First Place - Middle School

The turn of the century brings all kinds of new technology and sciences to our world.  Faster internet connections and advances in space travel serve to further connect us to each other and to the future.  With all of the technology that is available to us,

First Place - Middle School Poster 

Allison C., The Oakridge School,  TX, Grade 8

we could touch the lives of others without ever having to leave our homes.  If one is monolingual, however, that person could be severally hindered in linking to others in distant countries.

If you have the ability to speak French along with your native English, then there are countless ways to link to those throughout the entire world.  French is spoken on every inhabited continent on Earth and is one of the four official languages of the world, so what better choice could you have for a second language?  Using the French language, you could host an exchange student, find pen pal in a French-speaking country, or even travel to learn more about the French culture.

Speaking French opens innumerable opportunities to make a difference in the world and to give of yourself to others.  It only takes one person to change the world, and with French, you could be the person to change someone's life in a big way.  Just by reaching out or being able to relate to someone can change for their day for the better.  Working together, we can become a more linked and united world, and speaking French could be the first step in getting there.

Lauren G., The Oakridge School (TX), Grade 8

Second Place - Middle School

Learning French is very important to the United States for countless reasons, so link and think globally: go with French!  French is one of the most spoken languages on Earth and is spoken by about 120 million people worldwide.  The French language is also the prominent language in numerous countries.  Although, French is not the prominent language in the United States many citizens speak French.

Lun M., Eric S. Smith Middle School (NJ), Grade 8

If you enjoy traveling to countries including nearby Canada, knowing the French language would be very useful to communicate with citizens.  One of the most traveled to European countries in France and if you travel to this country or another French speaking country knowing French is vital.

Communicating with French speaking countries is significant to our economy and the global economy.  If French was not know by America or other countries our world would be an inferior place.  Numerous wines, foods, clothing, and other products would not be available if people globally didn't learn French.  Many industries and important jobs would be unavailable to worldwide citizens without the knowledge of French.

Our country and other countries need French translators for organizations such as the United Nations.  Without French translators we could not resolve worldwide issues and would not be properly "linked" to any French speaking country.  One last reason to take French is that you can link and communicate globally with other French speakers.  There are scores of reasons why you should link and think globally: go with French!

Ashley K., Manchester Middle School (VA), Grade 7

First Place - High School

When most people hear the word "French," they probably think of Paris and the Eiffel Tower, but in reality it means so much more.  French truly means opportunity, communication, and success.  It is a language that expands boundaries and allows those

Caroline C., Archbishop Spalding High School (MD), Grade 10

who speak it to exceed the normal limits.  It is a common thread for so many that it even improves the quality of understanding in the judgmental world in which we live today.

The French language's positive characteristics shine through in a myriad of ways.  French offers a chance for people to communicate with one another.  The technologically oriented world of today provides much more opportunity to experience new and exciting things; however, a simple language barrier can sometimes hinder these experiences.  Knowledge of the French language allows for many more insightful encounters, including news of the world or simply making a new acquaintance.  In addition, French aids in one's career.  In many instances, someone will be offered a job opportunity solely on account of his or her French speaking talent.  This person will experience wonderful new things, possibly even in a different country if the opportunity allows it, simply because they could speak French.  In addition, French aids in communication on the federal level.  French is one of the official languages of the United Nations, where many countries of many different cultures resolve conflicts through the use of French.  Who knows what kinds of problems could have festered unnecessarily if it was not for this language of understanding.

Today's world is one of turmoil and accusation.  However, through communication and understanding, compromises can be reached to prevent small incidences from going too far.  It is difficult to do this, though, if the leaders from two different countries speaking two different languages are trying to resolve a conflict.  For this as well as other reasons, it became necessary to create a median to successfully link countries together to discuss issues and resolve dilemmas; it is apparent that median is French and I could not imagine a better choice.

Lauren M., Midland Park High School (NJ), Grade 12

Often the world has been witness to empires spanning the continents.  In modern times, however, it is difficult to find any remnants of an empire except that of France.  With four overseas departments, two overseas territorial collectivities, and five overseas territories, the influence of French government and ideals overcomes geographical distances.  France's stretch across

Rina S., Akiba Hebrew Academy (PA), Grade 11

Finally, the French influence on the English language is evident in the countless appearances of French words and phrases that have carried over, such as "déjà vu" and "rendez-vous."  The vast global influence of the French language makes communication easier, linking many nations together.  The world is beginning to go with French in an increasing manner.  France will have a more prominent role in the world due to its spread of influence across the world and its ability to link thoughts with actions.  The world is able to interact, not only in diplomacy, but also in the glorious Olympic Games, thanks to this language.  France gives the world a common ground to communicate on, and this is reflected in its increasingly active role in all world issues.

Dan H., Archbishop Spalding High School (MD), Grade 12

Link and Think Globally: Go with French!

The world has become a very large place
Sometimes an overwhelming sight to see
Ranging from the oceans to outer space
French is the link--a way to think globally!

French covers the past, and touches today
And the future is not looking too dry
For the French have an inimitable, imponderable way
To give dull things flight and to make dull things fly.

Imagine a life without pasteurization or ice cream!
No "Little Prince," "Les Misérables," or "Three Musketeers"
A Molière-less life, a life sans Racine
Or one missing Coco's creations so cheer.

Come now to our present-day, tumultuous time
When the French are advancing at a rate so rapide
That Paris is bursting with buildings sublime
And the Seine overflows with heady joie de vivre.

In fashion and couture and haute cuisine
France still excels and guides all the rest.
Bubbling with panache and beauty pristine
She does all with verve and incomparable zest.

Our oldest ally who co-planted Freedom's arbor,
Our stalwart partner on the road to modernity.
Source of the Lady who guards New York harbor
And creator of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.

Shira Y., Akiba Hebrew Academy (PA), Grade 11

Link and Think Globally: Go with French!

Fluency in any foreign language is a valuable tool in today's society.  Go to any country in Europe and you will see that the majority of people there speak English, even if it not their native tongue.  American tourists are amazed at the Europeans' ability to master such a feat, while the Europeans are disdainful of the American's inability to do so.  It's not that we, as Americans, don't want to learn a new language, it's just that in our society, proficiency in more that one language is not encouraged as much as in other countries.

Personally, up until my senior year in high school, I could have cared less about my language courses.  I did the homework.  I took the tests.  I passed the class.  What more did I need to do?!

Well, that question was answered for me when my family moved to Portugal an I was immersed into a new and completely different culture.  In school, I not only did my Portuguese homework and took the tests, I actually learned Portuguese!  I was able to communicate in a foreign land, not just conjugate their verbs.  That experience taught me that to learn a language truly you must use it and connect it with your everyday life.

So, now I'm in college and I'm majoring in international business.  I'm not exactly sure what I want to do for the rest of my life, but I do know that I want to use my French somehow in my career.  Maybe I'll move to France someday and open up some sort of shop or restaurant.  Whatever I do, I know that by studying hard in my college French class, and using my French interconnected with my every day life as much as I can, I will be able to use the language in my future.

Whether it's in music, television, or fashion, French culture impacts everyone in the world, even if they might not notice it!  My friends didn't believe me when I first told them they probably come across something of French origin everyday.  For instance, they're just sitting around watching TV, and the new Levi's commercial comes on where a girl says: "Qu'est-ce que tu as oublié?" after her boyfriend dives into the ocean to retrieve his French phrasebook that was in their car.  Or at breakfast, if they eat a croissant.  Also, while they're browsing the latest Vogue in search of the newest trend in fashion, quite possibly started by a French designer.  

Traces of French can be found just about anywhere, you just have to look for them!  After all, French is not only a language, it is a way of life.

Jessica K., Philadelphia University (PA), Freshman

Link and Think Globally: Go with French!

French is similar to a fine work of art.  Prestigious, beautiful, timeless.  Simply for its beauty alone, am I attracted to this exquisite language and culture. French, regardless of what country it is spoken in, epitomizes the aesthetics of art, architecture, music and history.

Aside from the charm of the language, French offers great opportunity.  As a marketing and French major, I have high aspirations upon graduation.  I would love to become involved in an international business career.  French is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and highly regarded in the business world.  Many American businesses have ties with France or French speaking countries.  Over half of the international jobs available prefer or require knowledge of the French language.  As an international business student, this is especially valuable.  Numerous doors will be opened that will allow me to not only acquire a position of desirable stature, but succeed and move ahead within that position.  On a personal level, my success throughout my career is of utmost importance.

French has taught me much besides the language.  It has helped me learn more about other cultures and enabled me to refine my American etiquette and experience new customs.  These customs range from the way international business is conducted, to the way the French view life.

The skills I possess as a writer and speaker in both English and French are becoming more developed with every French course I take.  The study of French has even heightened my awareness of the structure and grammar of my own language.

The study of French has already done so much for me.  It has allowed me to see grace and class in another culture and language.  It will pave the way for me and my future occupation, and it has helped round me as an individual.  I look forward to see what else this formidable language will show me!

Amanda W., University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Sophomore