Each year, the OJCL hosts a convention in Columbus which brings together over 400 students, teachers, and parents from across the state of Ohio to celebrate the study of Latin. There are a variety of competitive activities at the convention: academic tests, art contests, certamen, and creative performances (in both English and Latin). In addition, the convention offers a number of social activities, including a dance, a toga banquet, and OJCL’s Got Talent! State Convention is also an opportunity for students to run for the OJCL Executive Board. Delegations compete in various contests to win prizes and recognition both Overall and Per Capita.
Future Convention Dates
THE SEVENTY-FIFTH STATE CONVENTION OF
THE OHIO JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE
March 6-8, 2026
Crowne Plaza Columbus-North Worthington
Convention Theme:
gutta cavat lapidem
“A drop hollows out a stone”
(Ovid, Ex Ponto IV.10.5)
Convention Contests
THE SEVENTY-FOURTH STATE CONVENTION OF
THE OHIO JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE
March 7-9, 2025
Crowne Plaza Columbus-North Worthington
Convention Theme:
vivamus, moriendum est
“Let us live, for we must die”
(Seneca, Declamations 2.VI)
Convention Contests
Important 2025 Convention Deadlines
Spring Photo of the Season time! Please submit your photos via this form and reach out to Historian Kori McLane with questions. Photos are due April 20th. (4-4-25)
Going to NJCL Convention? Here is the information about the 2025 OJCL scholarship to Nationals! The deadline is 11:59 P.M. on April 4th, 2024. NJCL also has scholarships available for students and teachers. (3-9-25)
Gubernator applications for 2025-2026 are available, they are due March 26th. They will be voted on and notified on April 1st prior to our changeover meeting. Editor and Historian applications are also available will be due on April 12th. (updated 3-9-25)
At convention, the OJCL will open the 2025 elections to State of Emergency candidates. State of Emergency occurs when there are fewer than two candidates pre-filed for a particular office, and some of the restrictions regarding who can run for office are dropped. The State of Emergency offices this year are President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian. Students interested in running State of Emergency will be able to get the State of Emergency form following the first GA at convention and then can be officially nominated during Nominations Committee meeting on Friday night. Email parliamentarian@ojcl.org with questions.
Check out the online convention program, created by Secretary Carter Riordan! Students can use this to get an idea of contest times, but should be sure to double check the times and locations in the print version when you arrive at convention. Also take a look at the descriptions of the colloquia offered this year so that you can attend the ones that interest you! (2-24-25)
OJCL’s Got Talent! The talent at the Ohio Junior Classical league convention is amazing. Friday night auditions are 10:30-11:45, and Saturday’s show is 9:30-11:00 PM. Your acts should be school and JCL appropriate. Everyone is looking forward to your participation! THERE WILL BE PRIZES (of some sort). Fill out this google form to participate.
Check out the SPIRIT THEMES and ROLL CALL GUIDELINES for convention! Email treasurer@ojcl.org with questions!
Does your club want to sell merchandise at convention? Sign-up here!
Interested in pre-filing to run for state office at convention? Fill out the pre-file form, due February 21st. 2VP Hana Conte has compiled a list of resources available for campaign materials at regional libraries. Please email parliamentarian@ojcl.org with questions and be aware of the following rules and reminders:
-You may not pre-file for an office that a member of your delegation currently holds.
-You MUST have permission from your sponsor and parent to pre-file and run.
-No more than TWO delegates per delegation may pre-file for office.
-Only ONE delegate from each school may pre-file for each respective office.
-No pre-NomCom or online/digital campaigning.