While the city of Rome was founded 2,771 years ago on April 21, 753 BC by Romulus and Remus, everything from their structure of government, the way of life, and yes, even their language still resonates today.

When people think of Latin, they either get very intimidated right away, think it is unnecessary or immediately joke and compare it to Pig Latin. However, most people do not realize that there are actually two types of Latin: Classical and Ecclesiastical. While the major difference between the two denominations of Latin is the way the words are pronounced, Classical is what Caesar and Mark Antony spoke, while Ecclesiastical is the Latin in the churches; students at LHS are taught Classical Latin.

LHS has been blessed to be touched with the Latin gift. Lynn Thomason (one of only three certified K-12 Latin teachers in SD, while being the only AP Latin teacher in SD) has been teaching Latin at LHS for 15 years now, while teaching Latin at OGHS every Thursday night as well. However, the process of becoming the Latin teacher at LHS was “a challenging time.”

“Mrs. Healy was very ill and then passed away after suffering from breast cancer. I try to honor her legacy every single day and to not forget that I have this fantastic job because of her,” said Thomason.

Despite working with Latin every day for the past 15 years, Thomason has had a much bigger relationship with Latin than most would expect.

“I started taking Latin in 7th grade,” said Thomason. “I just loved it. Latin helped with everything from vocabulary to periodic chart symbols make sense to me.”

Thomason went on to get a degree in Latin.

“College and postgraduate Latin is phenomenal,” said Thomason. “Classes are small and the professors are of such high caliber. Immersion programs are also available.”

Despite truly being a beautiful, underestimated language, Latin continues to prevail in more ways than none. For example, 60 percent of English words and 90 percent of two-or-more-syllable words derived from Latin origins. On top of that, the calendar, the division of time, to the capitol buildings are all modeled from the Roman Empire. If someone thought it stopped there, he or she would be wrong. Latin is the parent language to French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian and Spanish; moreover, students who pursue a law, medical or science career are highly recommended to take Latin, as most of their terms are derived from Latin. Again, the benefits of taking Latin do not stop there.

“Much research has been done on the benefits of taking Latin,” said Thomason. “They range from higher test scores to knowing the basis of scientific, medical and legal language to learning English to problem-solving. AP Latin has huge advantages for college credits.”

One of the 148 students at LHS taking advantage of the benefits of Latin is Jadyn Cummins, an LHS junior and Latin III student.

“I want to be in the medical field, so that helps with medical roots,” said Cummins.

While Cummins admits there is a lot of studying, hard work and fast-learning, she always feels as if Thomason is always there for her students.

“She really is involved,” said Cummins. “She tries to help students and make sure they understand. She says no stress and to text and call her for help, except on Sundays from 1-5 [that is her nap time].”

However, Thomason wants to really emphasize that Latin does not live up to its bad reputation of being difficult to learn.

“Most students realize that Latin isn’t as difficult as its reputation and come to appreciate how much it helps them,” said Thomason. “I notice that because hearing it always makes me smile.”

Along with students realizing the inaccurate representation of learning the language, Thomason has another favorite reason for being a Latin teacher at LHS.

“I will always love my lightbulb moments,” said Thomason. “When a student perseveres to comprehend something, their face goes from a total frown and puzzlement to a smile and enlightenment.  That makes my day and keeps me going.”

Being a teacher for 15 years offers a lot of memories to reflect on.

“I am blessed to have taught here and to have taught my son,” said Thomason. “Three former students are now doctors.  Three former students are now Latin teachers. Three former students have children named IsabeLYNN, RaeLYNN and JaeLYNN.  I can’t believe it!!!”

One thing is guaranteed to stick with Thomason, and it happened to be created by the students, parents and herself: a Latin family.

“I would hope that they develop their potential and have fun doing it,” said Thomason.  “Be nice and helpful to others. Latin students are a family.”