The French Honor Society is a national organization dedicated to enriching the lives of students through French culture and language.
At Carlmont, it does just that. Students gather in S24 at lunch to discuss current events, their interests, and other casual topics that relate to French. The club is a way for students to socialize and learn while surrounding themselves and indulging in French culture.
“The French Honor Society allows students to practice French outside of a formal classroom setting. It is a place for people who have similar interests to gather; we are all here to learn about the different aspects of French culture,” said President Sophia Gever, a junior.
While it was previously mandatory for French students in the more advanced courses to be apart of the French Honor Society, the handful of students that attend the meetings now come for their enjoyment.
“I joined because I was so inspired to expand my knowledge and use the language in my daily life,” said Vice President Denise Zhou, a senior.
Carlmont has offered multiple ways for students to get involved with the language for years. For instance, French exchange programs and the French Honor Society are deeply entwined with francophone culture.
To many, the French Honor Society has the perfect balance of social and learning aspects.
“This club gives me a place to connect with like-minded people, improve my French, and learn more about the culture,” Zhou said.
Iman Sarsour, a senior, has been involved in the club since her freshman year. She has already taken the highest level of French that Carlmont offers but still comes back to refresh her French and bond with her peers.
“For me, the biggest thing is enhancing and enriching my French skills by having the opportunity to talk to people outside of class. This club gives us an opportunity to experience different elements of French culture that come through food, activities, and games,” Sarsour said.
The American Association of Teachers of French sponsors the French Honor Society. Katya Burton, the club adviser who teaches from French II to AP French, is thrilled to see her students bonding over their love for French.
“We have fun using the language and applying it outside of class in more social, real-life settings. The students who come are particularly attached and devoted to the language,” Burton said.
The club is open to all francophone students that are able to casually converse in French, and the members are always happy to welcome new faces.
Venez à la prochaine réunion pour tester votre français. Come to the next meeting to test your French.
