VHS Club Hosts Saturnalia Party

A legion of toga-clad Romans swarmed the Valparaiso High School cafeteria on the afternoon of Wednesday December 19 for Latin Club’s annual Saturnalia party. Ben Kerezman, the VHS Latin teacher, opened the festivities with a quick historical summary of Saturnalia’s origins. It’s the equivalent to modern day Christmas, a religious holiday when the Romans would sacrifice to the titan Saturn, god of agriculture. The modern day tradition of gift giving at Christmas began with Saturnalia. One of the many reasons students love Latin, both the class and the club, is that it not only transcends just the language, but also the history and culture are also emphasized.

But by far, Latin students most appreciate the welcoming, safe environment provided by Kerezman’s Latin Club.

“Mr. K is a silly, silly man,” said junior Kim Lenker. “But the atmosphere he creates is just really positive.”

“Latin Club has grown a lot in the past year,” said club president Cameron Snapp. “Mostly because of Mr. K. He’s likable and teaches effectively. He’s just a fun guy to be around.”

“Out of all the clubs, there’s the most energy here,” added junior Aiden Kaiser. “All the people are friends and Mr. K always comes up with the best things for us to to.”

Kerezman loves interacting with his students in and out of the classroom, and feels that it’s important to get to know his students on a personal level.

“Outside of the classroom setting, I get to see them as who they really are,” he said. “At VHS, there’s a great group of kids to deal with – that’s why I came here. There’s a wide array of kids involved in Latin here, and I like for them to know that I provide a safe place because I never judge them. My students know that they can always come to me.”

Click here to view more photos!

To find out more about the VHS Latin Club, click here!