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Classics at APSU celebrates ancient languages with 8th annual Classics Day event

CLARSKVILLE, Tenn. — Latin is very much a living language on the campus of Austin Peay State University, as Classics at APSU recently hosted its annual Classics Day event for area high school students.

CLARSKVILLE, Tenn. — Latin is very much a living language on the campus of Austin Peay State University, as Classics at APSU recently hosted its annual Classics Day event for area high school students.

The all-day event brought together a record 144 students from Montgomery County high schools for a day of activities centered on the languages of the ancient world. Gathered at the APSU Morgan University Center, faculty members and current APSU students gave lectures on their studies of classic languages, with students also taking part in a skit promoting this year’s theme of the study of Latin.

Students were also able try their hand at Certamen, a quiz bowl game based on the Latin language and Roman culture.

The Classics Day event serves a number of purposes, but APSU Classics professor Dr. Tim Winters said he wants to show interested young students that they are not alone in their interest in what is considered a “dead” language.

“We want to bring (students) together in one place so that they can see there are other kids (interested in classical language) and that they are not alone,” Winters said. “And for our local (high school) teachers, this event gives them a chance to talk amongst themselves and share ideas and experiences.”

Beyond the academic, students were also provided an opportunity to create their own mosaics in tribute to the style of art frequently attributed to Greek and Roman culture.

“We wanted to show the students that the classics are something they can have fun with,” Winters said. “We wanted to give them a chance to take things outside of the academic setting and really play with (classic culture).”

Since starting the mid-week event in 2012, Winters said he has seen a great response from the area high school community. What began with roughly 100 kids, Winters said, is expected to double in size in the coming years.

“The word is definitely out and the kids love it,” Winters said. “They love to be able to come down and be on the college campus, and we love being able to show them the programs and opportunities we have here at APSU.”

- Colin Harris, APSU communication specialist