The French Honor Society (FHS) is an honor society at Colonia High School that celebrates French culture and student’s excellence in the subject. This year the French Honor Society is supporting the organization Doctors Without Borders or Médecins Sans Frontières.

Doctors Without Borders

On December 22, 1971, 13 people created Doctors Without Borders. They only had 300 volunteers. These 13 people believed that all people have the right to have access to medical care. They were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999 for “organizing pioneering humanitarian work on several continents.” They work in more than 70 countries and have 21 offices around the world. There are over 42,000 doctors and nurses to work as well as  respond to crises immediately. They work around war-ridden areas especially.

Support from FHS

Why did FHS choose to support Doctors Without Borders this year? President of FHS, Adara Temizler talks about why she chose to support this organization. “I had many different reasons. One of the main things that stood out was that the organization is French. This was great because the French Honor Society could help promote an amazing cause and help promote French culture at the same time. I also wanted to get involved because I am extremely passionate about the wars going on in the Middle East. Doctors Without Borders gives aid to countries such as Syria, Yemen, and Palestine. Because bombing hospitals have become a war strategy in these countries, many innocent citizens rely on the aid given through DWB.” Temizler is passionate about taking action and helping those in need.

Vice President, Isabella Tyszka also explains why she chose DWB. “I think it’s really important to help people that can’t fend for themselves and don’t have access to medical supplies. It’s something that so vital to sustaining life, without it you can’t live.”

The advisor of FHS and French teacher at Colonia High School, Jennifer Rhakit, also talks about how FHS is partnering with Doctors Without Borders.” I think it’s a great cause especially a group like FHS because many of those countries that Doctors Without Borders go to are French-speaking countries. It’s a great community and cause for any student.”

They are doing a fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders and anyone in the club is happy to provide anyone with pamphlets, president Adara Temizler says she would love to talk to anyone interested in supporting this cause. The link to donate is here. The goal is $2,000.

About the French Honor Society

The French Honor Society is a national honor society that recognizes French students achievements. There are about 15 students in the French Honor Society this year. Mrs. Rhakit is the adviser for FHS and the executive board is comprised of President Adara Temizler, Vice President Isabella Tyskza, and Secretary Elena Ajayi.

Temizler is very happy to be president this year of FHS, ” It is a true honor to be President of the French Honor Society. I get to lead such an amazing and smart group of French-culture lovers! The role definitely demands a lot of time and dedication, but planning never comes to me as “work” because I genuinely love the club and what it stands for.”

She is trying to bring the French Honor Society into the light this year. Many students don’t know about the honor society and Temizler is trying to change that by possibly hosting a French movie night where a movie would be played in French with English subtitles.

Mrs. Rhakit says that it is important to have the French culture at CHS and in the world. “French is a language that is spoken in many different countries, not just France. And you can communicate with others and ideal if you’re going to be working in many different fields. Pharmaceutical, business, cooking, the arts, fashion, and many other professions where French is a good thing to know.”

The French Honor Society holds weekly bake sales in the front lobby for anyone who wants to support.  Mrs. Rhakit encourages students to take French.