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GSSM Students Place Among Top 10 in National French Contest

April 29, 2008

Two South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) students recently placed among the Top-10 nationally in Le Grand Concours, a national French contest sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French.

Nikko Pomata, a junior from Wadmalaw Island, placed second nationally in the Level 4-A contest. Topics in Level 4-A included French grammar, social issues, nature and ecology, culture, historical events, literature and more.

Christine Noonan, a junior from Beaufort, placed eighth nationally in the Level 3-A contest. Topics in Level 3-A included a wide scope of French grammar and vocabulary as well as French culture.

Participants in Le Grand Concours included students in grades 1-12 from all 50 states as well as abroad. Students took a written test and scores were ranked against students with similar educational backgrounds for prizes. Prizes, to be awarded by Le Grand Concours, included French videos, medals and books. In addition, various French firms donate prizes which are distributed to national winners.

A group of GSSM students also placed among the Top-10 in South Carolina, including: Jenny Burnett, a senior from Rock Hill who placed sixth in Level 1-A; Brian Mugo, a junior from Columbia who placed seventh in Level 3-A; Jen Murray, a junior from Simpsonville who placed eighth in Level 1-A; and Chloe Moore, a senior from Cheraw who placed ninth in Level 3-A.

For more information on the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics, please contact Jacqulyne Pouncey at the GSSM Foundation.


Dr. Lollie Eykyn's French class.