For Latin enthusiasts across the state, Fall Forum is the biggest event of the year- arts and crafts, food, Certamen (Latin trivia), and most importantly a place to get together and have fun.
“A safe place for Latin nerds,” said Madison Spangler, co-consul of the Junior Classical League (JCL/Latin Club). Fall Forum is what many JCL members look forward to, and this year, it took place at West for the first time ever. Previously, this gathering of all of the state’s Latin Clubs was held at UNC Greensboro, but due to COVID, it was not this year. To prevent the spread of COVID masks were worn and JCL made efforts to social distance.
The Spirit Competition is the most memorable part of the fall forum for many, in which all students and teachers gather and scream chants to prove which school has the most love for Latin. This year, as well as last year, West Forsyth came in 3rd place for this competition, chanting their motto “West Est Best” which was featured on their T-shirts and signs.
“The setup process was a lot of work,” JCL Historian, junior, Grace Mazzola said. Between decorating banners, putting up signs to direct guests, finding deals for snacks, and arranging classrooms just so for events, the Latin Club had plenty of work to do before the event. In the end, West looked festive and ready for fun with plenty of snacks for everyone to enjoy.
Although the event was planned fairly last minute this year, around 200 students from 12 schools were in attendance. Harris hopes that West will continue to host the forum and in turn recieve more funding to make sure the celebration is as perfect as possible.
“My favorite part was having the opportunity to meet new people and get to know the Latin nerds on JCL. I am definitely excited to be hanging out with them at next years Fall Forum,” JCL member, junior, Raphael Santos, said.