Texas French Symposium is an annual competition event that allows Texas high school students to compete in their knowledge of the French language and culture. Students compete in events such as poetry, prose, dramatic interpretation, sight reading, and dictée. In addition, students are also allowed to compete in musical events by performing pieces written by francophone composers. There are also art events reflecting french culture and history. In short, the event provides a platform for student to showcase their skills and knowledge of the language within the framework of healthy competition. Schools from all over Texas compete with some students receiving scholarships and even a "Séjour en France" or a stay in France.
I have had the opportunity to take students these past two years for competition in the Houston Area. This year, several students were able to advance to the semi-final and final rounds of competition in some of the aforementioned events. The group in the picture consists of the following students: Abel Martinez, Jorge Garcia, Conrado Jimenez, and Jose Antonio Lerma. This group competed in the dramatic interpretation event in the débutant or beginner category. They reached finals and placed fifth out of 30 schools in this event.
My hope is that we continue to have students compete each year as a way of promoting the language program and overall educational experience for our students.
