Semiahmoo Peninsula students were among a handful from Surrey to win top awards for their proficiency in speaking French, at the Concours d’art oratoire.
The pan-provincial French public-speaking competition, sponsored by Canadian Parents for French BC & Yukon, was held May 6 at SFU Surrey.
At the elementary level, Grade 7 Peace Arch Elementary Francophone student Kiana Verrier won third place; Grade 11 Earl Marriott Secondary immersion student Julia Albert placed second.
With a first-place win, Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary Francophone student Coralie Tcheune is to represent B.C. in the national competition, set for this weekend in Gatineau, Que.
Other provincial winners from Surrey were Sophia Morante (Frost Road Grade 6/7 intensive French); Giselle Klynsoon (École Kwantlen Park Secondary Grade 6 early immersion); and Ajay Dalal (École Riverdale Elementary Grade 7 early immersion).
According to a news release issued by Canadian Parents for French, 10,000 students from across B.C. competed, with 264 making it to the provincial finals.
In addition to improving their French, participants develop confidence, as well as time-management, listening and critical-thinking skills, the release states.
This year was the event’s 34th. The medal ceremony took place May 7.