The Fall 2024 Edition of the Torch is here! Check it out now!

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View editions by year: 2024-2025 (Sai Basava)   2023-2024 (Hana Conte)   2022-2023 (Alexandra Leech)   2021-2022 (Alexander Nanda)   2020-2021 (Kendall Richard)   2019-2020 (Hannah Shane)   2018-2019 (Allie Hinnenkamp)   2017-2018 (Taylor McGowan)   2016-2017 (Lynn Ahrens)     2015-2016 (Josh Young)   2014-2015 (Dustin Argo)   2013-2014 (Jane Klaus)     2012-2013 (Regina Merrill)     2011-2012 (Susan Wallace)
NJCL’s official publication, TORCH: U.S.
OJCL-exclusive blog from a Latin teacher, Dean’s Blog

The OJCL Torch is the official publication of the Ohio Junior Classical League. It is published three times a year: in the fall (early November), the winter (mid-February before State Convention), and the spring (mid-May).

2024-2025 Seasonal Editions

Fall Edition, by Editor Sai Basava (Seven Hills)

  • NJCL Convention recap!
  • Fall Forum intro!
  • Review of the Pompeii exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center

2023-2024 Seasonal Editions

2024 OJCL Digital Scrapbook, by Historian Philip Towbin (Sycamore)

Spring Edition, by Editor Hana Conte (Summit)

  • NJCL CONVENTION hype!
  • OJCL Convention Recap
  • Find out about Roman names!

Winter Edition, by Editor Hana Conte (Summit)

  • Get Excited for OJCL CONVENTION!
  • Fall Forum Recap
  • Use Latin and the Classics to both sound smarter and record history

Fall Edition, by Editor Hana Conte (Summit)

  • NJCL Convention Recap!
  • Archaeology and History Features!
  • Memes, lol!

2022-2023 Seasonal Editions

2023 OJCL Digital Scrapbook, by Historian Patrick Biernat (St. Xavier)

Spring Edition, by Editor Alexandra Leech (Sycamore)

  • Officer recaps of OJCL CONVENTION!
  • Profile of Classicist Frank M. Snowden, Jr.!
  • Ever wondered about Parthia?

Winter Edition, by Editor Alexandra Leech (Sycamore)

  • Get Excited for OJCL CONVENTION!
  • Not sure what to pack? We have suggestions!
  • Historian Patrick Biernat reflects upon why he studies Latin and the Classics

Fall Edition, by Editor Alexandra Leech (Sycamore)

  • Features Roman fashion tips and Fall Forum pics!
  • Check out the puzzles!

2021-2022 Seasonal Editions

Winter Edition, by Editor Alexander Nanda (Columbus Academy)

  • Features more Roman recipes and DEI content!

Fall Edition, by Editor Alexander Nanda (Columbus Academy)

  • Features information on the past and future of the OJCL!
  • Check out the Torch for a Virtual National Convention Recap!

2020-2021 Seasonal Editions

Spring Edition, by Editor Kendall Richard (Summit)

  • Features a quiz about your favorite case, women in ancient Rome, OJCL recap and more!
  • What to expect at Virtual National Convention

Winter Edition, by Editor Kendall Richard (Summit)

  • Features articles about Greek gods, another special Roman recipe, and OJCL event recaps.
  • Check out the Torch for a guide on how to show convention spirit!

Fall Edition, by Editor Kendall Richard (Summit)

  • Features tips for running a Latin club, facts about Roman plagues, and so much more!
  • Check out the Torch for a bonus Roman recipe!

Middle School Edition and Elementary Edition, by Editor Irene Calderon (Summit)

  • Before she was elected NJCL Editor, Irene created these versions of the Torch for our younger members. Check them out! Both versions are a lot of fun!

2019-2020 Seasonal Editions

Spring Edition, by Editor Hannah Shane (Shaker Heights HS)

  • Features farewell speeches from the 2019-2020 OJCL Executive Board!
  • A special thank you to Madeira, Seven Hills, and Summit for submitting their chapter updates!

Winter Edition, by Editor Hannah Shane (Shaker Heights HS)

  • Features articles on the upcoming OJCL Convention, recaps of OJCL events, and much more!
  • A special thank you to all of our guest writers!

Fall Edition, by Editor Hannah Shane (Shaker Heights HS)

  • Features recaps of recent OJCL events, Olympic Games facts, a crossword, and so much more!
  • A special thank you to Wyoming, Wellington, Shaker Heights, and Summit for submitting Chapter Updates!

2018-2019 SEASONAL EDITIONS

Spring Edition, by Editor Allie Hinnenkamp (Ursuline Academy).

  • Features reflections from the officers and trips abroad!
  • Plenty of content to get you ready for NJCL in Fargo!

Winter Edition, by Editor Allie Hinnenkamp (Ursuline Academy).

  • Features tips for surviving OJCL convention, a lesson on ancient whips, mythology conspiracy theories, and so much more!
  • A special thank you to special guest writers Emma Mock (St. Ursula Academy), Abby Almaguer (Summit), Connie Nelson (Summit), Ben Fisk (Madeira), Ellie Miller (Ursuline Academy), Lizzie Mushaben (Mercy McAuley), and Alicia Luo (Sycamore)!

Fall Edition, by Editor Allie Hinnenkamp (Ursuline Academy).

  • Features a Fall Forum recap, 10 species with interesting scientific names, ideas to help the JCL go green, and so much more!
  • A special thank you to guest writer Clayton Smith (Archbishop Moeller) who wrote an article about the Buddy Walk!

2017-2018 SEASONAL EDITIONS

Spring Edition, by Editor Taylor McGowan (Columbus Academy).

  • Features a guide to running for OJCL office, practical JCL convention advice, strategies to break out of post-convention doldrums and much more!
  • A special thank you to New Mexico JCL President Bryn Frye-Mason for her excellent article on the differences between metonymy and synecdoche. We appreciate the contributions from guest writers across the United States!
  • Guest writers: Seven Hills JCL Delegation, Joseph Delamerced, Pierce Bruner, and Ellie Kammerer. Thank you for submitting wonderful articles to the OJCL Torch!

Winter Edition, by Editor Taylor McGowan (Columbus Academy).

  • Features an invitation to States, convention advice, anecdotes from past events, and so much more!
  • A special thank you to NJCL Parliamentarian Sarah Lee, NJCL Historian Ana Ohnersorgen, NJCL Editor Jade Woods, and New Mexico JCL 1st Vice President Garrett Frye-Mason for submitting articles. We appreciate the contributions from all over the country!
  • Guest writers: NJCL Communications Coordinator Lynn Ahrens, Craig Bush, Patrick Casanas, Davis DeFoor, Richard Garber, Katlyn Havlin, Elizabeth Mushaben, and Connie Nelson. Thank you for submitting articles!

Fall Edition, by Editor Taylor McGowan (Columbus Academy).

  • Features an invitation to the 2nd Annual Fall Forum from President Joseph Delamerced, details about the new Photo of the Season contest, information about classical archaeology in Ohio, multiple chapter updates, and more!
  • A special thank you to New Mexico JCL 1st Vice President Garrett Frye-Mason, Louisiana JCL Editor Alex Morgan, and Nevada JCL Co-President Joshua Ocampo for submitting articles. We appreciate the contributions from all over the country!
  • Guest writers: Abby Almaguer, John Brady, Patrick Casanas, Chlole Constantinides, Gwyneth Fletcher, Hannah Frame, Katlyn Havlin, Megan Johnson, Morgan McGee, Elizabeth Mushaben. Thank you for submitting articles!

2016-2017 SEASONAL EDITIONS

Spring Edition, by Editor Lynn Ahrens (Ursuline).

  • Features winning Pre-Convention contests, a “Greetings from Rome”, an invitation to NJCL Convention by the NJCL President, and a college corner about Ohio State University’s Classics Program!
  • A special thank you to NJCL President Lyle Seeligson, NJCL Historian Eric Wang, and VJCL President Alyssa Funai for submitting articles. We appreciate the contributions from all over the country!
  • Guest writers: Richard Garber, Sophia Jacobs, and Sara Zandvakili. Thank you for submitting articles!

Winter Edition, by Editor Lynn Ahrens (Ursuline).

  • 41 pages – our biggest issue to date!
  • Features a fun Beginner’s Guide to Convention as well as local club updates.
  • A special thank you to WJCL Editor Margot Armbruster for submitting an article. The Ohio JCL always appreciates the work of the Wisconsin JCL. Additionally, we’d like to thank Michael Bono of the North Carolina JCL for co-writing an article with our OJCL Treasurer.
  • Guest writers: Alex Almaguer, Samantha Blackwelder, Nathan Brunner, Olivia Burdette, Katlyn Havlin, Bebe Hodges, Ellie Kammerer, Katherine Overberg, Gabe Sekeres, and Maddy Taylor. Thank you for submitting articles!

Fall Edition, by Editor Lynn Ahrens (Ursuline).

  • Features a recap of NJCL 2016 (including the spectacular cheers developed by delegates) and President Brian Johnson’s preview of events to come this year, including the new Fall Forum.
  • Guest writer: Andrew Phillips. Thank you for submitting an article!

2015-2016 SEASONAL EDITIONS

Spring Edition, by Editor Josh Young (Indian Hill).

  • Features the winning State Convention music video and commercial, an update on Upper Certamen predictions, and an introduction to the new Executive Board.
  • N.B.: Joomag works on mobile!
  • A special thank you to NJCL 1st Vice President Michael Kearney (our very first Wisconsin writer!) for submitting an artilcle!
  • Guest writers: Yash Agrawal, Natalie More, and Lauren Robinson. Thank you for submitting articles!
  • Guest Ludi analyst: Adam Sichel.

Winter Edition, by Editor Josh Young (Indian Hill).

  • Features videos and a gallery of pictures of the new hotel (the Doubletree), Upper Certamen predictions from “expert analysts,” and an ode to a special Latin teacher.
  • On mobile? Here is a .pdf version to use.
  • Guest writers: Hali Clark, Joseph Delamerced, Sam Katz, Caroline Klette, Rohit Musti, Kelsie Parker, and Maggie Sullivan. Thank you for submitting articles!
  • Guest Certamen analysts: Tullus Dean and Adam Sichel.

Fall Edition, by Editor Josh Young (Indian Hill).

  • Features videos of the Ohio delegation from the summer NJCL Convention at Trinity University (San Antonio, Texas) and a calendar of upcoming events.
  • A special thank you to NJCL Historian Hannah Barrett for submitting an article to us!
  • Guest writers: Joshua Bazzoli, Tullus Dean, Tim Goldenberg, and Kasey Saciliano. Thank you for submitting articles!

2014-2015 SEASONAL EDITIONS

Spring Edition, by Editor Dustin Argo (Summit).

  • Features a Graphic Arts “how-to list” as well as new information about the 2015-2016 Executive Board.
  • Guest writer: Jared Bulla. Thank you for submitting an article!

Winter Edition, by Editor Dustin Argo (Summit).

  • Features tips and information about running for the Executive Board.
  • Guest writers: Jennifer Fohl, Blake Himes, Jason Long, and Adelaide Tsueda. Thank you for submitting articles!

Fall Edition, by Editor Dustin Argo (Summit).

  • Features an honoring of a former OJCL State Chair.

2013-2014 SEASONAL EDITIONS

Spring Edition, by Editor Jane Klaus (Ursuline Academy).

  • Features information about the new Promotional Video Contest.

Winter Edition, by Editor Jane Klaus (Ursuline Academy).

  • Features service updates throughout Ohio, which include a “Gallic Wars” canned food drive and a toga-themed trick-or-treat.
  • Guest writers: Tullus Dean, Mary Dickman, Lydia Seiter, Mary Weisgerber. Thank you for submitting articles!

Fall Edition, by Editor Jane Klaus (Ursuline Academy).

  • Features detailed information about the 3 regional Make-A-Difference Day (MADD) events, articles about NJCL Convention, and much more.

2012-2013 SEASONAL EDITIONS

Spring Edition, by Editor Regina Merrill (Summit).

  • Features OJCL State Convention highlights and several articles about Nationals.

Winter Edition, by Editor Regina Merrill (Summit).

  • Features information about the MADDs and updates regarding the OJCL Constitution.
  • Guest writers: Rachel Koize, Kyle Matz, John Rowe, and Natalie Twitchell. Thank you for submitting articles!

Fall Edition, by Editor Regina Merrill (Summit).

  • Features recognition of awards at National Convention and service updates.

2011-2012 SEASONAL EDITIONS

Spring Edition, by Editor Susan Wallace (Madeira HS).

  • Features the infectious love of Latin and JCL as well as an invitation to NJCL Convention.

Winter Edition, by Editor Susan Wallace (Madeira HS).

  • Features several amazing service events throughout Ohio and the legendary Tino describing Certamen.
  • Guest writers: Tino Delamerced, Mike Gegel, Kelly McBride, and Natalie Whitsett. Thank you for submitting articles!

Fall Edition, by Editor Susan Wallace (Madeira HS).

  • Features a calendar for the MADDs and information about the indispensable OSCL.
  • Guest writers: Burke Evans and Lydia Seiter. Thank you for submitting articles!

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Want more JCL news? TORCH: U.S. is the official publication of the National Junior Classical League.

Want more? Check out our yearly insider news source for NJCL Convention, exclusive to the OJCL: Dean’s Blog!

Dean’s Instagram with the 2017-2019 NJCL Conventions (at Troy University, Miami University, and North Dakota State).
Dean’s Blog of the 2016 NJCL Convention at Indiana University.
Dean’s Blog of the 2015 NJCL Convention at Trinity University.
Dean’s Blog of the 2014 NJCL Convention at Emory University.
Dean’s Blog of the 2013 NJCL Convention at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Dean’s Blog of the 2012 NJCL Convention at Wake Forest University.
Dean’s Blog of the 2011 NJCL Convention at Eastern Kentucky University.