The French Honors Society Inductions were held in the CHS media center on May 28th, and publicly rewarded high-ranking French students for their vast understanding of the French language and it’s culture.
After some slight delays, the ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance read by Alexis Bulger. Then, Ms. Jennifer Ward, the advisor for the French Honors Society and a Colonia High School French Teacher, gave a speech welcoming inductees, their parents, and guests to the ceremony which recognized her students’ passion for the language and culture, and their talent for express their abilities through creative projects and assignments.
Their Vice President, Bridget Trela, continued the ceremony by reciting the French Honor Society’s honorary constitution, which consists mainly of the eligibility requirements of the students to be inducted. As Trela read the names of the inductees, each of them stood up respectively, as well as currently inducted members.
After this, many of the currently inducted members gave personally written speeches reflecting their experience in taking French over the past several years. As customary, this was followed by a ceremonial speech (La Course du Flambeau) recited first in French by Troi Vergara, and then in English by Alexis Bulger.
The Candlelight Induction was one of the most unique parts of the ceremony, as it was the transition point for all inductees to become official members of the French Honors Society. Although the overhead fans made lighting the candles difficult, each member took the procession seriously, and carried the torch for future members to follow.
Now inducted, the new members came to the front and each received a certificate declaring their achievement as a remarkable French student. Second-year members received certificates as well, exclaiming their remarkable ability to maintain their successes as French students.
“It’s a nice society,” says newly-inducted member Carolina Eng, “Everyone is organized, prepared, and knows what they are doing. It’s wonderful to be a part of [the honor society].”
In groups, the French Honors Society members each gave presentations to exhibit their abilities as French students. Joey Allen, Anjali Gordon, Reno Ronquillo, Sandeep Singh, Pragathe Aruljothi, Ella Libunao, Melanie Javier, and Timothy Bizub gave their performance of “Une Journee Normale” (A Normal Day), in which a French conversation was accompanied by a sign language interpretation.
The second group, consisting of Andrew Amisola, Kyle Bottcher, and Sebastian Caballero, gave a French comedy skit in which they recited common English jokes in French, then translated them into English. Given the cognate words in their jokes, some of them could be understood before their translation was given – making them even funnier when repeated again in English.
The third group included Nicole DeRisi, Sarah Estriplet, Carolina Eng, Alison Ventura, and Ariella McCall. They gave a performance of “After School Activities,” which was a conversation in French. The last performance was of Sara Ticoalu presenting a dress she made for the prom in French, and in English.
Second-year members of the French Honors Society gave presentations as well. Maha Khan and Taylor Lubigan read the poem “The Last Generation,” which was a bleak and hopeless look on society when read one way, then transforming to a positive and optimistic message when read in reverse.
Samantha Chavez read a poem she wrote, and the final group went on to give a French performance. Alexis Bulger, Troi Vergara, Bridget Trela, and Derek Phells gave their performance of French 101 – in which they would recite a French phrase accompanied by a gesture, then have the audience guess at the meaning before revealing it’s translation.
Emma McAndrew and Devon Savage concluded the ceremony with their singing rendition of “La Vie En Rose,” and while their instrumental was stopped abruptly by a pop-up on their computer, their powerful acapellas gave them a strong finish.
“I feel that the French Honors Society is important to have, “explained inductee Andrew Amisola, “In America, there are many diverse people. Being bilingual helps to understand a wider range of people. Language classes such as French are very interesting, and useful to society.”
Overall, the inductions were an enormous success, and will serve as an everlasting reminder of the achievements of the 2015 French Honors Society.
