Student presentations at Latin Forum. Courtesy/Mrs. Bening

This past Saturday, October 6, Columbus Academy’s Latin program hosted an all-day Ohio Junior Classical League’s (OJCL) Fall Forum, a mini-convention that congregates students from across Ohio to discuss and explore the Latin language.

Ted Gellar Goad, an Assistant Professor of Classical Languages at Wake Forest University, kickstarted the festivities as he spoke about the enchanting study of ancient curses, providing students with materials to form their own curse tablets.

A series of lectures, or “colloquia” followed that discussed different aspects of the OJCL. Some of the primary discussions centered around how to best participate within the conventions as well as in the spirit competitions.

The convention held a pentathlon competition in additon to a service project: making greeting cards for local hospitalized children.

After Ultimate Frisbee and Capture the Flag, different schools competed in open Certamen, which is a quiz bowl-like challenge designed to test a contestant’s Latin skills.

The forum ended with students partaking in English oratory and art competitions before closing with an awards assembly.