At Wellington, students are encouraged to pursue their passions and embrace leadership opportunities that allow them to grow both academically and personally. Sabrina Bong ’25, a senior with a love for language, history, and community, exemplifies this ethos. Her journey began with a fascination for Latin in sixth grade, sparked by the engaging presentation of her teacher, Ms. Inderhees P ’33 ’35. Now, as treasurer of the Ohio Junior Classical League (OJCL), Sabrina is not only immersed in the classics but also stepping into impactful leadership roles. Supported by Wellington’s nurturing environment, she has expanded scholarship opportunities for her peers and deepened her appreciation for the cultural and historical richness of Latin. Sabrina’s experiences showcase how Wellington empowers students to explore their interests and make meaningful contributions beyond the classroom.
Q: What inspired you to take Latin?
Honestly, it started with Percy Jackson; I was obsessed with the series, and Latin felt like a natural fit. But what really drew me in was Ms. Inderhees’ obvious brilliance and passion, evident from the very first time I saw her speak as a sixth grader. I needed to take her class.
Q: How has studying Latin shaped your perspective?
Latin is so much more than a language; it’s like a puzzle and a living piece of history. Because we don’t do a lot of speaking in class, translation quickly becomes a treasure hunt, a game. But beyond that, Latin has deepened my understanding and appreciation of history and culture. For example, we’re reading the “Aeneid” in class, which is rich with literary and historical context; it’s a reflection of and ode to “The Odyssey,” and serves as Rome’s national book. Studying Latin has taught me that to truly understand a language, you have to understand the culture and history that surrounds it. It’s made me a better global citizen!
Q: What is OJCL, and how did you get involved?
OJCL is a state organization for students who study Latin and the classics. Schools with Junior Classical League chapters gather for conventions, where we participate in everything from academic contests to creative arts. I started attending conventions in sixth grade, and I was immediately hooked. Though COVID-19 temporarily disrupted things, I really immersed myself in the OJCL as a freshman and am currently serving as treasurer.
Q: What’s it like being treasurer for OJCL?
It’s a big responsibility, but I love it. My role involves managing our spirit budget — things like props and t-shirts for competitions — and spearheading our fundraising efforts. This year, my main goal has been to increase our scholarship fund so more students can attend conventions; I was able to raise just over $2,000, allowing me to meet my goal of providing six full scholarships.
Q: What have you done to expand the scholarship fund?
A lot of it has been trial and error, reaching out to organizations to partner with us. Some efforts didn’t pan out, but we did secure partnerships with FC Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Reds, and Chipotle. But I’d say that my personal highlight was working with a brilliant seventh-grade artist from an OJCL club in Cincinnati. With a little assistance from me, she was able to sell her mythologically-inspired artwork at the national convention and donated all the proceeds — over $600 — to the scholarship fund. It was incredible to see that level of talent and generosity at such a young age.
Q: What do you enjoy most about OJCL conventions?
There’s so much to love. Certamen, the quiz bowl-style game, is always a blast, even though I’m not very good at it. The spirit competitions, where schools try to out-cheer each other, are hilarious and energizing. And then there are colloquia — lectures by classics professors and student-led workshops. Last year, I ran a workshop where we made our own household gods out of air-dry clay. Convention is immersive, fun, and a great way to connect with people who share your interests.
Q: How has OJCL influenced your leadership skills?
Being part of the OJCL board has taught me so much. As secretary last year, I handled meeting minutes, created event schedules, and designed graphics for assemblies. As treasurer, I’ve learned how to manage budgets and organize fundraising campaigns. It’s been challenging but rewarding, especially knowing that my efforts help more students access these opportunities.
Q: What would you say to someone considering Latin?
It might seem like a nerdy or niche choice, but studying Latin is enriching in ways you can’t imagine -- it connects you to history, improves your analytical skills, and introduces you to an amazing community. I’ve never regretted choosing Latin, and I think more people should take the time to explore the classics.