Latin students from Chesterfield County Public Schools made the most of opportunities to learn, grow and demonstrate their talents at this year’s Virginia Junior Classical League convention, affectionately known as Latin Con. More than 1,000 students from throughout Virginia gathered Nov. 24-25 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center for contests, workshops and social events.
Midlothian Middle and Robious Middle both sent large delegations, with Robious having the largest attendance of all the Virginia middle schools and the third-largest attendance overall. Robious Middle students not only showed up but also performed impressively as well with 35 Top 10 finishes in academic contests and 49 Top 10 finishes in creative and graphic arts contests. Claire H. and Pragya S. took home sweepstake awards for their collective wins.
Clover Hill, Cosby, Midlothian and Monacan high schools had spirited delegations and plentiful awards to take home as well. In fact, both Midlothian High and Monacan High came away with awards for their spirit.
Maddox J. from Midlothian High completed his year of service as second vice president of the Virginia Junior Classical League. Clara H. from Clover Hill High was elected first vice president. Clover Hill High’s Ian R. and Midlothian High’s Elizabeth M. showed off their musical abilities at the talent show. Junegee F. and Nick J. from Midlothian High were selected to serve as experts in an English oratory workshop to help students learn to compose and deliver a compelling speech on a classical theme.
Students submitted impressive art projects, performed in Latin and English oratory, created classical costumes, competed in a variety academic contests, constructed boats and buildings, played games with a classical twist and banqueted in togas before dancing and singing the night away with their new Latin friends from all over the state. Their teachers couldn’t be prouder of their enthusiastic participation, willingness to try new things and all the preparation leading up to the big event.