Homestead High School’s Latin Team, led by longtime Latin teacher Marianne Wallach, recently returned from the 71st National Junior Classical League (NJCL) Convention held at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, from July 21-26. The team made a historic mark on the national stage with a stunning series of victories and milestones. As part of a team of 83 students representing the state of Wisconsin, Homestead’s 30 Latin scholars brought home unprecedented accolades in academics, the arts, spirit competitions, and athletics.

A major academic success was achieved when the WI Novice Certamen Team, captained by HHS rising sophomore Tilly Micallef, won the National Championship in the Novice division for the first time in recorded history. Micallef was joined by three other Wisconsin students in this fast-paced, high-pressure competition, similar to Jeopardy. Competing in five high-stakes rounds, including a semifinal and final round against powerhouse states such as Florida, Texas, Virginia, and Massachusetts, the team’s victory is being celebrated as a landmark achievement. The Intermediate (Latin II) team, with incoming senior HHS Misha Auchynnikau in the historian role, also performed admirably, placing third in the nation.

“Watching our students go toe-to-toe with the top teams in the country and emerge victorious was incredible,” said Magistra Wallach, “Tilly’s leadership and the team’s dedication to excellence is something I’ll never forget.”

In a convention filled with academic, creative, and athletic competition, Tilly Micallef also earned a prestigious Lily B. Hamilton Award, recognizing her as the third highest-scoring student in the nation across all levels out of more than 1,100 competitors. She demonstrated excellence in a wide range of areas, from rigorous academic tests, graphic arts, Olympika, and the Certamen championship.

In addition to academics, Homestead’s creative and athletic accomplishments shone as well. Rising senior Addison Drumm took home first place in the nation for Wisconsin’s Digital Scrapbook, and her custom-designed state t-shirt won top honors for the second consecutive year. In addition, in a feat seen only once before at the NJCL convention (by Wisconsin in 2014), the state achieved a full sweep in all Olympika athletic events, echoing the competitive spirit of the ancient Greeks. 

Wisconsin won:

• Soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and kickball - all with three games of elimination before the final round
• Swimming – Led by Ian Godden, Oliver Peters, Luella Hrdi.
• Track & Field – With standout performances from Lucas Mersky, Dino Dhaliwal, London Boettcher, Lauren Strifling, Ella Gotz, Tilly Micallef, Emily Cai, Lilly Chromy, Anthony Lopina, Sam Schmid and Luke LaLonde.

“It’s hard to overstate the grit, heart, and determination these students showed,” said Homestead Principal Eric Ebert, “To compete – and dominate – in academics, arts, and athletics on a national stage is truly extraordinary. What a great culture we have in Homestead Latin.”

Finally, Wisconsin's delegation, though significantly smaller than that of larger states, swept the Spirit Award every single day of the convention. With synchronized cheers and spirited costumes, rising senior Anna Prokhin, serving as WJCL Spirit Coordinator, played a critical role in this achievement. Wisconsin earned the Overall Spirit Award for Extra Large States, capping off a David-and-Goliath triumph.

“This year’s convention will be remembered as Wisconsin’s most successful showing yet,” said Magistra Wallach, “Our Highlanders’ performance was a testament to the power of preparation, teamwork, and love of the classics.”