Resolution 170605

..Title Recognizing and honoring the young men of Boys Latin Charter Middle School for their outstanding academic achievements on the National Latin Exam. ..Body WHEREAS, The National Latin Exam is sponsored by the American Classical League and the National Junior Classical League. The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions with a time limit of 45 minutes, and covers the subjects of grammar, comprehension, mythology, derivatives, literature, Roman life, history, geography, oral Latin and Latin in use in the modern world; and WHEREAS, In April of 2017, Boys Latin Charter Middle School received the results of the introductory level National Latin Exam, a test taken last year by students around the world; and WHEREAS, Two students from Boys Latin Charter Middle School achieved perfect scores on the exam. According to last year's results, only about 3% of students around the world who take the introductory exam have achieved perfect scores; and WHEREAS, In addition to two perfect scores, 60% of the school's seventh-graders were recognized for their achievements, while 20% of the students were recognized for outstanding achievement on the exam; and WHEREAS, The number of Boys Latin Charter Middle School students who tested above the national average doubled over the previous year's results. Additionally, the school had a higher percentage of students to answer over half of the exam's questions correctly, compared to students from other schools; and WHEREAS, A total of 41 students earned certificates for their performance on the exam. Three 8th grade students also earned medals on the Latin I exam; and WHEREAS, The performance of the Boys Latin students on the National Latin Exam was a reflection of their hard work in preparing for it by taking sample test questions. The students also participated in a Latin Boot Camp the week before the exam; and WHEREAS, A majority of the students that attend Boys Latin Charter Middle School are African-American males who come from impoverished and troubled backgrounds. Studying Latin has given these students a challenge to conquer and exceed the expectations placed on them because of the area in which they live, and gives them a sense of achievement and the drive to pursue higher education; and WHEREAS, The students of Boys Latin Charter have made this legislative body proud with their phenomenal achievements on the National Latin Exam. They're an inspiration to us all and a positive reflection of our great City. Gratulor! Venerunt. Viderunt. Et vicit; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors the young men of Boys Latin Charter Middle School for their outstanding academic achievements on the National Latin Exam. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Boys Latin Charter Middle School as further evidence of the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. ..End