A New West student was among the finalists at a provincial French speech contest earlier this month.
Hayley Dabb, a Grade 6 late immersion student at École Glenbrook Middle School, scored herself a bronze medal at the annual Concours d’art oratoire. Dabb wowed judges with her speech titled, “La vie quotidienne de ma chatte,” or “the daily life of my cat.”
The “Concours” is a French public speaking contest organized annually by Canadian Parents for French every year across the country. Students from grades 6 to 12 write and present a three- to five-minute speech for judges at the district level before moving on to the provincials and eventually, for secondary students, the nationals. The speeches can be on any topic the student wants.
"In addition to the cultural and language benefits, Concours d'art oratoire helps students develop their creative and public speaking abilities, as well as self-confidence," said Patti Holm, president of Canadian Parents for French B.C. and Yukon, in a press release.
Dabb wasn’t the only New Westminster student to make an appearance at the provincial competition. Fellow Glenbrook Middle students Jamie Samantha Candelaria and Ray Wang competed in the Grade 7 late immersion and Grade 8 French immersion categories respectively, while Logan Stimson of Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary was a contestant in the Grade 7 early immersion category.
