C’est la vie! Nineteen members of the French National Honors Society, on Friday, April 19, welcomed a new group of students who pledged to always encourage others to explore the French culture and live the life. The new members included level four juniors: Regan Stubbs and Ray Levay; level three sophomores: Jocelyn Cawoski, Kennady Greytak, Katherine Harkins, Laurel Hergenroeder, Serinah Marteilli, Courtney Morrison, Caitlyn Morris, McKenzie Powell, Arielle Schneider, and Regan Simpson.

To be invited into the society, students had to maintain an “A” in French for the first three quarters of the school year and at least be in level 3 french. Another requirement was that students live the society’s motto: “L’homme qui sait deux langues en vaux deux.” This translates to the man who knows two languages is worth more.

“I liked how the French exchange students were incorporated and said the pledge with us, it made it feel official,” said Jocelyn Cawoski, sophomore.

In that same afternoon, junior Jaden T. Johnston received the Excellence in French Award from the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF).  Annually, this award is given to a student who excels in the French language and culture, typically a senior. Jaden took level 4 French over the summer and is currently in AP French putting him in the running as a junior. Jaden has studied French for five years under Mme Zaleweski. “Jayden is a determined student. Anything I teach him, he picks up immediately. He is a natural learner and linguist,” said Zalweski.

In the heart of FNHS, classes extended learning beyond the classroom as they traveled to Etienne and the Melting Pot in Pittsburgh. Etienne, a French performer, teaches students French grammar through catchy lyrics. Etienne’s songs are catchy and his concert is full of excitement. Strobe lights pulsed to the beat of the music along with the students singing along at full volume. Etienne sprinted down the aisles, danced and grabbed students along the way to join in.

After the crazy concert, students raced to the Melting Pot, where they explored the french culture through the common French cuisine, fondue. Participants can cook their own three course meal complete with an appetizer, entree and dessert right at their tables with friends. “I love the dessert at melting pot of chocolate fondue and rice crispies! The experience has taught me that there is more restaurants out there than the usual TGI Fridays,” said Cassidee Knott, sophomore.