Ludi at Fall Forum (Ellie Kammerer/Ohio student historian for OJCL)
Academy’s halls were filled with over 100 students from across the state on Saturday, October 7, as our school hosted the Ohio Junior Classical League’s (OJCL) second Fall Forum. Designed to unite students in a celebration of the classics, this important event was planned for months in advance by the league’s executive board in addition to our Academy Latin Club.
The forum, styled as a preliminary version of the annual OJCL (Ohio Junior League Convention), convention featured a wide range of activities from ludi (games) to certamen, a classics-themed jeopardy.
Upon arrival, attendees from various schools were directed to the theatre where we had an opening assembly. Next, we chose which colloquia (activities) in which we wished to participate. These ranged from information sessions to full seminars, one of which demonstrated the art of weaving with a Greek loom. After colloquia, a testing session took place in the Dining Hall, where we were given a 70-question pentathlon, which covered mythology, history, grammar, vocabulary, and Roman culture. Students with the highest performances from each level were awarded at the Forum’s closing.
Following lunch, the ludi commenced. Students played Capture the Flag and Ultimate Frisbee on the soccer fields, and we engaged in friendly competition while enjoying one of the last warm days of the year. During this time, those who signed up for the game simulation, Athens Besieged, headed to the quad for an interactive experience of the ancient city Athens.
Next, we were divided into groups for the much-anticipated Certamen competition. Each round involved three teams, and the top three scoring teams of the whole competition participated in a championship round.
Arts proceeded afterward, with impromptu art based on a theme in the Dining Hall, English oratory and sight Latin competitions in the world language rooms, and finally, awards and raffle prizes at at the closing ceremony to conclude a successful second Fall Forum.
In the midst of it all, we wondered: why was Academy picked to host this event?
Although our school is by no means the most prominent chapter in the OJCL, Academy’s central location made it ideal for both Cleveland and Cincinnati schools to attend. Additionally, our new larger Dining Hall and extra classrooms are perfect for hosting various activities.
Having Fall Forum at Academy not only lets us show off the impressive new campus, but it also bolsters our growing Latin program before we head to our state convention this March.
