French was de rigeur at the annual Concours d’art oratoire at St. Michael’s School last Thursday night—and students from across the district showed they are more than capable in their second language.
The public-speaking contest featured seven students competing in the Core French Grades 7/8 category, four in the French Immersion Grades 7/8 category, one in the French as a Second Language plus extra hours category, and one in the French Immersion Grades 9/10.
Josh Zimmerman, from Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton, took first place among the Core French contestants with his speech on NHL goalies of the past (“Les Gardiens de but dans le passé”).
Rochelle Jensson of Riverview School in Rainy River took second for her speech on the Titanic (“Le Titanic”) while Audrey Chojko-Bolec, also of Our Lady of the Way, took third for her speech on adventurous destinations (“Les Destinations aventureuses”).
Other participants in Core French category included Samantha Bell of St. Francis School (“Haley Wickenheiser”) and Chelsea Miller (“La Danse”) and Catherine Whetzel (“Le Ballon panier”), both of McCrossen-Tovell School.
In the French Immersion Grades 7/8 category, Jamie Buttner took first place for his oration on Canada (“Le Canada”).
Scott Walsh took second for his speech on global warming (“Le Réchauffement mondial”) while Chelsey Badiuk took third for her speech on Winnie-the-Pooh (“L’Histoire de Winnie-the-Pooh”).
Also participating in this category was Daniel Brunetta (“Le Triangle des Bermudes”).
All four students attend St. Francis School.
Meagan Empey, also of St. Francis, delivered her speech on music (“La Musique”) while Michael Brady of Fort Frances High School gave tips on playing practical jokes in his speech “Des Tours.”
Empey was the only student competing in the FSL plus extra hours category while Brady was the lone competitor in the French Immersion Grades 9/10 division.
Before the awards were presented, Dr. Carol Bégin, one of the judges for the Concours, addressed the contestants, praising them for having the courage to not only speak in public but to do so in a second language.
“Fantastic. Nice job,” he enthused.
He also talked about the value of speaking a second language.
“It can open so many doors. You don’t even know how many. You have access to many opportunities,” he noted. “It will open you to new cultures, new perspectives, new jobs.”
Dr. Bégin noted he, himself, was speaking to the crowd in his second language—English.
“There are going to be times in your life when you won’t have much of a choice,” he laughed.
Kim Anderson, principal at St. Michael’s School, also praised the students for their hard work.
“I was totally amazed by the level of Core French this evening,” she noted.
Mary-Catherine Kelly, director of education for the Northwest Catholic District School Board, noted the Concours is an important tradition in the district.
“Tonight is a wonderful opportunity to exhibit the linguistic talents of [our] young people,” she said. “Their stories and speeches illustrate their creativity as well as their enthusiasm for speaking in French.”
Kelly also thanked the teachers, parents, board staff, volunteers, and the local chapter of Canadian Parents for French for their efforts in making the event a success.
Meghan Martens, the Catholic board’s interim curriculum co-ordinator, was the master of ceremonies for the evening.
Judging was done by Dr. Bégin and Melanie Béchard. Questioners were Marie-Josée Potvin and Brigitte Schulzki while Jean Hebert acted as timekeeper.
All the students received gift cards for Chapters, as well as French-English dictionary sets and a certificate. First-, second-, and third-place winners also received cash prizes.
The event is hosted jointly by the local Catholic board and CPF, which donated the prizes.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
