Activities - NJCL Convention - 2001 - Daily Highlights - Tuesday, July 17

While convention didn't officially start until today, a majority of the attendees arrived on campus on Monday to take advantage of an extra day to tour the area and become acquainted with the Tulane University campus. The Louisiana delegation, dubbed for the day as 'Geri's Kids' in honor of Geri Dutra, the NJCL Administrator, were on hand to assist the delegations that arrived. The 'real' Jerry's Kids will also benefit from this convention as donations were collected at each major event during the week with proceeds going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Throughout the morning, delegates were scurrying around campus to register graphic arts contest entries as well as for Ludi and That's Entertainment auditions. The first convocation of the entire group was General Assembly I held in McAllister Auditorium. Most of this first assembly was dedicated to orienting the attendees to campus and convention rules and regulations, introducing the current NJCL and NSCL officers and the National Committee, and a welcome from the university's Classics department.

Ari Gerstman, NJCL 2nd Vice-President, presented the Membership Contest awards in which both the host state, Louisiana, and next year's host, Kentucky, placed among the top 10. Winner of the Membership Contest was Rhode Island. Ari also noted that Texas has the largest delegation at convention and also the most chapters in JCL, but that Virginia has the most JCL members of any state or province. For yet another year, Boston College High School was recognized as the largest chapter in the organization with 388 members.

Following assembly, delegates were treated to a "Carnival Day" on the green with arcade games, a Velcro wall, and other attractions. Some delegates split their time between amusement and enrichment, opting to attend workshop sessions offered by the current officers as well.

Competition at convention began this evening, with Latin Oratory and the first academic testing session taking place. Topping off the evening was a theme dance - The Big Easy Boogie - and a game night for the less terpsichorean delegates. Fellowship followed as states reviewed the day's events and looked forward to the vast array of activities lying ahead.

Convention Ear, Tuesday, July 17, 2001 (requires Adobe Acrobat)