Students Earn Awards in Latin Competitions

This was the sixth year students participated in the National Latin Exam, which took place March 2. The international multiple-choice exam tests students on Latin grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension and Greco-Roman culture, geography and history. This year, more Westminster students than ever received awards.

“The students studied well for the National Latin Exam, and they felt well-prepared for the challenge,” said Latin teacher Maureen Lamb. “I’m so proud of their accomplishments!”
 

The award recipients included:
Latin 1:
Karus Sabio ’18, Magna Cum Laude (third place)
 

Latin 2:
Nathali Madrid ’17, Magna Cum Laude (third place); Paul McNamara ’18, Magna Cum Laude (third place); John Kuzminskas ’18, Magna Cum Laude (third place); Jordan Barnes ’16, Cum Laude (honorable mention)
 

Latin Literature:
Alex Kavle ’15, Silver Maxima Cum Laude (second place);
Wonjune Kang ’16, Cum Laude (honorable mention); Isaiah Preyer ’17, Cum Laude (honorable mention)
 

AP Latin:
Ellen Gyasi ’16, Cum Laude (honorable mention)
 

This was also Westminster’s sixth year competing in the National Junior Classical League Creative Writing Contest. The entries were submitted Feb. 15 and the results were received May 1. Students from around the country submit their stories, which are based on themes from ancient Roman and Greek culture and history. Last year, Ellen Gyasi won first place for sophomores around the country for her sitcom/game show script. This year, the topic was “A Day in the Roman Courts,” and Westminster had many students who scored in the top seven in their respective grade.
 
“The students worked diligently on their creative writing projects,” said Maureen. “They researched ancient Roman courts, and they often based their ideas on real events, on cases from modern times or from TV shows. I am always amazed at the creative and thoughtful stories they submit!”
 
The award recipients included:

Third Form:
Jessie Schulen
John Kuzminskas
 

Fourth Form:
Michael Cornish
 

Fifth Form:
Wonjune Kang
 

Sixth Form:
Alex Kavle
Derin Ozturk