Activities - NJCL Convention - 1999 - Daily Highlights - Monday, August 2

Following breakfast in either Oglesby Student Union or Stone Willey's and Sub City in two of the dormitories, t-shirt clad delegates headed off to the second NJCL General Assembly. Today was the first installment of the weeklong spirit contest as delegates strived to impress the JCL officer and National Committee judges. North Dakota emerged the winner in the small states category, Illinois in the medium states, and Missouri in the large states.

During the assembly it was announced that the convention had already received coverage (as it would over the next several days) in the Tallahassee Democrat and on the local television news. Convention business during this assembly included the awarding of the National Latin Honor Society scholarship to none other than the sitting NJCL president, Ben Watson of South Carolina. The David Levy Scholarship was awarded to Dr. Richard Beaton of Georgia, and Robert Harper of Tennessee was awarded the Mildred Sterling award for over 30 years of contributions to NJCL. Long time convention attendees were also recognized, including Ed Lane of Kansas and Mary Ellen Beaton of Georgia who were attending their 20th conventions.

After the assembly, the week long competitions began in earnest. The first academic testing session was held in Ruby Diamond auditorium at the same time that Ludi Volleyball began in the Leach Center sports complex. Ludi Soccer was also held in brutal temperatures on the Mike Long track later this afternoon.

Many delegates beat the afternoon heat by taking in a workshop or seminar after lunch. With sessions such as Translating Popular Songs into Latin, Crime and Punishment in Ancient Rome, and Greek Warfare, there was a wide variety of topics from which to choose. Some of the more literary of the JCL delegates may have opted for the Helpful Hints to a Better Essay session, perhaps hoping to get some pointers for the Essay contest held later this afternoon.

The nominations committee meeting was also held during this Monday afternoon. It was here that the slate of officer candidates for the 1999-2000 year was determined. Running for NJCL offices were:

Days pass quickly at NJCL convention, and as delegates rushed to grab a quick bite for dinner, some made their way to That's Entertainment auditions, others to the first round of Competitive Certamen, still others to Dramatic Interpretation, and yet another contingent headed toward the cool waters of the Leach Center to watch or participate in the swimming Olympika.

Conventioneers were drawn back together by the second NJCL dance - Seminole Swing - or by a round of pool and some frames of bowling. The first full day of convention then drew to a close as delegates headed toward their respective dorms for fellowship, call to floors, and curfew.

Convention Ear, Monday, August 2, 1999 (requires Adobe Acrobat)