Nearly 250 middle and high school students from throughout Michigan will convene at Grand Valley State University for the Michigan Junior Classical League spring convention. MJCL is a state branch of a national organization sponsored by the American Classical League, founded in 1919 to foster the study of classical languages. Current state chair is Deborah Stakenas, who teaches Latin at East Kentwood High School.
The event, sponsored this year by the Classics department of Grand Valley, runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the Eberhard Center, 301 W. Fulton. The morning will include some public speaking events in Latin and "certamen," a venerable quiz-bowl on topics of ancient Greek and Latin culture and grammar, with fierce competition between rival schools.
The afternoon provides sessions with college faculty speaking on a variety of topics related to Latin and Roman culture and the classical tradition. Grand Valley Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Fred Antczak will be the keynote speaker. Professors Diane Rayor, Karen Libman and Peter Anderson from the Classics department will be joined by professors Rachel Anderson, English, and Ian Borden, Theatre. Gill McIntosh, from the Classics department at Calvin College, will also participate. The evening includes a costume contest, based on characters in Greek mythology, a parade and a Roman banquet.
For more information contact Peter Anderson at (616) 331-3611.
