCL Adult and Student Officers and Convention Chairs for all their work in making this event happen.

Congratulations to all the students and schools for a successful and inspiring convention!

The results of the 2025 PAJCL Convention are as follows: Middle School: 1st Place: Sandy Run Middle School 2nd Place: Penn Charter Academy Division II (<16 attendees):: 1st Place: Harriton High School 2nd Place: Germantown High School 3rd Place: Owen J Roberts High School Division I (>16 attendees): 1st Place: Winchester Thurston – A first-time attendee!

2nd Place: Conrad Weiser High School 3rd Place: Phoenixville High School For individual event winners, a full list of event winners is available here: PAJCL Results 24-25 Also a complete list of academic results can be found here: 2025 PAJCL Testing Report

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CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

ART & GAMES

GAME: WORDSEARCH Puzzle Clues: Where did we have a Roman Banquet?

What is the name of our quarterly magazine?

What was the theme of the first day of Convention?

Non scholae, sed ____________?

What was the name of girls’ dormitory?

Which school brought their mascot, the wildcat?

What position does Christopher Chang hold?

What is the last name of the PAJCL Chair?

Which school won Certamen in three levels?

Say in Latin – VERY WELL! What was the name of the building where most of the activities took place?

Sansan Lu a 11th grade student in Harriton School dedicated to Latin.. Last year, Sansan earned the highest accoldate on the National Latin Exam, a Gold summa cum laude

GAME: SPOT THE DIFFERENCE The Nittany Lions are ready for Certamen — but something’s not quite the same between these two scenes in front of Old Main! Look closely and see if you can spot all the changes before time runs out.

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SUBMISSION DATES: AUTUMN - OCT 6

WINTER - DEC 8

SPRING - MAR 9

CONVENTION - JUN 2

KEYSTONE SCHOOLS IN THIS ISSUE: BISHOP MCDEVITT HIGH SCHOOL BLACK ROCK MIDDLE SCHOOL CONRAD WEISER HIGH SCHOOL HARRITON HIGH SCHOOL OWEN J. ROBERTS HIGH SCHOOL NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGIATE ACADEMY

CONTENT IDEAS: ANNOUNCEMENTS CHAPTER NEWS RESOURCES ARTWORK

PHOENIXVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

GAMES

UPPER DUBLIN HIGH SCHOOL

EVENT RECAPS

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CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

ART & GAMES

CERTAMEN: STREET-STYLED As we celebrate our Penn State spirit, these Certamen-themed questions explore the history, traditions, and legacy of the Nittany Lions — from the founding of the university to the ringing of Old Main’s bell, the chants of the student section, and the iconic blue and white that unite the community.

Question 1: The Nittany Lion, a symbol of Penn State's strength and pride, is a subspecies of what larger feline?

Question 4: Old Main, a central building on campus, is made of what type of stone that is also found in the surrounding valley?

B1: The Nittany Lion statue sits on a pedestal of stone. The Latin word for "stone" is lapis. What is the ablative singular of lapis?

B2: The word "pennant" comes from a Latin word meaning "wing." What is this Latin word?

B1: The word "valley" comes from the Latin word vallis. What is the accusative singular of vallis?

B2: Old Main’s bell tower chimes to mark the hour. What Latin word for "hour" is the root of the English word "horology"?

Question 2: The University motto, "For the Glory," comes from a line in the alma mater. What is the Latin word for "glory"?

B1: The Nittany Lion's gaze is directed towards Mount Nittany. In Latin, "mountain" is mons. What is the genitive plural of mons?

B2: What Latin term, often associated with academic excellence, means "for the sake of the person" and refers to a special academic honor?

Question 3: The Penn State campus is located in Happy Valley. What Latin term, used in phrases like carpe diem, means "seize" or "grab"?

B1: Students walk through campus on paths. The Latin word for "path" is via.

What is the dative plural of via?

B2: The Penn State Bell, an iconic campus landmark, rings to mark the time. What Latin word for "time" is in the title of a famous Roman poet's collection?

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Question 5: Penn State's official mascot is the Nittany Lion, but the unofficial mascot of the student body is what creature that symbolizes school spirit?

B1: What is the Latin word for "spirit" or "breath"?

B2: What Roman festival celebrated freedom and goodwill, often associated with a joyful spirit?

Question 6: Penn State's iconic chant begins "We Are..." and is a symbol of community and unity. What Latin phrase, also a university motto, means "one out of many"?

B1: What Latin word for "community" is the root of the English word "commune"?

B2: The term "alma mater" literally translates to "nourishing mother." What Latin word is the root of the English word "maternal"?

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B2: publicus B1: ars Question 7: antiqua B2: mater B1: communitas unum 1.Question 6: E pluribus B2: Saturnalia B1: spiritus Question 5: The squirrel

B1: What Latin word, often used in botanical names, means "leaf"?

B2: The word "root" comes from a Latin word that also gives us the word "radical." What is this Latin word?

Question 8: ex arbore

Question 8: The Penn State Arboretum is a place for the study of trees and plants. What Latin phrase means "from the tree" and is the root of the English word "arbor"?

B1: folium

B1: The word "museum" comes from the Greek word mouseion, but what is the Latin word for "art"?

B2: The Palmer Museum is a place for "public display."

What Latin word for "public" gives us the English word "popular"?

B2: radix

Question 7: The Palmer Museum of Art on campus houses many ancient artifacts. What is the Latin term for a collection of artifacts from the ancient past, often found in a museum?

B2: hora B1: vallem Question 4: Limestone B2: tempus B1: viis Question 3: carpe B2: honoris causa B1: montium Question 2: gloria B2: penna B1: lapide

Delegates share laughs and sunshine between events, proving that PAJCL is about friendship as much as competition.

(or cougar) Question 1: Mountain lion ANSWER KEY Sabrina Bauer is a senior at Upper Dublin High School and a passionate leader in various activities. She serves as co-president of the Latin Club, vice president of the Pennsylvania Junior Classical League Board, Treasurer of the Library and Media Club, and Secretary of the Archery Club.

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CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

GRAPHIC ART WINNERS

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CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4 KEYSTONE

GRAPHIC ART WINNERS

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CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4 KEYSTONE

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BY THE NUMBERS

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CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

CLUB UPDATES

Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy students are excited to embark on their journey with PAJCL and NAJCL

ACROSS THE STATE As the summer sun shines, PAJCL chapters across the state are transitioning from a year of spirited competitions and meaningful service projects to a well-deserved season of rest and reflection. Even as the school year ends, the friendships and knowledge gained from these chapters endure, showcasing the vibrant and lasting relevance of classical studies in modern student life.

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KEYSTONE This year, Bishop McDevitt’s club has "campaigned" via various meetings in the pursuit of a better understanding of the Roman language and way of life. At our first Fall meeting, our president, Stephanie Do, spoke about courtship practices in ancient Rome in correspondence to our school's upcoming homecoming dance. This provided some sodales (club members) with interesting cultural context about how Romans approached relationships, quite different from our modern customs.

Bala Cynwyd Middle School is excited to be a new member of PAJCL (Pennsylvania Junior Classical League) and is actively working to grow its chapter. This year, we held several meetings where we played Latin games, practiced Certamen (Latin quiz-bowl competition), explored mythology, and even watched a bit of Percy Jackson.

We also participated in the Latin League, gaining valuable experience along the way. We were thrilled to join Harriton High School and other district middle schools for a mini-celebration of Rome's birthday. The event included Certamen matches, a scavenger hunt, an escape room challenge, and plenty of opportunities to learn about ancient Roman culture. We wrapped up the day by singing "Felix Dies Natalis" to Rome and sharing cake.

Although we won't be attending the State convention this year, we're focused on building our community this spring and preparing for an even stronger year ahead.

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The sodales celebrated Saturnalia in December, exchanging small gifts and enjoying festive meals as ancient Romans did during this winter celebration.

The next challenge was a competitive game of trivia, answering questions about Roman figures, monuments, language, and gods. The winning team of the club claimed prizes in victorious glory (candy and bragging rights).

Lately, our group has engaged in intense card-game sessions, playing "Piscari" (Go Fish). Using Latin vocabulary to communicate, the students employed skills of observation, strategy, and proper Latin pronunciation to advance as victors. The Bishop McDevitt Latin club and classes, four centuriae (groups) strong, will continue to pave the way in search of Roman excellence.

OFFICER FAREWELL

GOODBYE Roha

Roha heading to UPenn for yet another classical adventure.

After an afternoon of activities at Harriton High School’s first statewide Saturnalia, everyone was settling down for a well-earned meal—that is, everyone except Roha Herial, the one who had organized the event and had made it possible for students from all over Pennsylvania to celebrate the Roman holiday together, even if they weren’t part of PAJCL. Roha was still on her feet, making sure that every school was accounted for, everyone had what they needed, and that the post-dinner carols were prepared, not stopping until her club members begged her to take a seat.

This dedicated, community-first attitude is what Roha led with during her years as PAJCL President, and her impact on the community as a result is truly irreplaceable. Roha first stepped into the role of President of PAJCL at the end of her sophomore year. She was already leading her school’s Latin Club to higher and more ambitious heights, but she didn’t let her increasing list of responsibilities discourage her.

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Following in the footsteps of previous PAJCL presidents, Roha made it her mission from the beginning to empower girls in the Classics community and beyond to become leaders. She encouraged other girls to run for office, supported their journeys, and provided them with opportunities to take charge of activities and to get involved as leaders. She was brimming with initiative and armed with an arsenal of creative ideas to improve the Convention, whether it was proposing a Harry Potter-like house system to make competitions more engaging, or coming up with last year’s spirited pirate theme. Recognizing that it takes an immense amount of organization to run a statewide event like PAJCL smoothly, Roha sacrificed countless hours to craft schedules, presentations, and spreadsheets so that our Convention experience was the best it could be. Her keen eye for details motivated her to attend to the little matters, but she never bragged about her work.

There are doubtlessly countless contributions Roha made that slipped under the radar, but to which we owe our Convention experience. In fact, even though she could not be present for 2025’s convention, Roha wrote the officer’s humorous scripts, created the sleek presentation, and fought to streamline the schedule even further so everyone could participate in the activities they loved. Her dedication to PAJCL is unending—her peers can attest with the text messages they received as she made sure everything was alright all the way from Nebraska.

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Roha will continue her studies at the University of Pennsylvania.; a look back and forward.

“Roha made it her mission from the beginning to empower girls in the Classics community and beyond to become leaders.”

To the end, Roha has been dedicated to PAJCL. Even though she could have chosen to pursue her medical career at universities like Princeton, Cornell, or Dartmouth, she chose the nearby University of Pennsylvania so she could always be part of this rich community she has fostered. She is already making plans to bring back UPenn Certamen, which she helped organize her junior year, and to continue pioneering Harriton Saturnalia.

Her friends at PAJCL and her school’s Latin Club wish her the best in all her future endeavors, and thank her wholeheartedly for her steadfast, selfless leadership that has held us all together these past years.

Olivia Lee is a Latin student at Harriton High School. She is the president of her school's lively Latin Club and the Vice President of Public Relations for PAJCL

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CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

OFFICE FAREWELL

V A L E

Emmanuelle

It was a quiet afternoon, and we high schoolers had just arrived at the middle school to set up for our second meeting of the year—pumpkin painting, a known fan favorite among many of us.

Fresh off the bus and tote containers full of supplies in hand, we walked into the empty cafeteria quarter to 3 with no club advisor or presidents in sight. As soon as that bell rang, we knew that it would only be minutes before the floodgates of frenzied children opened upon the space. I looked at Emanuelle while feeling overwhelmed, and we started to delegate tasks.

When others were messing around, Emmanuelle Kramer came in to pick up the slack. My stress was alleviated, and I felt much calmer about the situation at hand, because that is what Emmanuelle’s presence means to the club: a helping hand no matter the circumstances presented to her. Whether it be teaching her Jr. Editors the ropes or pitching in on last-minute gift wrapping for our toy drive, Emannuelle will always be there. During her time as Editor for PAJCL, Emmanuelle undertook a major redesign of the Keystone publication template, introduced thematic sections as well as author bylines, and streamlined the design submission process.

Emmanuelle smiling into the camera as she enjoys her day at Upper Dublin High School.

“My stress was alleviated, and I felt much calmer about the situation at hand, because that is what Emmanuelle’s presence means.”

She also spearheaded a team of editors who tirelessly worked together to create three Keystone issues and 2 of our own PLUMA publications during the 2024-2025 school year.

Through this hard work and dedication, our Keystone and PLUMA each placed 2nd at the national level. This is a wonderful achievement that UDSD-JCL and the entire team of rookie editors should be proud of, as it was Emannuelle’s and the rest of the team’s first year in this position.

Moving forward with her journey, her PAJCL leadership lives on as she phases into a new era of guidance—choosing to serve as Co-President for her school’s Latin Club during her final year of high school. Although she is stepping down from her role as Editor-in-Chief, starting this September, we can’t wait to see what great ideas, direction, input, and leadership she will bring to the club and board of officers; her spirit and passion always shining through, no matter what endeavors she decides to tackle.

Meriah Wilson is an 11th grade student taking Latin IV at Upper Dublin High School. She is always happy to create. She is the Copresident for her high school's Latin Club, and has reached Thespian status in Drama Club.

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GOODBYE

Sabrina

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Throughout her time at Upper Dublin High School, Sabrina has held numerous leadership roles, serving as Co-Historian, Co-Communications Coordinator, Co-Editor, and, most recently, as CoPresident of her Latin club. In her role as an officer, Sabrina organized and coordinated the annual Fall Fest, a community event that brought together ten schools and over 100 students and teachers. Her leadership, organizational skills, and passion for community-building were on full display as she worked to make the event a success.

Sabrina admiring classical sculptures at a museum.

It's a bittersweet moment when we have to say goodbye to one of our most dedicated members, but with Sabrina Bauer, her legacy will undoubtedly live on. When it comes to building connections and making sure everyone feels included, few people are as dedicated as Sabrina. Her enthusiasm for community-building has always been a constant, whether it was her work as Co-Communications Coordinator or her proactive efforts to reach out to new members, helping to foster a welcoming environment for all.

“Sabrina's passion for community-building is contagious. Her leadership brought students together and made our events, like the Fall Fest, a true success.”

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Her commitment to bringing students together was a major motivation behind her decision to run for the PAJCL VP of Outreach position, where she proposed new online monthly competitions and social media features to help different chapters interact more often. Sabrina also created a linked page for PAJCL, making it easier for members to find resources and stay connected. Her passion for making the convention a better experience was also highlighted in her desire to add a team athletic competition and spread out activities so members could support each other more easily. Her dedication to her chapter and to the larger PAJCL community is a testament to her hard work.

As Sabrina prepares for her next chapter, her commitment to leadership and service is evident.

Although she will no longer be a part of the PAJCL community next year, we are incredibly grateful for the connections she has fostered and the vibrant spirit she has shared. We can’t wait to see the positive change she makes in her future endeavors.

Traci Dougherty is a Latin teacher at Upper Dublin High School. She is the sponsor of the Latin Club, PAJCL, and the National Latin Honors Society. Currently, she serves on the PAJCL adult board as Publications Chair. She has had the absolute pleasure of teaching Sabrina for four years throughout her time in middle and high school.

CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

CONVENTION COLLAGE

Ancient motto, modern community. The "WE ARE" statue stands for the unity of chapters at the PAJCL convention.

PAJCL CONVENTION IN FOCUS A vibrant mosaic of memories captures the spirit of the Pennsylvania Junior Classical League convention.

Each snapshot tells a story: the focused intensity of students competing at Penn State, the joy of a shared laugh during fellowship, and the camaraderie of chapters coming together from across the state. This collection of images highlights how the study of classics is not just about ancient history, but about a living, modern community full of creativity and passion.

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SPIRIT

That’s one tired Wildcat - Owen J. Roberts High School is one of the few schools that bring their mascot to the State Convention.

Students prepare in the hallways of Thomas before heading into the Spirit Display in the opening General Assembly.

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Students are demonstrating their spirit combining this year’s the classical community with the Pirates of the Mediterranean theme.

Latin students and alumni enjoying local Penn State ice cream at the Creamery.

CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

ELECTION RECAP

HELLO NEW OFFICERS

The 2025 annual PAJCL convention was an incredibly exciting time.

The weekend schedule was packed with all manner of contests and festivities, ensuring fun and healthy competition for all who attended. But during this time, an important decision came before the delegates - the question of student officer elections. Prior to convention, the sponsors of all chapters held in good standing by the PAJCL were emailed soliciting self nominations for student officer elections. Those who chose to run were required to complete an application document and confirm the support of their chapter sponsor and parents.

By the time of convention, 5 eligible candidates remained. At the convention’s opening ceremony, each candidate presented a roughly two minute speech about their aspirations as student officers. Because there was only one applicant for each office, all candidates were elected by acclamation.

The PAJCL student officers for the 2025-2026 year are as follows: Christopher Chang from Harriton as President, Aleena Martino from Conrad Weiser as VP of Membership, Olivia Lee from Harriton as VP of Public relations, Sohum Bandyopadhyay from Owen J. Roberts as Parliamentarian, Silvia Kang from Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy as Keystone Editor.

There is currently an opening for the position of secretary; Chapter sponsors will be solicited for applications for this position in the fall. This year, all student officers diligently performed their duties and ensured that the PAJCL operated smoothly. We are especially grateful to Roha, Emmanuelle, and Sabrina, our outgoing officers from this past year. They were vital components of the student officer team and convention would not have been possible without them.

We wish them luck in all future endeavors and sincerely hope that they have enjoyed their time as PAJCL officers as much as we have enjoyed having them.

Sohum Bandyopadhyay is a senior AP Latin student at Owen J Roberts High School. He currently serves as Parliamentarian of PAJCL and enjoys playing in his school’s marching band.

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ACADEMICS

Academic research accompanying the artistic displays highlight the depth of classical study at PAJCL.

Students gather outside the testing rooms, preparing to put their knowledge of the classics to the test.

Colorful maps, posters, and creative projects demonstrate the wide range of academic talent in the league.

More than a contest of knowledge, this year’s two testing blocks held in Thomas Hall brought middle and high classrooms to life.

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CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

TALENT SHOW RECAP

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

2025-2026 Performances: ‘What Does the Fox Say’

by Ylvis ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ by Olivia NewtonJohn ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond ‘Mr. Brightside’ by The Killers Christopher Chang has taken Latin for the past 6 years at Harriton High School. He plans to continue studying Classics in college. He is the former Secretary of PAJCL and the current President of PAJCL. He serves as an officer in his own Latin Club and Certamen chapters. Aside from Latin, he participates in Squash, Badminton, and Science Olympiad.

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Every year at the PAJCL Convention at Penn State University, there is a talent show hosted on the night of the first day. For the 2025 talent show, convention-goers were extended a google form that allowed them to apply for a slot during the talent show to perform.

There were four performances at the 2025 Convention: renditions of ‘What Does the Fox Say’ by Ylvis, ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’

by Olivia Newton-John, ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond, and ‘Mr. Brightside’ by The Killers. Each of these was a solo act, with some being so moving that many in the auditorium began to sing along.

Alongside the main acts, the student officers told their own side story intertwining the Convention’s pirate theme to the talent show.

The first act, ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’, was performed by Morgan Keaton, and acted as a great way to kick off the night of wonderful spirit and singing. Second, ‘What Does the Fox Say’ was performed by Khalil Sergeant. The performance included an interpretive dance in a fox costume to the song and many laughs from the audience. Third, ‘Sweet Caroline’ was performed by Maja Mozdzer on her dulcimer. Her performance had the crowd singing along and swaying along to the melody. Finally, Kiernan Montoya sang ‘Mr. Brightside’ to epically finish off the night.

The time spent at the talent show was only an hour, but the beautiful performances and the great crowd made the energy seem to last forever. Thank you to all that attended the talent show, and special thanks to Morgan Keaton, Khalil Sergeant, Maja Mozdzer, and Kiernan Montoya for performing.

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PAJCL students skillfully play the cithara while leading a sing-along with their fellow PAJCL members.

One fox-y dancer brings a skillful start to the talent show as he dances to the song, ‘What Does the Fox Say?’

UDHS Student serenades PAJCL members by singing a beautiful song while the audience waves their phones in support.

Faculty member and student play wind instruments, showcasing their impressive musical skills as fellow PAJCL members admire the talent show.

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Student sings a song with his fellow PAJCL participants.

CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

KEYSTONE AWARDS The Keystone Awards are a testament to the creativity and talent of our members throughout the year. The process begins with our publications: the Fall, Winter, and Spring issues. Nominees are carefully selected from the published pieces within each section of the publication.

From that group of nominees, the editors then select the top three finalists. These winners are announced at the Awards Assembly during the State Convention, where their achievements are celebrated in front of the entire community.

Congratulations to last year’s Winners and nominees!

2024-2025 Finalists 1. Modern Comparisons, Medea Across Ancient Authors: Ovid vs. Apollonius by Ruthanne Metzger 2. Creative Writing, Ultimate Bake-Off: Aphrodite vs. Athena by Julia Gregg 3. Lifestyle & Culture, Olympic Crime Report: Tantalus’ Dinner Disaster by Maya Gavrin & Andrew Cicalese

AWARDS KEYSTONE

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LATIN LEAGUE

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CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

CNOVENTION COLLAGE

ATHLETICS

Students gather on the track, warming up and showing their school spirit before the competitions begin.

Smiles and friendship shine as PAJCL athletes celebrate camaraderie alongside competition.

A panoramic view of the athletic fields, where schools across Pennsylvania came together in the spirit of the games.

Runners line up at the starting line, ready to bring their energy and determination to the PAJCL Athletics 2025 track events.

KEYSTONE

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KEYSTONE

CERTAMEN

Certamen moderators prepare the buzzers and questions, setting the stage for a fast-paced contest of classical knowledge.

With full attention on the reader, Certamen teams focus in as each question tests their speed and knowledge of the classics.

Students get ready with buzzers in hand as anticipation builds for the next round of Certamen competition.

Certamen victories are just as much about teamwork as they are about knowledge.

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CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

CHAPTER EVENT

OUR FIRST CONVENTION “I asked my soul, what is this convention? It replied: The world is the body, JCL convention is its soul.”

When in Rome… or at Convention always make new friends.

Future classicist in action and winner of the Supportive Sister Award.

It was spring, and I decided to dive headfirst into the rich and vibrant PAJCL Convention. Trotting into my first ever JCL Convention, after a four hour car-ride; my little sister was tugging along, with a wooden chess board, ready to participate in the Chess Competitions.

In retrospect, what stood out most to me was the Toga-march to the elaborate Roman buffet, one evening. In the hallways before the event, students gathered with bedsheets and safety pins. As I wrestled with the folds, what looked so effortless on Roman statues, turned out to be much trickier in real life. As luck would have it, a friend from another school—who looked like a true veteran in the art of toga-wrapping—stepped in to secure the folds on my toga. That’s the magic of community, camaraderie, and a few extra safety pins!

The Convention was a festival for everyone. The Talent-show saw the audience waving their hands as phone flashlights lit up the space. Much like a concert, the lights swayed gently back and forth, creating a glowing show of support for the performers. The following awards ceremony was especially memorable—my little sister even got recognized with the “Most Supportive Sister” award, which perfectly captured the family-like atmosphere.

Silvia Kang is a Junior at Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy with a deep interest in classics and languages, notably Spanish and Latin. She serves as Co-President of the Latin Club, Editor-in-Chief of her school News Magazine, and Keystone Editor.

Because even Romans needed a little help with their fashion.

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KEYSTONE

FELLOWSHIP

Good friends, good food from the Roman banquet in the Bryce Jordan Center and lots of laughs— the true recipe for convention fun.

Toga Party: the evening continued with lively music and dancing—all while dressed in their traditional togas

Latin alumni continue to support their community and companions.

The Owen J. Roberts JCL chapter poses proudly with their banner and the Nittany Lion, representing their school with spirit and unity.

Enthusiastic voices soar during the Karaoke party as students bond over similar music taste.

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CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

The success of any organization is built on the unwavering commitment of its members.

The PAJCL is no exception, and its strength is a direct result of the dedicated sponsors and chaperones who have tirelessly supported our students for years.

This feature recognizes our chapter sponsors and chaperone volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional service, providing a look at the individuals and schools who have consistently contributed to our community.

Nota Bene - The dataset is from 2025 only and the names appear in alphabetical order.

Sponsors Heidi Bonner Owen J. Roberts High School Nico Castagna Phoenixville High School Hannah Casey Boys’ Latin High School Sarah Deeds Seneca Valley High School Traci Dougherty Sandy Run Middle School Upper Dublin High School Beth Foote North Allegheny High School Sara Flounders Black Rock High School Mary Jane Koons Sandy Run Middle School Upper Dublin High School Jenny Mammana William Penn Charter High School William Penn Charter Middle School

KEYSTONE

VOLUNTEERS

SERVICE RECOGNITION

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RECOGNITION

KEYSTONE

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Sponsors continued from the prior page Quinn McIntire William Penn Charter High School William Penn Charter Middle School Connie Ramsey North Allegheny High School Diane Rurode Conrad Weiser High School Lindsey Stamer Germantown High School Karin Suzadail Owen J. Roberts High School Joel Svensson Winchester Thurston High School Veronica Vladimirova-Cambria Harriton High School Ryan Zeitzer Conrad Weiser High School

Chaperones Zane Arp Owen J. Roberts High School Nico Castagne Upper Dublin High School Zach Cene Seneca Valley High School CJ. Celeiro Boy’s Latin High School Gene Chen Harriton High School Traci Dougherty Pheonixville High School Greg Foote North Allegheny High School Heather Galante Germantown High School Sherri Gregg Upper Dublin High School Simin Kamaluddin Harriton High School

CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

VOLUNTEERS

SERVICE RECOGNITION

KEYSTONE

Chaperones continued from the prior page Mary Jane Koons Upper Dublin High School Jarett Kraus Winchester Thurston High Schoo Ali Lucas North Allegheny High School Charlotte Marlowe Sandy Run Middle School Tadashi Matsuura Sandy Run Middle School Paul Moffitt Germantown High School Robert Parker Boy’s Latin High School Diane Rurode Conrad Weiser High School Amy Seelbaugh Seneca Valley High School David Seward Winchester Thurston High School Christine Weiss-Calhoun Owen J. Roberts High School

Senior Cl assical Le ague Riley Raisnider Conrad Weiser High School Jerry Bouca Conrad Weiser High School

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HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/PAJRCL

STATE OFFICERS PRESIDENT CHRISTOPHER CHANG VICE PRESIDENT OLIVIA LEE ALEENA MARTINO SECRETARY TBD PARLIAMENTARIAN SOHUM BANDYOPADHYAY EDITOR EMMANUELLE KRAMER SILIVA KANG CHAIRPERSON VERONICA VLADIMIROVA CAMBRIA COMMUNICATIONS QUINN MCINTIRE CONSTITUTION KARIN SUZADAIL TECHNOLOGY QUINN MCINTIRE PROGRAMS SARA FLOUNDERS PUBLICATIONS TRACI DOUGHERTY

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KEYSTONE is the official publication of the Pennsylvania Junior Classical League (PAJCL). It serves as a platform to inform, inspire, and connect members through engaging content that celebrates the study of Latin, Greek, and classical civilizations.

Featuring chapter news, event recaps, contest results, and student submissions including educational articles, artwork, and more. The Keystone highlights the achievements and voices of PAJCL members while fostering a shared love for the classics.

CONVENTION 2025 | ISSUE NO 4

WHY JOIN? Joining the Pennsylvania Junior Classical League (PAJCL) offers students a wealth of opportunities to engage with Latin, Greek, and classical civilizations in meaningful and exciting ways.

Through leadership roles, service projects, and participation in events like the annual PAJCL Convention, members develop valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and organization. Our vibrant community of like-minded peers allows students to build friendships and connections across the state.

For those who seek to deepen their passion for the classics, PAJCL offers a keystone to learning, leadership, and lifelong inspiration.