The Latin club will attend the Texas State Junior Classical League (TSJCL) convention April 4-5 at Bellaire High School. Each student will compete in two different events, including multiple-choice tests, public speaking and sports.
Following this year, Latin will no longer be offered as a language course to students, marking the end of the program in the district.
“It’s sad because it’s the last year,” sophomore Maryam Aziz said. “We’re a lot more [relaxed] about [state]. It’s [our] last year, we can [have as much fun as] we want; we’re never going to come here again.”
The club attended Area C on March 1, with 10 qualifying for state by placing first or second in area.
“It’s been very stressful this year,” Latin teacher and club sponsor Courtney Herring said. “We had less turnaround time between area and state, so the process of getting the kids [to Bellaire] has been incredibly stressful. [However,] I’m excited to go. I love taking the kids so they can show what they can do.”
Club members have prepared for their events by academic testing and competing in creative and sports competitions. They’ve used a number of resources and dictionaries.
“Most of the things you need for the competition, you learn in the Latin class and use that knowledge in order to compete in the tournaments,” senior Arjun Iyer said.
Last year, the club had four members advance to nationals. This year, 13 members will be going to state — three of the members placed third and will go as alternates.
“I [want] to bring back one last sweepstake trophy and see the kids be successful,” Herring said. “I hope that the district changes its mind and brings back Latin, because I’m here.”
