Collinsville High School Latin Teacher James Stark reports his students earned a total of 28 academic, artistic and performance awards at this year's Illinois Junior Classical League 2025 North Convention in Chicago.

"Our delegation also got first place finishes for school spirit every day thanks to their creative outfits and passionate cheering!" says Stark, "The outfits were organized and created under the leadership of the Latin Club art chair: Rose 'Vera' Vargas."  

Stark shared other highlights:

• "CHS Senior Gavin Leech served as the 1st Vice President for the organization this year.  He did a phenomenal job filling the program with engaging and fun activities from Roman Jackbox games to ancient Pictionary, and in general, I'm intensely proud of his leadership both before and during the entire event.
• I received numerous compliments from parents, teachers, and even random people at our restaurant pitstops about how kind, positive and helpful our CHS students were.  At the end of the day, this is the most important thing for me and my students, and I'm very proud to have such students here at CHS!
• CHS Alumna Amber Vargas also attended the convention to assist as a Senior Classical League volunteer.  Amber currently studies Classics at Purdue University, and she made herself invaluable throughout the convention!"