Waynflete students shine at statewide Classical League event

14 Middle and Upper School recently attended the Maine Junior Classical League Fall Convention at Hampden Academy. Latin students from around the state gather at this annual event for an evening of academic competition, camaraderie, and spirited celebration of their love for the Classics. Students compete individually on written tests (Latin Language, Mythology, and Roman History and Life), as well as group events, including spirit competition and certamen (certamen is a team-based trivia game that combines knowledge of Latin vocabulary, grammar, and oral comprehension; English words derived from Latin; mythology; Roman history; Latin literature; and more). Depending on their level of Latin, students competed at either novice, intermediate, or advanced.

Waynflete took home first-place trophies for both novice and intermediate certamen and won 2nd place among all schools for academic sweepstakes points. 8th grader Isaac S-M placed 2nd for individual sweepstakes points (winning 1st place on the Roman History & Life test at novice level, and 2nd place on both Mythology and Latin Language).

Senior Mukhtar Ali also deserves special recognition. He is currently serving a second term as MEJCL Torch editor, having been elected to serve on the board of student officers for this statewide organization. He also gave a moving speech at Friday’s convention about the role students play in keeping the Classics alive and relevant.