JOHN ABBOTT COLLEGE
John Abbott Continues its Literary Momentum

After a noteworthy appearance at last year's Goncourt des lycéens, John Abbott College is back at it again this year, taking part in the French literary prize Femina des lycéens 2024.

John Abbott is making history, because for the first time since its inception nine years ago, the Femina des lycéens is allowing a school outside of France to participate.

The 8 students taking part in the Femina des lycéens 2024 with the organizing teachers. (from left to right, back to front) Forest Assaf, Savannah Tremblay, Élie Boulanger, Frank Ren, Ariane Bessette, Daniel Rondeau, Ioana Niculaita, Kamila Michelle Contreras Zarate, Andrea Sanchez Benitez and Anisa Ashemi.

When the announcement was made, a group of 8 students with varied linguistic backgrounds was quickly formed, two of whom had also taken part in last years' Goncourt des lycéens and Prix littéraire des collégiens. For the Prix Femina des Lycéens, the students must read all ten books selected for the competition in eight weeks, without exception, before choosing their favorite. Then, they will have the opportunity to debate their choices with other French high school students in Caen, Normandy, on November 28.

"Every CEGEP has its own elite hockey or football team. These 8 students are the elite literature team,"
says Daniel Rondeau, who is organizing the event with fellow literature teacher Ariane Bessette.

At a time when people are questioning the place of literature in education, and the practice of French in English-speaking schools, the literary challenge set by this group of students is sure to inspire many.