On Friday, May 17, 2019, Midlo Latin students, 2019 inductees, and parents gathered at 6 pm to celebrate the annual Latin Banquet. At the start of the celebration, guests helped themselves to dinner, desert, and beverages. A slideshow, assembled by Latin Club Historian Britney Price, played in the background, showing memories that Midlo Latin students have made over the school year.

Latin Club president Nora Carlucci opened the evening with remarks on the impact Latin Club has made on her life. Carlucci thanked her fellow officers as well as Ms. Amy Petersen for the unconditional love and support during her time as president. Petersen, who has taught Latin at Midlo for seventeen years, recognized students who scored above average on the prestigious National Latin Exam in March, as well as students who placed in the Virginia Junior Classical League, also known as Latin Convention, in November of 2018.

Then, Petersen called upon six students to be recognized for going above and beyond both in and outside of the classroom. Keeping in line with the Latin theme, she presented these students with “Carpe Diem” key chains, while giving them a shout-out on the impact they have made in the classroom and in Latin Club. These students include: Devon Patrick, Noble Dodge, Thomas Mackie, Emmanuel Hoo-Fatt, Hannah Jens, and Zinzi Symister. Following this, Price received the Latin Club Scholarship, awarded to one deserving senior at the end of each year. Carlucci received the Randolph College Book Award. Petersen chose these two students based on their dedication and enthusiasm in the classroom and Latin Club. Following this, the current officers, wearing golden-leaf crowns, passed on their crowns to the rising 2019-2020 officers. This symbolic moment displayed that the Latin Club legacy will continue.

To conclude the event, students who met the requirements of induction into the National Latin Honor Society had their chance to shine. Carlucci started by lighting her own candle then passed it on to the people to her left and right; when all candles were lit, students recited a Latin pledge, which reminds students to always do their best, strive for greatness, and have fun. Assistant Principal Dr. Robert Gifford awarded each student with certificates to congratulate them on their achievement. New inductee Cassie Gizzard shares, “It feels good that my hard work has paid off. I’m also excited to meet new people.” 2019-2020 President Alex Murias closed the ceremony by thanking all for attending. Of her hopes for the future, Murias shares, “ I’m honored to be president, and I hope to make Latin Club more inclusive and fun.”

Congratulations to the following inductees:

Julia Beck

Nora Carlucci

Hallie Crayton

Lauren Deaver

Paige Dudley

Dylan Fox

Cassie Grizzard

Aqwia Harris

Lilly Hayes

Emanuele Hoo-Fatt

Liza Hopper

Hannah Jens

Kyle Kuennen

Thomas Mackie

Alina McMahon

Rylee Moore

Alex Murias

Ashley Murias

Sarah Nugent

Devon Patrick

Danielle Peede

Maddy Pugh

Nicole Quiram

Marcus Royster

Hunter Stanek

Zinzi Symister