“Carpe Diem,” Amazing Opportunities for Latin and Greek Language Students in the 86th Annual Philadelphia Classical Society Contests
The 86th Annual Philadelphia Classical Society contests highlight the artistic, digital, and literary talents of Main Line and Metropolitan Philadelphia Latin and Greek language students.
The quality, breadth, and depth of student entries never ceases to amaze, especially in this 100th anniversary year of The Philadelphia Classical Society.
Dedicated educators know that there can never be too many opportunities for K-12 students to challenge themselves and to succeed.
That is why the officers and members continually expand the number of contest categories to appeal to a range of student interests and abilities.
Readers might also know that Latin and Greek studies are naturally inter-disciplinary and relevant to modern experience.
A perennial theme in students' submissions has included the myth of Icarus, the youth who did not heed the warnings of his father Daedalus as they were escaping by flight the labyrinth concealing the hideous Minotaur in ancient Crete.
Sadly, the impetuous Icarus, ecstatic at the thrill of flying above the sea, flew too closely to the sun, the heat of which melted the wax holding together his makeshift wings.
Plunging to his inevitable death, Icarus is a reminder to today's young people to seek and follow the advice of those wiser and more experienced.
Another project theme which appeared in the February 2024 judging held at The Haverford School was that of the curious Pandora and her jar pressed shut to prevent the escape of the world's evils.
The sadly romantic tale of Orpheus and the final loss of his innocent wife Eurydice, fated to pine away in the underworld, resonates with students of all ages.
To provide for all interests and abilities, there are ten traditional artistry categories, four computer-generated project options, four literary composition choices, a notepad drawing contest, a t-shirt design challenge, and a competitive exam in Latin levels III, IV, V, plus a Greek exam.
For the 2024-25 contests, students are eligible for twenty-two categories, traditional arts, digital arts, literary contests, and exams.
TRADITIONAL ARTS: Students will submitt an original interpretation or representation of an artifact, subject, or scene suggested by Classical Greek or Roman mythology, history, archaeology or literature. There are ten categories in this division: Sketches or Drawings (B/W or pastel crayons or chalk); Costume (life size, military); Paintings (traditional oil, acrylic, watercolor); Costume (life size, non-military); Handmade Sculpture and Pottery; Mosaic (soft (paper or hard tesserae); Models; Needlework/Hand-Sewn Items; Jewelry; Comic/Storyboard (hand-drawn).
DIGITAL ARTS: Students are encouraged to submit an original, student-created interpretation or representation of an artifact, subject, or scene suggested by Classical Greek or Roman mythology, history, archaeology or literature.
There are four categories in this division: Comic/Storyboard (Computer- Generated); Minecraft Building; 3-D Printed; Digital Arts.
LITERARY PROJECTS in PROSE OR POETRY: Students will submit original poems or stories in Latin or English, inspired by Classical Mythology, history or literature, or original translations of Latin poems, or English poems with Classical themes or ideas.
NOTEPAD COMPETITION and The Philadelphia Classical Society will also sponsor the 2025 Notepad Competition featuring a student illustration. These notepads will be given to all teachers whose students participated in the 86th Annual Latin Week Competition.
The Officers of PCS will offer the 2025 Dr. Lynn Iozzo T-Shirt Drawing Competition. The winning design will be printed on high-quality t-shirts, 100 percent cotton, and will be available for purchase.
Students are encouraged to submit original, Classically-inspired illustrations to complement this year's Latin aphorism: "Comes facundus in via pro vehiculo est," translated as "A witty companion on a journey is as good as the ride," from Publilius Syrus, a Roman writer of mimes, 1st century B.C. Both the Latin aphorism and the winning design will appear on the back of the t-shirt.
This year as in the recent past, thanks to a grant from the Dr. Rudolph Masciantonio Trust administered by The Philadelphia Foundation, the fees for the Teacher's PCS Membership and Latin Week Contest will be subsidized at $25 each.
All 2025 Latin Week award winners will receive an invitation to the annual Spring luncheon to be held at Drexelbrook on Saturday, April 26.
The 2024 participating schools included: Friends' Central, Philadelphia Classical School, Regina Angelorum Academy, Black Rock Middle School (LMSD), Haverford Township M.S. and H.S., Radnor M.S. and H.S., Conrad Weiser H.S., and Owen J. Roberts M.S. and H.S.; The Baldwin School, The Haverford School, The Shipley M.S. and Upper School, Henderson H.S. and E.N. Peirce M.S., Upper Dublin H.S. and Sandy Run M.S., Phoenixville School District, Colonial M.S., Merion Mercy Academy, Villa Joseph Maria Academy, Academy of Notre Dame, and West Chester East and Rustin High Schools.
PCS Board Members are: Mary Brown, St. Joseph's University and Mentor, Radnor High School, President; Mary Jane Koons, Emerita, Upper Dublin High School, 1st Vice-President; Andrew Fenton, The Haverford School, 2nd Vice-President; Meghan Quinn McKee, Black Rock Middle School (LMSD), Treasurer; Jeannette Keshishian, Emerita, The Baldwin School, ex officio; and Valentina DeNardis, Villanova University, Web Master.
Former Presidents are: Christine Meyer, Emerita, Downingtown High School West; Alexandria Garrity, Emerita, Tredyffrin/Easttown S.D.; Charles Myers, Emeritus, Harriton High School; and Edward Sacks, Emeritus, The Agnes Irwin School.
For information, contact PCS President Mary Brown
