In these COVID-related times in which we all find ourselves, one great way to take the edge off our lives and still be able to learn something new outside of the mandated academics is by participating in high school clubs. One such extracurricular activity is the Latin Club, currently advised by Mrs. DeCamp. Last year marked its fifteenth year and it is still going strong. In a nutshell, the club spreads its collective love for Latin. Sample activities include Classics Day, State Convention, and Certamen, a quiz show.
One differentiating factor of this club from others is that outreach and community service are an integral part of the club charter. Club members tutor elementary schoolers at St. Charles every month, make cards for hospitalized kids, and participate in community service events such as clothing drives and Winchester's annual “Relay for Life” event.
The club has won a number of accolades over the past year. Last spring, the WHS Latin Club won second place in the State Convention. It was the first time the Junior Classical League had a virtual convention. The WHS Latin Club won first place for its website and for its creative scrapbook. The Latin Club newsletter took third in the state as well. WHS Latin Club students won prizes in the Certamen and participated in community service activities. Also, for the first time in its history, a student from WHS was elected as a state officer. Luke Ulicny is currently serving as the Treasurer for the Massachusetts Junior Classical League.
Over the summer, some WHS Latin Club members participated in the Boston Public Library’s project of transcribing primary source documents related to slavery in the U.S. This fall, the WHS Latin Club students wrote an original Latin script and sang it to the tune of the title song in the TV show “ Friends”. They filmed themselves for the annual Skit Competition for Classics Day and took first place with their original and spirited work.
Students participated in a worldwide virtual conference in November and are currently sponsoring a card-making drive for hospitalized children in the U.S. as part of Winchester’s MLK Week activities.
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Recently, the club did its part to show its appreciation to the frontline workers at Winchester Hospital. As we all know the staff at the Winchester Hospital has been at the forefront of the fight against the virus since last spring. They have shown extraordinary courage and care during these unprecedented times. Community members recognized their efforts and showered hospital staff with meals, snacks, flowers, gift cards, and more. The Latin Club did its part and delivered water bottles to the frontline workers. They were distributed to the workers when they received their Covid vaccine in their conference center, which
was set up to administer the vaccines. The gesture was much appreciated and welcomed.
All students are welcome to join and attend weekly Zoom meetings. As with every club, the WHS Latin Club also faces the challenges and opportunities virtual communication provides. For more information, check out their website at https://winchesterjcl.com or contact President Aidan Houllahan at 2104048@wpsstudent.com