Several elementary and high school students from Smithers put their best French forward and walked away with top marks at the annual Concours d’art oratoire (French public speaking competition),
The contest is hosted by Canadian Parents for French and this year’s regional event was held at Muheim Elementary School.
The primary objective of the contest is to stimulate an interest in speaking French in students,” Amy Copeland, parent volunteer organizer (Canadian Parents for French), explained.
The contest also provides the students with an opportunity to speak French outside of the classroom, but nonetheless in a meaningful endeavour.
The contest begins with regional competitions across the country that see thousands of students test their mettle en Français.
Students placing first, in their respective categories, at the regional level, qualify for the provincial championship.
This year Simon Fraser University is hosting the provincial competition in mid-May.
For students in Grades 11 and 12, speaking perfect French at the national championship could see them walk away with one of several impressive prizes, including a $20,000 scholarship from the University of Ottawa, Copeland said.
This year’s top finishers from Muheim elementary school and Smithers secondary school are:
Grade 6
1. Matthew Steventon, 2. Jake Tchaida, 3. Ben Kosalko
Grade 7
1. Emily Hobley-McCosker, 2. Robyn Doll, 3. Kye MacInnes
Grade 8
1. Ellena Schuffert, 2. Isabelle Edwards
Grade 9
1. Ashley Pence, 2. Janay Ma
Grade 9 - Francophone
1. Lidya Doonan