BY CONNOR BORTZ

“A gathering of the Latin clubs from high schools throughout Ohio that are a part of the OJCL, Ohio Junior Classic League, gives kids the opportunity to meet and compete in the categories of Latin language and Roman culture knowledge.” This is the definition of Latin Convention given by Kevin Ferry, leader of the Mariemont Chapter of Latin Convention.

The Ramada Hotel in Columbus, OH is home to this competition, as well as all of the contestants. The competition has been postponed this year to March 8-10, which Mr. Kevin Ferry, Latin teacher at Mariemont High School and leader of the Latin Club, says was done in order to prevent harsh winter conditions from becoming a factor of travel. This tends to fare well for the Mariemont Latin Squad, who is one of the many teams that will try to use these extra two weeks to their advantage.

Mariemont is one of 30 or so schools that compete annually at the Ohio Latin Convention. “Summit, Indian Hill, St. Xavier, and a ton of other schools around here go to Latin Convention,” says Ferry. “Which makes the events that much more competitive.”

Mr. Ferry explains that this is the most people that have signed up for Latin Convention in his time at Mariemont. “We have 49 members from Mariemont High School attending Convention this year,” says Ferry. “This is more than we have ever had before.”

Ferry clarifies that here is a downside to so many people wanting to attend, and that is the cuts. “We are at the limit of the amount of rooms we are allowed to have,” Ferry states. “We will have much tighter restrictions for next year.”

Restrictions thus far for Latin con-ers already include the submission of four projects, the first of which this year was the deciding factor for who was to attend Convention. The signup sheet for the competition originally was filled with about 60 signees, many of which were knocked off the list after their inability to adhere to due dates.

These due dates are for the projects that are a must have in order to attend Convention. People not submitting a project allowed Ferry to weed out the less dedicated people who signed up. This, plus a few dropouts along the way have finalized the number of participants at 49, and have given Mariemont Latin its largest group in Ferry’s nine-year tenure at Mariemont High School.

What is it about Latin Convention that draws in so many people from every level of Latin to compete at the state competition?

“I always look forward to hanging out in the hotel with all of my friends,” says Kate Uehlin, a one year veteran of Latin Convention. “It’s also good to be able to get away from the parents for a couple of days.”

Jennifer Saxton, who is also returning to Latin Con for her second time, agrees with Uehlin that hanging out in the hotel with friends is something that everyone looks forward to. “I had a really great time last year, and being there with the whole team and all of my friends made it that much more enjoyable,” Saxton says.

Evan Doran, Consul member and student leader of Latin Club, believes that the draw of Latin Convention isn’t just to go and hang out with friends. “You can really just go as crazy as you want for a weekend, or be as nerdy as you want for a change,” Doran answers. “And people won’t really judge you as much.”

Ferry agrees with Doran that it’s not just the good times and the countless laughs that draws so many willing boys and girls to the competition. “I want the kids to have a good time in an academic and productive environment,” adds Ferry. “I think they enjoy all aspects of Convention.”

This event, whether it’s looked at as a “gathering for geeks” or a “way to kick back and enjoy time away,” Latin Convention is becoming more and more popular every year.

“It is a great opportunity to embrace your inner dork,” concludes Mr. Ferry.