The Summer of a Latin Scholar
The annual National Junior Classical League (NJCL) Convention has something for everyone, according to senior Lyle Seeligson. But Seeligson had a particularly special experience this summer when she attended the convention for the fifth time and saw one of her childhood dreams reach fruition: she ran for—and was elected to—the position of NJCL president.
Seeligson has been going to the convention, which unites students studying classics from all over the U.S. for four days, since 2012. The NJCL was founded in the hopes of encouraging an appreciation for the language and culture of Rome and ancient Greece in younger people. “[The] convention is always a blast,” Seeligson said. “It brings classics students together from across the country to celebrate our shared passions for studying classical civilizations”
“Lyle’s a hard worker and she absolutely deserved the job. We’re all happy for her.”
Seeligson joined the NJCL in seventh grade, and learned about the convention through the Texas State Junior Classical League. From the very beginning, Seeligson was smitten with the convention. “I started going to nationals with my middle school classmates, and fell in love,” she said. “The NJCL convention is one of the highlights of my summer every year, and I would not miss it for the world.” It was then that she developed her dream of running for NJCL president.
This year the convention was held from July 25-29 at Indiana University Bloomington. Seven of the eight people in the convention’s New Hampshire delegation this year were current or graduated Exonians, including lowers Michaela Phan ’19, Gillian Quinto ’19, Andrew Hong ’18, Tim Han ’18, Kofi Ansong ’17 and Hannah Cherenfant ‘16. Chair of the Department of Classical Languages Nicholas Unger, who acts as the New Hampshire JCL State Chair, accompanied the party, acting as sponsor and chaperone.
At the convention, students participated in academic contests, graphic and creative arts contests and generally pursued their shared love of Classics. Seeligson applauded the laid back and fun atmosphere of the week, saying “There are so many wacky traditions and competitions between state delegations, and no one there has a fear of having fun because no one is judging them for it.”
Because she was running for president, Seeligson found that she met many more students at the program than she would have otherwise. “Being able to actually campaign was an unbelievable experience,” she said. “And it was great getting to talk with them [the attendees] and tell them about my ideas for improving the JCL.”
Seeligson’s campaigning took considerable confidence and bravery. “Standing on stage in front of the 1,600 people at convention definitely made me nervous, but I knew what a friendly audience I had in front of me,” she said.
Han, who made Seeligson’s introductory speech at the convention, celebrated the fact that the new NJCL President will come from and represent Exeter. “I think it’s great that Exeter finally has a National Officer again after a long drought—and a President at that,” he said. “For a program run by some of the most resourceful and passionate teachers and made up of hundreds of brilliant students, it’s awesome that Lyle got the chance to bring us some recognition.”
Han continued, applauding Seeligson’s diligence. “Lyle’s a hard worker and she absolutely deserved the job,” he said. “We’re all happy for her.”
Seeligson’s job comes with considerable responsibility. On top of attending to her regular Exonian workload and filling out college applications, Seeligson will work to make the 50,000 member organization an even more extraordinary program.
Already, Seeligson has begun working with the six national officers to plan various JCL events and competitions that will occur over the course of the year. The seven of them have begun preparing for the Fall Planning Meeting, a multi-day meeting for the entire National Committee in October. At the meeting, Seeligson and her colleagues will accomplish much planning for the coming year’s national convention. “I’m excited to organize the 2017 convention and make it as inspirational for everyone there as I have found my past national conventions to be,” she said.
Despite the weight of her responsibilities, Seeligson is more than up to the job, and knows how rewarding she will find it. “The JCL is one of the most accepting and friendly organizations I have ever come across,” she said. “Being elected by those delegates meant so much to me, and I’m excited to serve the organization that has fostered my personal growth and acted as a community to me these past five years.”