Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • May 6, 2009 Ridgewood Latin students win top spots in Princeton competition by John Koster The Ridgewood Latin Team won honors two times out of three at the New Jersey Junior Classical League Certamen at Princeton University. Ridgewood’s Level Two Team took first place in the state, and the Level One Team took third place. The certamen (test) featured 17 schools in the statewide competition. The upper level Ridgewood team narrowly missed the top three spots. The Ridgewood teams, instructed by Dr. Joe Rose, Catherine Venturini and Stefanie Gigante, played three Quiz Bowl rounds against Latin students from the rest of New Jersey and answered questions about the Latin language, Roman culture and government, and classical mythology. Besides a rich literature rooted in later ancient history and the medieval church, Latin offers access to scientific names and terms. The language of the Romans is the direct ancestor of Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese and a collateral ancestor of French, Rumanian, and (in tandem with German) English. Students also know that knowledge of Latin is valuable in developing a large vocabulary in English. Pictured (back row) are Catherine Venturini, Emily Kim, Alison Graham, David Suh, Mike Johnson, Dr. Joe Rose, and Stefanie Gigante. Front row: Divya Persaud, Elizabeth Mattson, Emily Rimer, Ashley Ellis, Sarah Shea, and Michael Coniglio. ready • set • GROW! Caring for outstanding gardens for over 20 years ONE SOURCE FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPE NEEDS ENJOY YOUR SPRING! Ask about our safe Tick, Mosquito and Flea Control TRUST YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES TO OUR FULL SERVICE MAINTENANCE, CONSTRUCTION, AND DESIGN COMPANY WITH ORGANIC LAWN AND TREE CARE, IRRIGATION AND LIGHTING. COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL INSURED BONDED MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LEISURE TIME CALL FOR FREE CONSULTATION 201-447-LAWN (5296) www.landscapeworks.net Member N.J.L.C.A & N.J. Turf Grass Assoc. Home Improvement Contractor #13V01991900