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Last weekend, for the second time in its history, the Pacifica Junior Classical League (JCL) sent a team to the 69th Annual California Junior Classical League (CAJCL) Convention at Menlo School in Atherton, CA. The convention consisted of two days packed with competitive academic testing in subjects related to the Classics, artistic and athletic contests, scholarly lectures from professors and educators, and a plethora of fun activities.

CAJCL saw 37 middle and high schools from across the state send a total of 808 students of Latin, history, and mythology to the event. Pacifica's team of twelve led by seniors Evan Hong and Parker Phillips—serving as consuls, or co-captains—consisted of an amazing group of enthusiastic and skilled students. Representing all four grade levels, the team's experience at the convention was marked by camaraderie, fellowship, a sincere commitment to both fun and learning, and a joyful attitude. Seeing the group come together as a team and so strongly represent the strengths of Pacifica throughout the convention was a true blessing, and the students' shared joy at participating in the event filled everyone with a strong sense of contentment.

At the end of the second day of competition, the team attended the final award ceremony cautiously optimistic about the results and frankly unprepared for the level of success and recognition they received.

Of the 15 major academic awards given to individual students, the members of Pacifica's small team won over a third, making a clean sweep of the Latin Reading Comprehension awards at every grade level. Additionally, one member took the award for best overall Visual Artist. Finally, the team's combined score earned them first place overall in the Small High School category and first place among all new JCL chapters, demonstrating the depth and strength of their academic prowess. Furthermore, every single member of the team scored either first or second place at their grade level on at least one of the academic tests they took.

Seeing Triton after Triton (six in a row!) called down to the dais to receive medals in front of the whole assembly—as the team cheered ecstatically—was an amazing moment no one in attendance will soon forget. The remarkable young men and women of the Pacifica JCL team represented Pacifica very, very well, and they deserve our congratulations!

69th Annual CAJCL Convention Awards
(NOTE: Students compete according to their level of Latin learning, not their grade level, e.g. a student at the HS-2 level has completed or is enrolled in Latin 2, but is not necessarily a sophomore.)

Pacifica Christian OC - Overall Score for Small High Schools, 1st Place Trophy

Pacifica Christian OC - Overall Score for New Schools, 1st Place Trophy

• Ava Aneed: Mythology (non-Latin students) - 2nd Place

• Jackson Bryden - Vocabulary (HS-3) - 1st Place; Mythology (HS-3) - 2nd Place

• Avery Driscoll: Mythology (HS-1) - 2nd Place, Derivatives (HS-1) - 2nd Place

• Sofia Greenberg: Latin Reading Comprehension (HS-3) - 2nd Place; Daily Life (HS-3) - 2nd Place

• Reese Holladay: Individual Art (overall high score) - 1st Place Medal; Mixed Media (HS) - 1st Place; Latin Reading Comprehension (HS-1) - 2nd Place; Impromptu Art (HS) - 3rd Place

• Evan Hong: Vocabulary (overall high score) - 1st Place Medal; Mythology (HS-Adv) - 1st Place; Latin Reading Comprehension (HS-Adv) - 2nd Place

• Paden Kane: Ancient Geography (HS-3) - 2nd Place

• Lucy LaCaze: Latin Reading Comprehension (HS-1 high score) - 1st Place Medal; Mythology (HS-1) - 1st Place

• Parker Phillips: Latin Reading Comprehension (HS-Adv high score) - 1st Place Medal; Mottoes, Quotes, & Abbreviations (overall high score) - 1st Place Medal

• Chloe New: Roman Daily Life (HS-1) - 2nd Place

• Claire Smith: Mythology (HS-2) - 1st Place

• Sky Taketa: Latin Reading Comprehension (HS-2 high score) - 1st Place Medal; Vocabulary (HS-2) - 1st Place; Daily Life (HS-2) - 1st Place; Watercolor (HS) - 1st Place; Open Certamen (HS-2) - 2nd Place Team