On Friday, as has been a tradition at BCD for many years, Upper School Latin students traveled to attend the Pioneer Valley Classical Association’s Classics Day at Mount Holyoke College. Berkshire Country Day School was one of nine schools in attendance. Students enjoyed participating in workshops and contests with over 300 peers (in grades seven through twelve) from Academy Hill, Amherst Middle School, Belchertown, Herberg Middle School, Lenox Memorial High, MacDuffie, Reid, Pittsfield High, Taconic High and Williston.”
Every middle school and high school student present must attend a workshop and enter one of the contests. Individuals memorize and recite specific Latin passages for the Oral Interpretation Contest, make and wear a costume for the Costume Contest, or create a painting, mosaic, sculpture or model, with a Greek or Roman theme, for the Art Contest. Schools may enter teams of four in the Latin or mythology certamina, which are run like quiz bowls. In addition, docents at the Mount Holyoke College Museum hold workshops, during which students don gloves and handle and inspect ancient coins.
Once again, thanks to Mrs. Fawcett (!), BCD’s students were well-prepared, poised, and demonstrated their advanced skills and passion for learning and Latin. Competing against students in grades 7-12, BCD students received the following awards:
CLASSICS DAY 2018 AWARD WINNERS
NOVICE CERTAMEN (Latin I A TEAM) – second place
Samuel C., Rafi K., Henry V.S., Chase V.
NOVICE CERTAMEN (Latin I – Team 2) – first place at this level
Daniel C., Halle D., Esmé L., Eli M.
MYTH CERTAMEN TEAM – A – second place
Aurora B., Donald M., Keely O’G., Samantha S.
ADVANCED POETRY ORAL INTERPRETATION
1st -Chase V., 2nd – Keely O’G., 3rd – Henry V.S.
LATIN INTERMEDIATE PROSE ORAL INTERPRETATION
2nd – Halle D.
ART CONTEST
Esmé L. – Mosaics – 2nd place; Norah S. – Sculpture – 2nd place; Models – Esme M. & Gevi S. – 2nd place; Lana M. & Lilah O’N. – 3rd place; Jack B. – Military – 2nd place