Student of the Month

We have two featured students this month!  

We have to say, we’re very proud to introduce you to Kaeli Bauman and Marie-Josée Charette, the two grand-prize winners of the 2008-2009 National Essay Contest. 

Kaeli won in the French as a second language category with her essay S'engager, voyager, éduquer
Marie-Josée won in the French as a First Language category with her essay L'obésité juvénile, mythe ou réalité?


Marie-Josée and Kaeli with two of the other contest winners, Diane Bouguem and Alex Thumm

These are two very bright, talented, and unique students who showed exceptional insight, enthusiasm, and skill in their winning essays (and in life in general!).

They will both be using the scholarships they won ($20,000!) to attend the University of Ottawa in the fall.

Marie-Josée is a grade 12 student.  It’s hard to keep her still for very long!  From kickboxing to classical dance, she loves to participate in all kinds of activities. 
In fact, she has been part of a competitive dance troupe for more than 6 years now and teaches dance to 3- to 5-year-old girls.  Her biggest passion?  Music!  At barely 5-years-old, she began taking violin, one of her biggest dreams.  Through playing the violin, the determination she has became clear.
She now plays in churches for wedding and other ceremonies.  Now at 17, Marie-Josée is an active member of her school’s student body; she’s even part of the school government. 

Next year, Marie-Josée (already very motivated), will begin her first year of a BMus (violin) at the University of Ottawa. 

Name:  Marie-Josée Charette
Age: 17
Grade:  12
School:  École Secondaire catholique de Casselman
City:  Casselman
First language:  French
Favourite music: I don’t really have a favourite song… I listen to a little bit of everything! ?
Favourite French expression: Pourquoi pas?
Favourite way to practice French outside of school:  Other than in English class, I always speak French.  My family and friends are francophone, so I take advantage of that to always express myself in French.
What she is doing this summer: I will be working in a daycare and take advantage of my free time to hang out with my friends!  I will also spend 4 weeks in Quebec, near the St-Lawerence River, in a music academy.  
What she will study next year: Next year, I will be in my first year of a Bachelors in Music… with my violin.  
Why she thinks it’s important to learn French: French is such a beautiful language. Francophones have fought so hard to preserve their language that it deserves to be learned by all!  
In her opinion, the coolest French country is: France, for its culture! :)
How she will use her French skills in the future: I know that in the future, French will bring me a lot.  The fact that I am bilingual will surely prove a big advantage for me when I look for a job.  
Where she would most like to go: I would really love to visit Europe.  It’s a place that draws me to it! 


Kaeli was born in Fernie B.C but grew up in Castlegar B.C.  A grade 12 student at Stanley Humphries Secondary School, her favourite topics are French and math.  Outside the classroom, she plays soccer and field hockey and loves going skiing and snowboarding.  She has a true passion for languages and travel.  Her experiences in France and Bolivia really shaped the way she sees the world and she would like to study international management, French, and Spanish at University.  

Name:  Kaeli Bauman
Age:  18
Grade:  12
School:  Stanley Humphries Secondary School
City:  Castlegar, BC
First language:  English
Favourite music: Everything!
Favourite French expression: "Voir la vie en rose"
Favourite way to practice French outside of school: Speaking with French-speaking friends in Quebec and France, watching French movies, reading French books, traveling.
What she is doing this summer: Staying in Castlegar and working.
What she will study next year: International Management
Why she thinks it’s important to learn French: Learning French is important because it opens doors to so many different opportunities in life.
In her opinion, the coolest French country is: France, for its culture, history, and diversity.
How she will use herFrench skills in the future: I will use French in my everyday life and career.
Where she would most like to go: There are so many places I want to visit. Right now my heart is set on Spain.

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Past featured students

May 2009: Melody Sinclair-Brooks