Fans of Latin to launch

Students from David Coe’s Latin classes at Corona del Mar High School were busy Thursday ironing out the kinks in their trebuchet, a crude, plywood structure anchored by weights that lobs a tennis ball across the schoolyard.

“I’m not the toughest Latin teacher in the world, but what I really enjoy is seeing students getting engaged like this and excited about learning,” Coe said.

Students also sent a large pine cone flying with the trebuchet Thursday, trying to figure out how to keep the structure from tipping over from the force of the launching arm.

“Latin is a fun language because it gives you insight into other languages and gives you the tools to do other things successfully,” said Chris McKeag, 14, a freshman at Corona del Mar.

The students also put the final touches on a plywood- and PVC-pipe chariot Thursday and a large, mosaic-style banner covered in animals from Aesop’s fables in preparation for the California Junior Classical League State Convention this weekend in San Jose. Thirty-five of Coe’s students will pile into a bus early this morning for the convention.

“It becomes like a dynasty of sorts with families, with brothers and sisters succeeding each other,” Coe said.

“It’s people having fun, who all happen to share Latin.”

The convention includes everything from chariot races to recitations in Latin and toga parties and has become an annual tradition for students in California who study the language.

“I like the energy of the event, everyone is so excited to be there,” said Kimberley Billett, 15, a sophomore, who was hot-gluing felt animals to the class banner, which will represent the students at the convention.

Reporter BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at brianna.bailey@latimes.com.