French club thrives under ambitious leaders
February 27, 2022
French club, a student-led organization, has recently blown up becoming one of the most popular after school spots every other Thursday. Senior leaders Logan Onken and Avery Hoge have a strong passion for the French language. The two have taken on the challenge of reviving the after school activity after the pandemic took out the club that had existed continuously for over 20 years.
Since the club has spread, many students have become more interested in the language, and not just the ones who are actually in French class. Students of all levels have become curious about the culture of France.
“There’s an interesting dynamic this year. It’s different from any year that I’ve ever done French club before. We have a handful of students who are not in French class, but they really want to learn French, and they have an opportunity to do it with us,” French teacher Jacqueline Parr said. “It’s like an immersion kind of experience, and it’s pretty cool. I can’t believe how much they’re able to communicate.” We have a handful of students who are not in French class, but they really want to learn French, and they and they have an opportunity to do it with us. — Jacqueline Parr
During meetings, members have been participating in multiple different kinds of activities like playing engaging games or making and eating traditional French foods.
Senior Justin Lopez thinks that the activities in the club help him to be able to communicate outside of a strictly academic situation. It also helps with critical thinking “on the fly.” The club has helped Lopez learn a lot of different terms that he wouldn’t ordinarily know.
Senior club leader Logan Onken has taken on a large role in bringing the club back to life. As the club grew, different interests have presented themselves across the levels of the French language speakers. Being in CIS French V herself, Onken has come to enjoy both the language and the culture.
The club has become less focused on the language itself this year, because everyone is at different levels. They have recently been focusing on “more cultural things. The week before Christmas break we made the Yule Logs, which is a French tradition. And then a few weeks ago, we had the Gallette des Rois, the Kings Cake, which is another French tradition,” Onken said.
One of Parr’s favorite parts about being the club’s advisor is watching the students collaborate.
“It’s nice to see them pursue stuff that they’re interested in, and it’s not just me and my interests that push down on them. That’s been nice to have them take that and steer the club in the direction that they’re interested in,” Parr said.
“Honestly, it’s kind of a community where everyone is friends with each other and we’re always just so nice and happy to see one another and to be doing activities, and it’s just great,” Lopez explained. “I would describe us as a very close knit community, almost like a family.”
Sara Norton • Apr 4, 2022 at 4:39 pm
as someone in the french club, you wrote this perfectly. it shows the real positive atmosphere and great leadership we have in the club.
Ruby Suro • Apr 3, 2022 at 7:51 pm
I like how many different aspects of french club this article covers. It focuses on both the past and present of the club, as well as various perspectives within the club, making this article very meaningful.
Tyler Quade • Apr 3, 2022 at 6:43 pm
Really cool article, especially for someone who has no experience with the club. I like how you talked about the benefits of language immersion within the club, and explained the dynamics as well as culture of it itself.
Sydney Rodd • Mar 30, 2022 at 8:12 am
I love how you explain the dynamic of the club and show that the students are dedicated to it. The quotes you chose work perfectly to make the story more compelling. Overall, the flow of the story is smooth and easy to read. Wonderful job!
Katie Kangas • Mar 29, 2022 at 12:27 pm
The way you portrayed the club is very accurate and it’s interesting to hear the perspective of Madam Parr and what she thinks of how the club is changing. You also had great descriptive quotes that added to a lot of detail. Great job!
Ava Stein • Mar 21, 2022 at 7:13 pm
I like how your story explains the dedication Onken had for the club. The story flows very well, showing all aspects of the club.
Abigail Thibodeau • Mar 2, 2022 at 9:13 pm
I like the unique angle you chose. Your variety of sentence structures and use of compelling quotes helps make the story more interesting.
Shannon Pothen • Mar 2, 2022 at 7:53 am
I liked the quotes that you picked and how you structured them. The story had a very good flow to it which made it easy to read. I could tell by the facts you included that you learned a lot about the club and conducted good interviews with the people in the story.