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JCL would not be the same without you and we are so incredibly proud of all you've accomplished! Thank you for dedicating yourself so fully to this organization and to all of us! 💖

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There is no one more worthy of recognition on a national scale than you, Mike. While I would love to congratulate you in person, that would meaning currently breaking my 20+ year streak of not attending the JCL National convention, and we can't be having that.

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Salve, Menichaelme!

Gratulationes, from Michael 1.0 to Michael 2.0.

"We'll always be the Menichaelmi!" (note the iambic dimeter)

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I am honored to have been your teacher back at BLA and now your coworker here at BLS! It is always fun watching you thrive in your Classics element both in the classroom and with JCL at BLS! You are definitely deserving of your Silver Bowl, 20 consecutive years is very impressive brotha! Keep up the good work and know we are all very proud of you!

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‘So happy that you are a member of the BLS Classics Department! You are a man, held in high esteem, who has been able to master “old school teaching, with new school thinking.” A true Latin Master!

You’ve been a wonderful addition to our faculty, and a tremendous role model for so many students, some of whom may not have otherwise seen themselves excelling in our discipline.

I’m proud to call you my colleague!💜

Sherry

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Congratulations on your well deserved honor! Let the entire nation know what the students and staff of BLS already know so well...that you are an outstanding teacher and person. We appreciate all you do at BLS and take great pride in you winning this amazing award. Gratulationes!

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Ode to the Great Mike!

Let me tell you about the Great Mike Howard

He walks through the halls like a regular guy, But don’t be deceived - his talents run high.

By day he speaks of the ancient ways. By night he’s on the court, making plays.

At Certamen, Mike is king. While others may freeze, Mike answers with great ease.

But wait - there’s more! Mike’s been known to join two hearts, more than once. With his warm voice, he gets the job done.

Mike is a man who wears many crowns. No matter the arena, he always throws it down.

Thank you for always being you! Congratulations on your well deserved honor!

xoxo

Viet

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Mr. Howard,

Your 20 consecutive years of presence and impact at the National JCL convention are impressive, but nowhere nearly as significant as the impact you've made on thousands of young people through your rigorous and engaging classroom instruction over the course of your illustrative career. Congratulations on this, and the ongoing difference that you make for BLS students and the classics community at large. -RS

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Michael Howard has secured his spot on Mt. Olympus !

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Michael Howard has secured his spot on Mt. Olympus !

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The Ed Phinney Book Award and the Silver Bowl in back to back years!

Will we have to wait until 2045 when he receives the Silver Platter to next celebrate his greatness? I don't think so - we should celebrate it everyday by trying to give as much to the classics community as he does.

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Mr. Howard,

Though I'm on a different floor and department, it isn't surprising to me that you and your students have had such success - as I'm often lucky enough to see or hear about JCL glory in real time.

Moreover, our school measures accomplishment with Roman Cs and Ls and has such a great culture of pride, community and care, regardless of how Darwinian its reputation is purported to be - and your huge leadership role for 20 years provides consistent of evidence of all three! "No days off!"

To me, THAT is that is most impressive and noteworthy thing as JCL is a team event in which its leaders and student members feel like they belong, want to be there and to help each other succeed. That couldn't be further from "sink or swim" to me!

Again, such a great legacy and congratulations on your deserved recognition!

LS

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You are a modern marvel and most deserving of not only a silver bowl, but an entire set of silver everything (at least a clipboard, right?!) for all you have done for Latin, JCL, and the hundreds of students you have guided and inspired.

Congratulations !

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O Magister Optime Maxime Crustulissime! 

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O Magister Optime Maxime Crustulissime! 

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Congratulations on 20 years and your silver bowl! From the days when you were studying for Certamen during Greek class, to leading your BLACC team to winning the state championship, to becoming an excellent Classics teacher, to your leadership of the MassJCL, your dedication to JCL and to the Classics has been a joy to behold.

I just wanted to share a photo and a memory from the past. When we traveled to Italy in 2010, you were studying Certamen everywhere we went. Here’s a photo of you, reading Tripp’s Classical Mythology on a basketball court, across the street from Lake Trasimene.

But my favorite memory from that trip was when the bus rounded a corner in Rome and you saw the Colosseum for the first time. You turned back to me and said, “Mr. Freed! We’re home!”

Your passion and dedication have always run deep. Here’s to the next 20 years!

ex animo,

Freed

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Your dedication to your students, to JCL, and to Certamon are legendary and you deserve every award that can be bestowed. Our conversations always highlight your knowledge, understanding and commitment to encourage your students to reach their potential. In addition, your responsibility and conscientiousness have made you sought after to chaperone overseas trips, and to provide leadership in every organization.

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Mike,

Whether it's working with your students in the classroom or crafting your witty recaps for everything from JCL to NCAA, your passion shines through. Congratulations on your Silver Bowl award, and I hope you celebrate in a true Greek/Roman fashion!

Maggie

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Congratulations on 20 consecutive years of making an impact on the NJCL. The amount of time you dedicate to organizing and keeping certamen going cannot be understated. You are well on your way to becoming the Lebron James of NJCL!

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Mike,

Congratulations on getting your Silver Bowl! It is incredible how many years you've attended NJCL conventions, and hard to believe it was almost 10 years ago since I last attended one myself. I am honored to have been among the first group of students that you coached in Advanced Certamen when you had just started teaching. Your passion, dedication, and generosity made us not only better Certamen players, but also more thoughtful and mature people.

William

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Absolutely amazing! 20 years of "crushing it" at NJCL......while my Phoenix Suns have been "losing it" for the same amount of time:( At least one of my heroes is winning! Very proud of you, my friend. I miss taking our annual beginning and end of the year teaching picture with you but am so happy that you are keeping up the magic in room 115. Seems like yesterday that you and I both started together at BLS. Congratulations on this amazing honor and keep on making waves in the lives of so many kids. You are a true gem, Michael Howard. Hope we can get together soon to catch up over some pints. Gratulationes!

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Dress As Your Favorite Teacher Day, Class of 2020 Latin V Poetry Class

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Congratulations to the Best Teacher EVER!!!

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Congratulations to the Best Teacher EVER!!!

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Mr. Howard,

Congratulations on your well-deserved Silver Bowl! I feel so lucky to have had you as a teacher.

When I think back to my 2020 senior year, missing out on finishing Latin V Poetry feels like the biggest loss, much more than losing prom or graduation. You always fostered an environment where every student felt valued, safe, and included. It’s that amazing sense of community that keeps it growing each year.

Your teaching inspired me so much that I even ended up majoring in Classics in college (still wild to me!), and even got to study abroad in Rome. Walking those ancient streets and seeing the lessons come alive made me appreciate those many hours of certaman even more.

Thank you for everything you’ve done, not just for me, but for all the students you’ve reached through your teaching and with JCL. You’ve made a huge impact, and I’m so grateful to have been part of it.

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Dear Mr. Howard,

Congratulations on getting your Silver Bowl and the 20 years worth of impact it represents! Though it's been quite a while since I've picked up a buzzer, I still think fondly of the Certamen days -- the inside jokes, the gut-wrenching tournaments, and the late-night practices full of laughter in whatever random room we could find at Convention. So many of those memories are because of you -- your dedication and drive to help us improve, your unending support and guidance, and your reminder to never forget the fun in what we were trying to achieve. I've taken a lot of what I've learned from those days and used it in life since then, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

As one of many people who've had the privilege to call you a teacher, mentor, and friend, congratulations again and wishing you the very best! :) <3

-- Jonathan

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You don't need a silver bowl -- or any other tangible award -- to indicate just how special you are (though it's nice). I join the many, many others in congratulating you on this milestone accomplishment. You are clearly an exceptional educator, but just as importantly, you are incredibly gracious, supportive, and kind. I feel so privileged to work with you!

Martha

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Mike, I’m so happy your dedication and passion is being celebrated with the Silver Bowl!

It’s been a long odyssey from those stormy nights at States in the hotel room full of cramming, intensive buzzer resistance training exercises, dramatic interpretation rehearsals, epic gladiatorial struggles for sheets and pillows…

…to being transformed into frenzied, howling beasts during the Toga Parade…

…to the Cave at Cumae—I mean Cape Cod—test scanning, scanner breaking, and sacrificing one of our Domino’s Pizzas to the gods to repair the scanner…

…Then down further still into the underworld depths of Late-Night Certamen….

At times carried only by the words:

Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit!

And now the day has come for all victories, defeats and sacrifices to be repaid with honor.

But I would say there is an even greater honor than the one you’re being given now, and that is the honor of having you for a friend all these years.

Macte Virtute!

Peter

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Dear Michael,

Congratulations on your silver bowl!! It's so exciting to witness this amazing accomplishment. It takes a special kind of dedication to achieve something so great. Everyday I am in awe of the passion and joy you have for your work. You are an inspiration to me, your students, and your colleagues. We are all lucky to have you in our lives. I am endlessly proud of you.

♥️ Danielle

P.S. Here's a picture of you from the day you dragged me around Rome to see all the underrated sites. My feet literally bled for you and your ever curious mind!

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Mike,

I was lucky enough to have grown up in the same era as you in JCL and get to know you a bit more as a late night clicker and world class certamen coach. But today the fact that I can call you a friend, former roommate, and someone I genuinely look up to for how selfless you are and how much you've done for the Latin community in and out of Massachusetts, is something I'm very grateful for. Congratulations on 20 incredible years - you have made an impact on a countless amount of people. I hope you get a Jordan's-last-game-ever standing ovation when he played for the Wizards in 2003 (given you are a much better teacher than he was player at that point!)

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I have had the distinct honor of calling you my friend for over 20 years (...we're getting old). I competed with you in our JCL days, made late night cake runs as roommates at BU, and explored the lands we dreamt about at the Centro. Through it all it has been my privilege to see you grow and thrive as a man dedicated to the study of the Classics and the well being of his friend and students. No one could deserve a silver bowl more. Congratulations!

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Mike,

You have - for 20 consecutive years now - set the gold standard for JCL commitment. In fact, I might go as far as to say that you've set the gold standard for anyone who wants to commit themselves to any passion. You are an inspiration and a role model to many of us around the JCL - not for your success (impressive as it is), but for the way you carry yourself and treat everyone around you.

This Silver Bowl marks two decades of you showing up with integrity, generosity, humility, and passionate commitment. Year after year, you’ve returned not for recognition, but to serve, to support, and to uplift. You’ve made the JCL a better place by being a part of it and by embodying its best ideals. As long as I've known you, you’ve quietly and consistently done the work that keeps this organization thriving.

Congratulations on this well-deserved milestone, my friend. We’re all better for having walked beside you through some (or all) of these 20 conventions.

Gabriel

P.S. Check out this throwback photo from your 10th convention!

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Congratulations Mike for your monumental achievement! It's remarkable that you've attended 20 conventions, and all in a row too--it is a testament to your tireless dedication, which has impacted countless students, including me. Your enthusiasm for the Classics, JCL, and Certamen is truly amazing. I still fondly look back upon those memories of our Thursday practices in 137, summer Saturday practices at BU, weekday nights on Ventrilo, and those excitement filled days of National Convention. Thank you for being the inspiration that you are, and congrats again on your Silver Bowl!

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Doing anything for 20 years is impressive - but excelling for all 20 years is on a whole other level. You truly exemplify the JCL spirit and working alongside you these past few years, seeing how you encourage both colleagues and students alike with your demeanor and willingness to go above and beyond in all situations is truly inspirational. Thanks for being the best 😊

Veronica

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Congratulations on the Silver Bowl! Your dedication to your students' development not only as Certamen players but as teammates and people is extraordinary. I don't think I quite realized until I started writing for tournaments myself how insane it is that you just casually put together whole practice tournaments for us multiple times per year, and with great sensitivity to the changing question styles at different events. I'll always remember the fun motivational videos, the dedication to us being the "most swole Certamen team" (perhaps a low bar, though I still don't seem to have met it), and the different sorts of practice formats that built up our resilience to every possible situation at Nationals. In recent years your dedication to building up the MA local scene and getting teams beyond BLS involved has been great to see. I can say confidently that everyone who's encountered you as a coach is better off for it. Excited to see you again at Keartamen Open!

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To Mr. Howard,

Congratulations on receiving your Silver Bowl! It must be the Fates calling that, earlier this month, I did a belated spring cleaning and found my bounded History Resources packet that I received as a gift, and unexpectedly running into old JCL peeps from long ago. I couldn't help but look back fondly at spending after school, buzzing at practice questions in Room 137, sneaking around for rooms to practice at tournaments, or the many times I thought I would certainly get you to snap your clipboard. My time as a JCLer reminded me of how crazy, eventful, and enjoyable the travels, successes, friendships, and challenges were in Certamen, at conventions, and tournaments across the nation.

Ever since I met you at Certamen practice as an 8th grader at BLA, I've admired the dedication and faith you've put into us Certamen players. When I transferred schools, I was glad to have a familiar mentor around while I adjusted to BLS — except maybe for the push-up drills. Your encouragement and (com)passion for all of us made what is a high-pressure situation a fun and valuable experience, from my lowest of lows to achieving the highest in glory. While it has been a while since I last participated in a Certamen practice or round, I'm truly honored to be able to call you a mentor, coach, and friend.

Congratulations again on a remarkable distinction over the past two decades!

Ting

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Michael, the amount of sheer effort you put in every day throughout the summer is awe-inspiring. You work tirelessly day in and day out writing questions, thinking of lineup changes, and trying to ensure every student has a fair shot at competing regardless of external circumstances. And even for students that don't get to compete on the biggest stage, you still try your best to ensure they have a good summer practicing with the team and are able to show their knowledge as much as possible.

I unfortunately don't have the privilege of working more closely with you throughout the school year, but I cannot think of someone who would put in more work than you when it comes to making the classics fun, accessible, and engaging. Congratulations, you have more than earned this Silver Bowl.

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JCL has been a huge part of my life for the last five, going on six, years, and even longer for my family. MassJCL, BLSJCL, and your classroom have been the highlight of my entire scholastic experience and I can never thank you enough for what you have done for me and for so many of my classmates through these organizations. At BLS, I look forward to every Thursday when you inspire us with tales of certaminatores past, a sports story, and your infinite kindness. The pushups you make us do, the lessons (certamen related or not), and the community you foster matter immeasurably to every student you have interacted with. I know my teammates and I look forward to those two hours every week and no matter what kind of week we are having, during that time, there is no place else we’d rather be. You help coach us not just to be better players but to be better people. I look forward to taking Latin V with you next year so that every day can be Thursday. Through BLSJCL and MassJCL I am inspired by how hard you work not just for our team but for everyone across Massachusetts and beyond. Your love for certamen and the classics is inspiring and shows us that its not just about learning how to excel on our own, but that we all are better off when any one of us improves or succeeds and that the more we inspire others to study classics with us the better. Let’s do great at Nationals! We are fired up to help you celebrate this huge achievement, and we won’t let anyone outwork us. Congratulations on your Silver Bowl!

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It’s hard to believe that it’s already year 20 of NJCL conventions for you - tempus fugit!

I would like to thank you for the impact you’ve had on me during those years when I was actively going to nationals. Although I was not as skilled as my peers in Certamen, you have always made me feel included during the summer practices and encouraged me to continue honing my knowledge for Academic Testing. As for the years after I graduated from BLA, it was and still is an honor to work with you and the incoming Certamen players.

If I have to summarize the importance of your commitment to JCL it would be with this quote from Horace, when you first encouraged me to study PMAQ: “Exegi Monumentum Aere Perennius”. Within these years, you have created a welcoming environment to all students throughout MassJCL who play Certamen. Not only have they flourished in skills because of you but friendships have flourished and continue beyond JCL because of the importance you place on teamwork and bonding.

May you continue to be a positive presence in all the lives you touch during your time in JCL.

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Congratulations on your Silver Bowl! Thank you so much for all of your years of dedication to JCL, Certamen, and making Classics exciting and accessible to all of the students around you. From running buzzer training drills with military precision, to getting our entire Latin V class excited about debating the validity of archaic word forms through organizing fiercely competitive rounds of Latin Scrabble, to supporting us through many a State board meeting, your drive and dedication shaped both my high school and JCL experience.

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from you during my six years at BLS, and it has been so exciting to hear about everything you have achieved since. Here's to many more years of conventions, Certamen, and World Series titles!

Gratias tibi ago,

Louisa

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There must be countless MassJCLees who owe you their gratitude after all their years, and I am certainly among them. Every Convention that I attended, you were there, helping prepare us beforehand with your fantastic coaching, cheering us on during our rounds, and even keeping us up to date with your daily recaps. I may not have started my Certamen journey with you as many BLS students did, but so much of what I learned came from those summers of MassJCL practices and your fantastic coaching. You helped to nurture my love for the Classics, and for that I am supremely grateful to you.

The older I get, the more I realized as well how much you contributed to the world of the NJCL beyond just coaching MassJCL and BLS. From organizing MassJCL conventions to helping produce high-quality introductory material and low-pressure events for new players, you really are one of the hearts of the NJCL community. Congratulations on twenty conventions, and I wish you many more. Thanks for everything.

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Mike, you have been a blessing to your students and the JCL. Because of your dedication, kindness, honesty, and brilliance, you’re a role model for your kids and an outstanding colleague. It has been an honor to watch you over these 20 years, growing from a great kid into an incredible man. This award isn’t just about time spent, but the quality of those years. I know yours have been amazing, and I hope you have 20 more that are even better!

In amicitiā,

Generosa

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Congratulations Mr. Howard! You are the greatest Certamen coach ever!

I still remember seeing Tripp as your phone lock screen and aspiring to be dedicated to Certamen at that level. Thank you for the weekly practices, tournament advice, motivational speeches, summer sessions, and myth-grind inspiration. I really do miss being in your classroom every Thursday, buzzing alongside my closest friends—people I met through this wonderful game we love so much.

Again, congratulations on your Silver Bowl!

Jin

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Mr. Howard,

Congrats on reaching such an incredible milestone! The first time we ever met I was an eager Novice player seeking as much advice as possible. Not only did you give me buzzing tips, you gifted me a 100 page print out of the myth resources packet that had been used by many Mass players before me. As I got to know you better both as your player and a person, I realized that wasn't a random act of kindness. You were, and still are, always willing to help anyone interested in playing Certamen no matter their experience, and that has left an impression on me greater than any tournament we won. MassJCL is lucky that Michael Howard is still enforcing push ups and situational Certamen to this day because we don't win championships without him.

All the best,

Big T

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Magister Howard, I am so excited to hear you are getting your silver bowl this year!! Thank you so much for all of your dedication to JCL and the hours you have poured into everyone you have taught. From Latin V to certamen, learning from you and seeing how much you love both the Classics and your students is inspiring. You made Latin V a family that could geek out together. Not only have you been active in JCL for forever but you have always poured 100% yourself into it and your commitment has changed so many students’ academic journeys and lives. I hope you have 20 more national conventions in you because you make JCL so so much better :) I mean you are literally the emperor of certamenland…

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Mr. Howard — congrats on your silver bowl!! Thank you so much for being such an incredible teacher. I have learned so much from you and I appreciate your constant willingness to offer advice. Your dedication to certamen, Latin, and encouraging the next generation of classists is so inspiring. Congratulations!

Carina

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Congratulations on 20 consecutive years of making a positive impact on the world, Mike! It is incredible to see all of the hard work you continuously put into the sport of Certamen and the universe of classics! You have made such a difference in so many lives, encouraged so many, and fostered an appreciation of classics into a new generation for many years to come.

When I first started my journey into Classics, you were the one who constantly encouraged me and was always by my side! The lessons you have given me have shaped my life, have reminded me to keep going even when I feel down and defeated, and to always have fun and do what I love! I know that you have given these same lessons to many many many others like me.

Thank you for all you do! And remember just because it’s 20 years now doesn’t mean you get to retire!! Keep going!!!!!! See you at 30 years!

Sincerely,

Joana, your first protege but definitely not your last!

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JCL and the Classics have been an integral part of nearly half of my life, now, and I cannot think of a person whom I’d rather have an advanced Certamen coach and Latin teacher. My advanced Certamen career had a rough start, having been a former history/culture/utility player that needed a place to fit in on a team, and you found that place for me. You continued to make a place for me at practice, even when my Latin started to slip when I took Greek instead of AP Latin, and pushed me to keep studying and do my best to keep up with the other players.

I am also so incredibly lucky to have taken Latin V Poetry your first year teaching that course. Even through the boggle games and vocab contests, you taught me how to analyze Latin poetry and more than adequately prepared me for my college Latin courses.

As I turn towards becoming a Latin teacher myself, I can only hope to be half your caliber as an educator and Certamen coach. This silver bowl is so well deserved and represents your commitment to the JCL, your excellence as a teacher, and just an overall extraordinary Classicist.

Congratulations on your silver bowl, Mike! Here’s to more conventions to come!

Fu

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Although I originally knew you as the perhaps intimidating Advanced Certamen coach who always had snacks handy, I am now able to appreciate how your sheer passion and devotion through the last 20 years have greatly inspired me and many aspiring Classicists alike. No amount of thanks can express my gratitude for your guidance, motivation, and support. I truly enjoy every practice, drill, or scrimmage (even when there are pushups that I struggle to do).

Leading by example, you have shown the importance of not only putting in immeasurable dedication but always striving to take time out of your day to offer advice to players and truly connect with people. Your devotion for every area of JCL, Certamen, and Classics have driven us to be the best version of ourselves. Thank you for your guidance so far, and I look forward to many more great memories and National Convetions!

Congratulations on your Silver Bowl!

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I am so, so happy to celebrate you getting your silver bowl this year. I only wish I was there to celebrate with you in person. You are so incredibly deserving of every piece of recognition you get today. What would the JCL and certamen world do without you? Every JCL and certamen event is made even more special not only by your academic contributions, but also by the enthusiasm, passion, and positivity that you spread. You are not just a certamen legend, but an amazing human being. Your impact is clear by the many classes of amazing students and young classicists that you have taught to love Latin. Connor and I are cheering you on today (and every day) from afar. Congrats, congrats, congrats!!! We are so proud!

Sincerely,

Aspen

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TWENTY YEARS! You made it to the Silver Bowl! Go Cookie Go!

Here we are, Mike, in Las Vegas in 2012. What a moment! My brain implodes every time I see this shot and thanks be to Zeus that the one and only Catherine Foley turned around and captured this well timed "what just happened" slice of the Zeitgeist. And the wonder of this WOW was/is exponentially enhanced because of YOU, and all the mutual time we shared in so many varied ways over the years that led to this “Seismic Soul-Slap of Awe.”

From the first time I saw you smile that heartfelt beam of happiness as you sat there in my ninth grade class Latin class, I felt the particular positive power that Michael Howard pulses into the lives of those around him. I am beyond lucky to have experienced how your gifts impact everyone within your sphere and beyond. What a gift to have you as a student and a colleague and as a cherished friend. You inspire me every day and your example is a constant reminder of the true meaning of “carpe diem.” It isn’t about grabbing the day for oneself, but about how you make every day better for each person you encounter, how you pull them into being the best and having fun doing it! You are a treasure, Mike, unburied and forever sharing your endless wealth of positive good.  

Your Fan, Sheri

 
 

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Mega Congrats to the COOKIE who will NEVER CRUMBLE!

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Mega Congrats to the COOKIE who will NEVER CRUMBLE!

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Mike,

I used to tell people all the time that you were the best young coach in the game. While you are still young, it is no longer fitting to include that moniker in the story. I am so inspired by your dedication to your students, the countless hours that you give to them, and the standard of kindhearted achievement that you set. Simply put: you are one of the greatest educators I have ever known and I am blessed to call you friend. I’ll be your WSOC wingman anytime. Congrats on your Silver Bowl! See you in 20 more years when you pick up the tray 😉.

-Dave

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Michael, when you were a Mass JCL officer, you were the one I contacted most often to help my students at Abby Kelley or AMSA run for office or figure out how to enter a contest. They would bring me a question, and I would tell them to ask Michael Howard. Now I tell them to ask Magister Howard. (Maybe someday you'll stop calling me Ms. Sinacola, but that's okay).

Whether it was on the bus to Knoxville in 2007 or today in Oxford, you have been a calming, generous presence who has inspired (and continues to inspire) student and teacher alike. It's no exaggeration to say that in any era of history, the correct answer is Michael Howard.

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Twenty years! Actually thinking about twenty years of Nationals is crazy. You’ve been going to Nationals for as long as I’ve been alive. Your dedication and love for the Classics and for JCL are so apparent, and you deserve all the recognition for it. Congratulations on your Silver Bowl!

You made my time at BLS so much more fun than I ever could have imagined. You’ve inspired so many people (including myself)—I would not be where I am now without your support. I’m so glad you were my teacher, and I hope you enjoy your 20th National Convention! Congratulations again!

Karen

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Cookie, whether it be your time as a teacher or your time as a coach for the MassJCL, your impact has been immeasurable. The number of students you have who still talk about you and the positive influence and the wonderful time you allowed them to have is uncountable. your love for the game is unmatched, unless maybe by me a little, and I am just always so inspired by you and the work you have done to find so much success and so much joy every single day and every single year. 20 to me seems like a checkpoint for you. Frankly, I think you’re gonna at least hit 40. And maybe the NJCL will set up a new award as the Michael “Cookie” Howard award to recognize your impact on the scene and your impact on all the people around you, whether it be the students, your colleagues, or your friends that you’ve made over the years. I am so proud to call you my friend and I’m so proud of you and this achievement you’ve earned. To many more years.

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Thank you for always been you, some inspiring, encouraging and uplifting.

I’ve always learned so much from being in your presence and learning from your example

That’s where the goatee came from 🤣

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Thank you for always been you, some inspiring, encouraging and uplifting.

I’ve always learned so much from being in your presence and learning from your example

That’s where the goatee came from 🤣

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Dear Michael,

A massive congratulations on earning your silver bowl at the National Junior Classical League Convention! Twenty years of JCL conventions is a huge accomplishment, and it truly highlights your incredible dedication. You've given so much to BLACC, MassJCL, and NJCL, and frankly, there's no one quite like you. This organization is genuinely indebted to your efforts. If I’m being entirely honest, after 20+ years of conventions, the memories start to blur a bit. However, I can say one thing confidently for sure. Since meeting you all those years ago (probably in room 319), you are consistently kind, intelligent, and professional – the very picture of reliability. I'm incredibly grateful for everything you've done. I'm also so glad to call you my friend. While I'm sad I can't be there in person to celebrate this amazing achievement, I'm absolutely delighted to see you get this well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations again!

Karyn

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Mike and crew, at the 2012 NJCL Convention at Wake Forest University

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20 years towards dedication to anything in life is quite an accomplishment, much less when begun in high school. I have been fortunate to know you for much of this time, and I have seen you grow and achieve much, including during many of those intervening years at Nationals. You have become a huge asset to Massachusetts' Latin students in that time, and I cannot wait to see what the next twenty years will bring. May the future be bright, and may you continue to positively affect the lives of those who you are able to mentor and teach.

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Mike, I'm so thrilled that your dedication to MassJCL, BLS JCL, and the BLACC is being recognized--your commitment to the classics and your passion for uplifting generations of young scholars is beyond inspiring!

Keep up the amazing work--and I hope that you can bask in this outstanding achievement. We're all so lucky to have worked with you--and how can twenty conventions have already gone by?? Congratulations on your silver bowl!

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congrats, cookie!!!! i hope you eat cereal out of your bowl, like me, shawn, ben, and sid did when we got our bowls!

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congrats, cookie!!!! i hope you eat cereal out of your bowl, like me, shawn, ben, and sid did when we got our bowls!

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Congratulations Michael. You have had a positive impact on my family and the Latin community. I am very proud of your accomplishments!!

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Congratulations Mr. Howard, and thank you for all that you do!

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Congratulations Mr. Howard, and thank you for all that you do!

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Congratulations on your silver bowl. Our family was so lucky as to have witnessed this event in person. Your dedication, kind-heart, and thirst for knowledge inspires everyone around you! Your legend (G.O.A.T) status is perhaps something Michael Jordan can speak of in his interviews. Thank you for guiding everyone on the team. It is an incredible accomplishment and you should be very proud - and hopefully ready for more years to come!

Congratulations again,

The Hasan family

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Hey Mike! Congratulations on your silver bowl! Hope you and everyone at BLS and MassJCL have been doing well. I am so thankful for all your amazing guidance and support! Grateful for the many incredible memories at BLS.

Peter

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Congratulations to you Mr. Howard! Thank you for all you have done to inspire and encourage your students with their love of Latin. I also thank you for all the years you have stepped onto the basketball court and taken on the fearless students who come out to play our stellar team of faculty. It is a joy to work with you and play on the court with you. I hope that you celebrate 20 years (you must have started when you were 5!) and your Silver Bowl award with great pride. Keep shining and making a difference.

Best,

Andrea Encarnacao Martin