During the summer of 2013, Latin Club members flew to the University of Nevada, in Las Vegas in order to compete with 1,300 other Classical Latin and Greek speakers from all over the United States and Canada at the 60^th annual National Junior Classical League convention. Along with the recreational activates provided at the convention, the members competed in prestigious academic tests and competitions. Linganore Latin scored extremely well in these contest. One member was elected National Vice President of the 50,000 members in the National Junior Classical League.

Senior Annee Lyons, a member of the NJCL since her freshman year, was elected to the National position. Already experienced as president of the Maryland Junior Classical League and after attending two national conventions, Lyons decided to get further involved by running for National Vice President.

During the final week of July, Lyons announced her candidacy and campaigned for the position. She participated in several events where she answered questions and gave speeches.

“I needed to present myself as competent, dedicated, and approachable,” said Lyons.

As First Vice President Lyons is in charge of publicity and membership of the NJCL. She plans to encourage each state with a chapter to mentor nearby states without NJCL chapters so that eventually there will be a chapter in every state.

“Being a member of the National Junior Classical League has been such an incredible experience throughout my high school career. I feel so lucky that my fellow JCLers gave me the opportunity to serve them as their First Vice President,” said Lyons.

Senior Chris Maze, another club member attending for the first time, placed in the top 10 on the reading comprehension test and in the top 20 on both ancient geography and the advanced Latin grammar test.

“I enjoyed meeting students from all across the country who were all connected by a passion for the classics.” said Maze.

Ryan Combass, attending for the second time, scored 15^th on upper level mythology and 19^th in advance Latin grammar.

The National Junior Classical League, formed in 1939 for junior and senior high school students interested in the classical world, hosts a convention every year for all of its members to attend. According to the NJCL, it is a time to exchange ideas, hear noted speakers, participate in workshops, and complete in academics, graphic arts, and creative art contests.

Previous conventions included activities such as a costume contest, where members attempt to wear the best costume of a classical figure.  Also present are dramatic interpretations, where students recite text in Latin orally.

The dedication required to attend and compete in the NJCL convention takes more time and effort than what is presented in a classroom. Students are not only expected to do well in class but also are expected to do much research and study on their own time.