Cortland 8th Grade Students Inducted into the Jeunes Amis du Français
On February 4, 2021, in-person and virtual students were inducted into the Jeunes Amis du Français by 8th grade French Teacher Austin Wilson. Students recite an oath in French and participated in a candle lighting ceremony. The Jeunes Amis du Français of Cortland Junior High School, a chapter affiliated with the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), is an Honor Society for students enrolled in the French I (8th grade) section for high-school credit.
The purpose of the society is to recognize the high achievement of junior high students in the French language and to promote a continuing interest in French and Francophone studies. Once elected, students assume a leadership role in promoting awareness of the French program both within CJHS and within the community. This year, despite its uniqueness, 11 CJHS French students were inducted for their outstanding efforts in and out of the classroom. Together, this group will complete service hours and create opportunities to share French language and culture throughout our school and community.
This year's inductees:
Alexis Jackson
Austin Lind
Evan Schmohe
Hailey Fiske
Hanna Nichols
Joshua Pennock
Kaleb Krissel
Lily Yang
Olivia Stout
Stella Humphries
Tyler Thomas
Each inductee was presented with a candle and a certificate. Afterwards, inductees were able to celebrate, (socially distanced of course), with some delicious French macaroons and pain au chocolat.
Mr. Wilson wanted to reward students with an opportunity to celebrate their achievements at the junior high level. He says that he is still getting used to CJHS and the Cortland community, and is realizing how gifted the students are. According to Mr. Wilson, students need to be given opportunities to grow, to learn about themselves as students and as individuals, and to give back. The J.A.F. program does just that. These students will work together to learn more than what is taught in the classroom. From this learning, they will be able to reflect and then share some of what they learned by creating fun and interactive service projects that will benefit the community. Mr. Wilson states that he is incredibly proud of the students and is excited to see where they take the program.
