With anticipation in the air and a weekend of competition ahead, Summit Latin students arrived in Columbus ready to showcase months of dedication, creativity and scholarship. Their efforts paid off in a big way as The Summit earned second place overall at the 75th Annual Ohio Junior Classical League (OJCL) State Convention, held March 6–8.
More than 348 students from 22 schools across Ohio participated, which brought together a shared love of Latin language, Roman culture and classical thought. The Summit sent a delegation of 29 students, who competed across a wide range of academic tests, creative arts, leadership activities and team events.
Opening Night: Energy, Excitement and Community
The excitement of the convention was palpable from the very first evening. As Summit students gathered for the opening session, sophomore Lee Li captured the mood perfectly, describing the high energy and sense of camaraderie that filled the hotel ballroom. Students balanced last-minute preparation for competitions with reconnecting with friends from across the state, all united by their passion for the Classics.
The convention’s theme—gutta cavat lapidem (“dripping water hollows out a stone”)—set the tone for the weekend, emphasizing persistence and steady effort. For Summit students, that message resonated deeply, reflecting a year of hard work leading up to the state tournament.
Outstanding Results Across Every Category
By the end of the weekend, Summit’s consistency across all areas of competition earned the team second place in Overall Points, along with third place finishes in Total Per Capita Points and Academic Per Capita Points. This marks 17 consecutive years that The Summit has placed first or second overall at the state convention—an extraordinary testament to the strength of the school’s Latin program.
“Our success really came from contributing everywhere,” explained Latin teacher Larry Dean, who summarized the weekend’s results. “From pre-convention submissions to academic testing, graphic arts, performances, leadership and Certamen, our students showed up ready and prepared.”
Summit students competed in everything from derivatives, grammar, vocabulary, mythology and sight Latin to mosaics, models, jewelry, digital scrapbooks, creative writing and oratory. The breadth of participation ensured strong point totals across all divisions.
Individual Achievements and Leadership Excellence
Several Summit students delivered standout performances. Cailyn Youtsey ‘27 earned first place Overall Individual Honors, accumulating an impressive 152 points, with seven first place finishes and two Best of Show awards. Other top point earners included Evelyn Paulsen ‘30, John Trokan ‘28, Kyan Gatewood ‘28 and Emma Rinehart ‘30, all ranking among the top competitors statewide.
Summit students also claimed 21 first place awards across creative and academic categories, along with multiple Best of Show honors. The Novice Certamen team—made up of Lily Finkleman ‘30, Evelyn Paulsen, Emma Rinehart (captain) and Ivy Sousa ‘31—captured the State Championship, adding to the weekend’s highlights.
Beyond competition, Summit’s impact was felt through leadership. Hana Conte ‘26 completed her term as OJCL State President, joining a distinguished line of Summit students who have served in top state roles. Manu Cantillo ‘28 concluded his term as State Treasurer and was elected Secretary, continuing Summit’s 27-year tradition of state leadership.
A Tradition of Excellence
The convention weekend was filled with general assemblies, a toga banquet, elections, service projects and shared celebrations—experiences that reinforced why OJCL remains such a meaningful part of Summit’s academic and cultural life.
Summit’s second-place finish not only reflects exceptional achievement, but also the school’s enduring commitment to forming scholars and leaders of character. As students returned from Columbus, they brought with them trophies, medals, friendships and memories—along with pride in continuing a remarkable legacy of Latin excellence.
Io Triumphe, Summit!