Elizabeth McQueen is a graduate of St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis, Tennessee, and a former leader of the Tennessee Junior Classical League. Over three consecutive terms on the TJCL Executive Board, Elizabeth served as Torch Editor from 2021–2022, First Vice President from 2022–2023, and TJCL President from 2023–2024, helping guide the organization through growth, recovery from COVID disruptions, and strengthened communication across the state.

Now a sophomore at the College of William & Mary studying Chemistry, Elizabeth reflects on how her experiences in Latin and JCL shaped her leadership style, confidence, and organizational skills. In this episode, we discuss campaigning for office, rebuilding engagement after the pandemic, accessibility in student organizations, and what makes JCL such a uniquely kind and diverse community.

Thank you to Mr. Tutor and Mr. Carter from Memphis University School for all their help with the music!

Recorded in January 2026

Simbo Ejeta is a student at the University of Notre Dame double majoring in Science Preprofessional Studies and Classics, and a dedicated member of the Illinois Junior Classical League community. During high school, Simbo was deeply involved in her school’s Classics Club, serving as Consul Indiciis and supporting her Certamen team at the state level. She attended Illinois JCL State Convention all four years, gaining a deep appreciation for both competition and community within the organization.

In this episode, we talk with Simbo about her introduction to Classics, her experiences in the Illinois JCL—particularly through the St. Ignatius chapter—and her journey competing in Certamen. Simbo also reflects on challenges she faced along the way, the leadership habits she developed through JCL, and how the Classics continue to shape her perspective as a science-focused student. She shares thoughtful advice for students just beginning Latin or considering their first steps into the JCL community.

Thank you to Mr. Tutor and Mr. Carter from Memphis University School for all their help with the music!

Recorded in November 2025

Evie Todaro is a recent graduate of Hume-Fogg High School in Nashville, Tennessee, whose leadership and dedication left a lasting mark on the Tennessee Junior Classical League. Over three terms on the TJCL Executive Board, Evie served two terms as Second Vice President from 2022–2024 before leading the organization as TJCL President in 2024–25. Known for her commitment to service, organization, and community-building, Evie played a key role in strengthening leadership and continuity within the Tennessee JCL.

Now a freshman at American University majoring in Political Science with a focus on Public Policy, Evie reflects on how her experiences in JCL shaped her leadership style and civic interests. In this episode, we talk about her journey through state leadership, the skills she carried from Latin into public policy, and what makes JCL such a uniquely formative community.

Thank you to Mr. Tutor and Mr. Carter from Memphis University School for all their help with the music!

Recorded in October 2025

Sophie Heitfield is a sophomore at Yale University studying Classics and Chemistry, whose passion and perseverance have made her a standout leader in the Junior Classical League. Representing the District of Columbia, Sophie often took on entire Certamen teams single-handedly and embodying the true spirit of JCL dedication. She later served as the 2023–24 NJCL First Vice President, overseeing membership and publicity for thousands of students nationwide. In recognition of her academic excellence and her lasting impact on the JCL community, Sophie was honored with the prestigious 2024 Merens Award.

In this episode, we talk with Sophie about her experiences leading a small delegation, her insights on perseverance and community in the Classics, and her journey balancing Latin and Chemistry at Yale. 

Thank you to Mr. Tutor and Mr. Carter from Memphis University School for all their help with the music!

Recorded in October 2025

Paulina Hampel is a longtime leader and passionate voice in the Texas Junior Classical League community. A freshman at the University of Notre Dame studying Classics and Political Science, Paulina has dedicated herself to spreading the joy of the Classics through both outreach and spirit. Her JCL journey has been remarkable — from serving as TSJCL Outreach Coordinator and leading over 200 Texas delegates in cheer at Nationals, to becoming the 2024–25 TSJCL President, helping guide one of the largest and fastest-growing state Classical Leagues in the nation.

In this episode, we talk with Paulina about her path to discovering the Classics, her experiences leading the Texas JCL community, and the importance of spirit, connection, and tradition in building a lasting legacy.

Thank you to Mr. Tutor and Mr. Carter from Memphis University School for all their help with the music!

Recorded in September 2025.

Maxine Mandt is what many would call a JCLegend. Her list of leadership roles dates back to 2017–she was her middle school’s Latin Club president, her high school’s Latin Club Vice President and President, FJCL Regional Leader, FJCL Webmaster and Vice President, and NSCL Vice President. She is known for her infectious passion and enthusiasm and hopes to spread her love for the Classics even further by becoming a Latin teacher! Maxine is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Florida State University majoring in Latin and minoring in education with a plan to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching Latin!

In this episode, we interview Maxine about her experiences with JCL leadership and community, her plans for a career in the Classics, and more!

Thank you to Mr. Tutor and Mr. Carter from Memphis University School for all their help with the music! 

Recorded in September 2025

Wyatt Roder is a former Certamen player and coach from Tennessee whose talent, skill, and dedication are revered even today. Wyatt’s impressive list of accolades includes multiple first places at Harvard, Yale, and Duke Certamen, along with back-to-back first places in the competitive Keartamen tournament. He is currently a sophomore at Georgetown University studying Classics and Linguistics. In this episode, we interview Wyatt about his experiences playing Certamen, how Certamen helped him as a Classics major, and more!

Thank you to Mr. Tutor and Mr. Carter from Memphis University School for all their help with the music!

Recorded in September 2025

We’re excited to launch Episode 0 of Lux Classica, a student-facing podcast where we interview current and former JCLers about their experiences with the Classics. In this episode, we introduce ourselves and talk more about the podcast. We hope you’ll listen, and stay tuned for more!