As Lyons Township Latin teacher Laurie Jolicoeur walked into the Illinois Junior Classic League Latin convention, she felt excited and ready to start the events. While seeing 450 student who enjoy Latin she felt a sense of pride and community. She was ready to spend time along with her students to learn and appreciate the Latin language and culture.

“It’s an annual convention for the purpose of creating friendly and intense competition,” Jolicoeur said. “There is a strong academic part, but it is well balanced.”

From Feb. 26 to 28, 34 of Jolicoeur’s students chose to come with her to Illinois Junior Classic League (IJCL) for a fee of $160. IJCL took place in the Holiday Inn in Itasca. She has gone with her students for 28 years, and prepares her students for different competitions and tests at IJCL. This year LT won 16 awards, ranking from first to fifth place. While in attendance, the students learned more about Latin, some of which they could not learn in a classroom setting, Jolicoeur said.

“They expand their horizons,” Jolicoeur said. “Expanding is important.”

Jolicoeur not only helps chaperone the trip, but also is one of the five state sponsors. She helps plan, judge competitions, organize adults and teachers, and supports LT. As a judge, she knows what students should expect for their competitions. Students choose whatever craft they have interest in. She offers to help students with the craft they choose to do, making sure they use proper research and follow the criteria, Jolicoeur said.

“I encourage them [the students] to get out of their comfort zone,” Jolicoeur said.

Latin student Audrey Ashburn ’17 went for her second time this year. She has learned a lot about mythology, the Latin senate, and Latin culture, and participated in a Mosaic contest where she won fourth place.

“It’s very long and tiring, but it’s fun,” Ashburn said. “It enriches my Latin experience.”

LT Latin student Sarah Klusendorf ’17 participated in a couples costume contest where she won third place. The contest consisted of making a costume before the convention, and then displaying the work to a panel of judges and telling them what she made and bought. Also, she attended a seminar where she learned about Spartan war tactics.

“It explained why the Spartan army was so powerful,” Klusendorf said. “The experience was amazing.”

Although there is a strong academic part of the convention, it is well balanced with spirit, a social dance, and spirit competitions. Each day has a different theme.

“The theme days demonstrate the unity of our school,” Jolicoeur said. “LT is not the largest delegation, but they have a long tradition of winning the spirit contest.”

There were different games and activities. They helped teach students about culture and teamwork, Klusendorf said.

“They [the students] go to create a sense of community with their Latin friends, which is precious,” Jolicoeur said. “The more people who share that point of view the better. Part of it is about pride and community.”

Jolicoeur continues to feel pride towards her students for attending IJCL, said Jolicoeur.

“There’s a huge energy,” Jolicoeur said. “Four hundred fifty students get to do what they enjoy.”