Two French Immersion students from T.M. Roberts Elementary School brought medals home from the Concours d'art Oratoire, a French public speaking competition, which took place at the SFU Surrey campus last month.

Kendra Ackerman, 11, took first place within the Grade 6 section, followed closely by fellow classmate Kaia Barth-Lessard, 11, who came in second place - much like their placements at the regional Tournament where they tied for first with scores half a point away from each other.

"It was really fun that me and Kaia were tied at Regionals," said Ackerman. "That way we both got to go to the next level, because only the first place winner moves up."

The Concours Provincial Competition, which is put together by Canadian Parents for French (CPF), involves the competitors giving two to four minute long speeches that they have personally researched, authored, and memorised.

"My topic was about the Amazon Rain Forest," said Ackerman about her winning speech. "I talked about nuts, ants, and how we are destroying the forest."

"My speech was called 'Our Abused World' and it is about how we are destroying our forests, our greed for money, how we are killing animals out of greed, and also pollution," said Barth-Lessard.

Students, ranging from grades six through twelve, are evaluated on presentation, vocal expression, content and coherence of speech, language, and their responses to the questions from judges.

"Probably the most nervous part is the questions," said Ackerman. "You don't know what they are going to ask you so it is kind of like improv, but instead of having a few minutes, we have to think of something in a few seconds."

"No stuttering, nothing that doesn't make any sense, cause that would be really embarrassing," said Barth-Lessard about responding to the judges' questions.

The Concours d'art Oratoire, described as a speech arts competition, is one more aspect of how the CPF has provided French-language educational, social, cultural and sporting activities for the youth of BC.

At the provincial and national levels, students receive prizes and medals for earning top placements - Ackerman earned 50 dollars with her first place speech and Barth-Lessard received 25 dollars.

As the students get older and remain in the competition the prizes get larger, eventually turning into full-ride scholarships which is one reason both girls express interest in continuing to participate in the CPF competitions for many years to come.