Houston Christian Junior Classical League Students Earn 33 Awards at Area Convention

Fifteen Houston Christian students participated this past Saturday in the Junior Classical League (JCL) Area Convention at St. Thomas Episcopal School, joining more than 250 students from across the region for a full day of academic, artistic, and athletic competition.

Despite busy schedules and competing commitments, Houston Christian’s JCL members demonstrated exceptional preparation and perseverance, earning a total of 33 individual awards and placing 5th Overall in the Small School Division.

Students competed in rigorous academic contests focused on Roman and Greek history, mythology, grammar, vocabulary, and Latin language skills. Award recipients in academic competitions included Tully Florey '26, Lila Habenicht '27, Andrew Knobbe'26, Charlie Chauvin '28, Sam (Michael) Cessac '28, Lauren Dickerson'26, Declan Cody '28, Christian Richards '29, Merritt Olson '28, Harper Dean '29, Charlotte Young '28, Anne Marrs '28, and Jackson Yi '27, with multiple students earning top-five finishes across categories.

Several students also earned distinction in the Pentathlon, a comprehensive academic competition. Pentathlon honors were awarded to Lauren Dickerson and Charlotte Young (Magna Cum Laude), along with Charlie Chauvin, Tully Florey, Lila Habenicht, Andrew Knobbe, Anne Marrs, and Jackson Yi (Cum Laude).

Houston Christian students also showcased their creativity in artistic and performance categories. Awards were earned by Andrew Knobbe (Traditional Photography), Tully Florey (Poetry), Declan Cody (Computer Enhanced Photography), Merritt Olson (Poster), Lila Habenicht (Illustrated Quotes), Lauren Dickerson (Mosaics), Diana Berry '29 (Watercolor or Pastels), Harper Dean (Vocal Solo), Sofia Ianculovici '28 (Miscellaneous Art), Sam (Michael) Cessac (Poetry), and Jackson Yi (Cartoons).

Athletically, Tully Florey and Christian Richards '29 earned 2nd Place in Volleyball, competing alongside students from Clear Creek High School.

Student artwork and awards will be displayed outside the Latin classroom in the coming days, and the community is encouraged to stop by to view the display and congratulate these students on their accomplishments.

Houston Christian is proud of the dedication, discipline, and excellence demonstrated by its Junior Classical League members. Their success at the Area Convention reflects a strong commitment to academics, creativity, and community, values at the heart of classical education.