Cazenovia High School Celebrates 52 Inductees into French Honor Society

March 17, 2025

On March 11th, Cazenovia High School witnessed a celebration of academic achievement and cultural appreciation as 52 students were inducted into the prestigious French Honor Society (Société Honoraire de Français/SHF). The event, held at the high school, brought together students, their families, teacher advisors, and district administrators to honor the dedication and linguistic prowess of these exceptional students.

The evening commenced with senior students Cassia Race and Olivia Ruddy providing an overview of the SHF's history and bylaws, followed by Susie Pittman announcing the names of the new inductees as they received their certificates of membership. The ceremony also featured a poignant reading of a French poem by René Philombe, a writer from Cameroon, performed by Sofie Reger and Henri Mongeau. The poem eloquently highlighted the beauty of human diversity while emphasizing our shared humanity.

Further enriching the event, Madame Kaleta highlighted the Seal of Biliteracy program, encouraging students to strive for this recognition during their senior year. Junior students then shared senior member highlights in French as the seniors received their blue-white-red graduation cords. Madame Bullis led the oath, solidifying the students' commitment to the society's principles. The evening concluded with a warm reception and photo session.

The Cazenovia High School SHF chapter, known as OUR OWAHGENA (Notre Owahgena), operates under the motto "ALL TOGETHER" (Tous Ensemble). The chapter's mission is to foster a continued interest in the study of world languages, promote high standards of scholarship, reward academic achievements, cultivate enthusiasm for and understanding of diverse cultures, and promote international friendship. To be eligible for induction, students in grades 9-12 must meet stringent academic requirements, adhering to the national constitution and bylaws.

SHF members actively participate in committees, brainstorming and planning activities to increase French awareness and enjoyment within the school and community. The society recognizes the growing interconnectedness of societies globally, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding and effective communication with diverse audiences. World language skills are seen as essential tools for future leaders, enabling them to contribute to a thriving and inclusive society.

New Inductees by Grade:

• 9th Grade: Leah Bell, Kaylin Burns, Emma Burry, Aria Costa, Sally Dennis, Riley Fitzsimmons, Charlie Fox, Jackson Frazee, Claire Jenner, Willa Jubelt, Taem Kaplan, Aaron Linck, Evelyn McGreevy, Nicholas Schwartz, Oliver Smith, Hunter Stearns, Rylee Stearns, Mayzie Stevens.
• 10th Grade: Olivia Dorus, Andy Franz, Ella Gale, Audrey Stromer-Galley, Eliza Huftalen, Caroline Mehlbaum, Logan Patane, Jonas Putman, Jake Schwartz, Sidney Thompson, Oleksandr Yavorskyy.
• 11th Grade: Ella Blair, Kyle Caraher, Charlie Compeau, Alex Dolly, Elizabeth Enigk, Cole Frazee, Hailey Jennings, Eleanor Mongeau, Alison Morse, Tara Pratt, Eli Revelle.
• 12th Grade: Nat Gale, Ava Galton, Izzy Stromer-Galley, Maya Grant, Jaden Kaplan, Jian Lin, Henri Mongeau, Susie Pittman, Cassia Race, Sofie Reger, Olivia Ruddy.

Chapter Officers: Henri Mongeau, Cassia Race, Sofie Reger, Olivia Ruddy.

Marraines (Advisors): Madame Bullis, Madame Kaleta.

Félicitations! Congratulations to all the new inductees.