STONY BROOK, N.Y., March 28, 2006—Nearly 300 local middle-school and high-school students representing almost 20 Long Island school districts are expected to compete in the 7th Annual CERTAMEN for Latin students. The Latin language contest is sponsored by the Stony Brook University Department of Humanities, the Center for Excellence and Innovation and Education, and the Suffolk Classical Society.
The CERTAMEN will take place Monday, March 26 at the University’s Student Activities Center Auditorium from 10:00 AM-2:30 PM. Three teams of four students each, divided into first year, second year, third year, fourth year, and advanced level categories, will compete for two rounds—with high scorers advancing to a third round to crown a winner at each level. Students answer questions on Latin grammar, word derivation, mythology, and Roman life, history, and culture.
“Latin is a language that should be preserved,” said Bill Godfrey, a Stony Brook Latin professor. “This event is designed to keep the Latin language alive and to encourage schools to begin, or maintain, Latin programs.”
Among the questions students have been quizzed on in the past is, “What sculptor fell in love with his own image?”
