As soon as students walk into Catherine Dickason’s classroom, they are greeted with a sign declaring “Latin is brat,” referencing the 2024 Charlie XCX album that’s massively popular with Gen Z.
“Latin isn’t just about memorizing declensions and translating texts, it’s about connecting the past to the present,” Dickason said.
After the tragic passing of former Latin teacher Shirley Hall, Dickason, a recent graduate from Christopher Newport University, took up the position.
“I hadn’t been seeking out teaching at the time, but the opportunity felt like a good fit. Before this, I considered several different paths, most outside of education,” Dickason said. “But working here has shown me how much I enjoy working with students and sharing the enthusiasm for Latin that my own teachers passed on to me.”
Replacing Shirley Hall, the Latin teacher for 20 years and patron to numerous clubs, has put pressure on her.
“She left behind some very impressive Roman sandals to fill,” Dickason said. “I’ve been fortunate to learn so much about her from students, staff and even some of her personal friends.”
She takes a more active role in teaching than Hall did, assigning more homework and activities that engage the whole class.
“I like how she prepares us for Latin a lot more than we were previously,” sophomore and AP Latin student Victor Tang said. “She assigns us a lot more work which is very helpful.”
Dickason works at Ocean Lakes only on B days, being a substitute teacher in Newport News on A days.
“As for clubs, I wish I had the time to take on as many as [Hall] did, but since I’m only here on B days, I’m currently sponsoring the Junior Classical League and the Latin Honor Society,” Dickason said.
The Junior Classical League interest meeting on Sept. 19 boasted some of the largest attendances seen.
“I think that she’s prepared and able to keep the Latin Club alive,” junior and Junior Classical League Vice President Gopi Konkepudi said.
As the number of Latin teachers decline across Virginia Beach, a new teacher is an oddity. Dickason has high hopes for Latin.
“While the number of students may be declining, I believe there will always be a fascination with the mysticism, history and power of Ancient Rome that will draw students to Latin,” Dickason said. “I see it as part of my responsibility. If there are fewer teachers, then it’s even more important for me to help students see why Latin matters.”
