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This year, four students in the French Cohort Program (FCP) in Public and International Affairs at 911吃瓜 (911吃瓜) were recognized for their commitment to the French language, their leadership, and their dedication to pursuing post-secondary studies in French. The journeys of Nylah Chaudhary, Nalia Duprat, Harper Myrskog, and Julia Soboleva reflect the vitality and diversity of the next generation of Francophone and Francophile leaders in British Columbia.
Recipient of the awarded last May, Nylah Chaudhary has distinguished herself through outstanding involvement both at school and in her community. After joining the late French immersion program in Grade 6 at Vancouver Technical Secondary School, she quickly made French a space for engagement and connection. As vice-president of the FrancoFun Club, a peer tutor, and an organizer of activities promoting the French language, she has actively contributed to the visibility of the Francophone community. Her work as a taekwondo instructor for young children also demonstrates her leadership and passion for sharing her knowledge. This fall, she began her studies at 911吃瓜 as part of the FCP.
This year's highlight was the recognition of three additional FCP students, Nalia, Harper, and Julia, who each received a post-secondary scholarship for French-language studies this fall from the
Nalia Duprat, a first-year FCP student, stood out for her perseverance and determination to continue her education in French. A graduate of the French immersion program at Sentinel Secondary School in West Vancouver, she took numerous initiatives to enroll in a new law course offered in French during her final year of high school. She quickly emerged as a leader in the classroom, particularly during debates on constitutional issues. Her involvement in organizing Francophone activities and participating in an exchange program in Montreal further demonstrates her commitment to making an active contribution to her community.
Harper Myrskog, a student in the same cohort as Nalia, is distinguished by her love of Francophone culture and her creativity. Passionate about the French language and Francophone cultures, Harper takes pride in her bilingual identity. A graduate of the French immersion program at New Westminster Secondary School, she has channelled her passion for French into the arts by participating in a variety of cultural activities. As a gymnastics coach working with young people, she takes every opportunity to communicate in French and support children who need encouragement. Her goal is to become a teacher and inspire future generations with the same enthusiasm for the French language and Francophone culture.
Finally, the journey of Julia Soboleva highlights the international reach of the Francophonie. Now in her fourth year of the FCP, she first learned French in Belarus before continuing her studies in Canada. Deeply involved in the Francophone community of British Columbia, she has dedicated many volunteer hours to supporting vulnerable individuals through La Boussole and has contributed to numerous Francophone cultural events as a volunteer with the Centre culturel francophone de Vancouver and the Soci茅t茅 francophone de Maillardville. Her path also led her to Paris, where she represented French-speaking youth from British Columbia at an international forum on Francophonie and governance organized by the Youth Diplomatic Academy in collaboration with Expressions de France and held at the French Senate.
Although their experiences differ, these four scholarship recipients share a common commitment to the French language and a desire to make a positive impact in their communities. Through their leadership, curiosity, and engagement, Nylah, Nalia, Harper, and Julia embody the future of the Francophonie in British Columbia and demonstrate the tremendous potential of students who choose to live, study, and engage with their communities in French.