Local Student Fluent In French

A Vernon student brought home a top award from this year’s pan-provincial French public speaking competition, Concours d’art oratoire, at SFU in Surrey.

Ten thousand students from across BC competed, and 264 made the provincial finals.

“Through participation in Concours, students develop confidence and improve their French but as well their skills in time management, listening and critical thinking. Ultimately they become more effective as communicators, capable of inspiring others,” said Diane Tijman, President of Canadian Parents for French BC & Yukon, the event sponsor.

Alexis Gauvin-Nice, a grade nine Francophone from Seaton Secondary, had a second place finish.

Her topic was “L’estime de soi dans le contexte sportif.”

Students choose, develop, and present a 3 – 5 minute speech in French,  on a subject/theme that interests them.

Photo: Alexis Gauvin-Nice of Seaton Secondary with Canadian Parents For French BC-YK President Diane Tijman (left) (submitted)

The 2017 Provincial finalists from Vernon:

Quinn Tobin – Grade 9 Immersion – Beairsto Elementary
Logan Stewart – Grade 6 Early Immersion – Beairsto Elementary
Noah Gabel – Grade 7 Early Immersion – École Intermédiaire Shoreline
Lucas Newman – Grade 6 Late Immersion – Seaton Secondary
Delaney O’Brien – Grade 8 Immersion – Seaton Secondary
Brookner Tobin – Grade 10 Immersion – Seaton Secondary
Emilia Vlahos– Grade 9 Immersion – Seaton Secondary