Shore Country Day School Students Earn Top Distinction in National Latin Exam

Two Shore students received outstanding achievement for perfect scores on the Introduction to Latin Exam on this year’s National Latin Exam. Quite an accomplishment for Nick Anastas and Nick Demetroulakos who mastered the exam, which covered varied questions about grammar, Roman culture and mythology, word derivation, and conversational Latin. Both boys were completely surprised when they heard the news. Demetroulakos said, “I was really nervous when I didn’t hear my name called during the first two groups, so I was really surprised to hear I got a perfect score!” while Anastas shared, “I was surprised to hear my name at the meeting, because I didn’t know that the NLE results were being announced that day. When I did, I was overcome with pride. It was great to be recognized for my achievement.”

Congratulations to all 24 Shore students who took the exam prior to March break. Six Shore students earned merit awards with distinction by answering 37-40 correct out of 40, which included both Anastas and Demetroulakos. Overall, sixteen Shore students earned awards, nine of which earned recognition for merit. Truly a fine example of Shore’s motto: Suum Quisque Optimum, From Each Her/His Best.

Shore’s Latin teacher, Mr. Doug Lucey, proudly presented the awards, which represents the strengths of his teaching. “I am so proud of all of my students! While not everyone loves standardized tests, many students actually enjoy taking this one - maybe because Shore students have been exposed to the ancient world from such an early age. Some even cite knowledge from their third grade experiences! I also love how so many kids around the world are united in the study of this vital language.”

Shore students joined more than 153,000 students from all 50 states as well as from 20 countries around the globe, who participated in this year’s National Latin Exam. To earn distinction, a student must earn above the national average.