Every Lakewood High School student is welcomed into a vibrant new world when they enter room A125 and meet the French Club: Le Cercle Français.
Le Cercle Français is open to any student interested in exploring French culture and savoring French treats. Facilitated by Madame Braquet and supported by her students, the club is a beloved part of Lakewood High School, offering fun and educational experiences for its members.
The club typically meets once a month, and each meeting provides a unique activity. This month’s meeting involved watching a movie, indulging in snacks and drinks, and chatting amongst the other members.
“I’d recommend going to Le Cercle Français today,” freshman Zenovia Parkanzky said. “It’s enjoyable. We’re watching a movie and eating snacks.” This was Parkanzky’s first time experiencing Le Cercle Francais.
The club’s founder, Madame Braquet—who teaches French one through French four and AP French—has been running Le Cercle Français for over 20 years. She mostly credits the club’s success to her students, particularly those in advanced French classes, who help her plan and organize meetings.
“I’ve been hosting the French Club here for over 20 years,” Madame Braquet said. “It’s more student-run, this year, it’s all French four running it.” French Four students have been actively setting up dates and plans for the whole school year.
“It changes sometimes; one time, we did painting, and that was fun. The common thing is food,” sophomore Ashlyn Haettich said.
Le Cercle Français is always open to new members if you are looking for a fun time. You’re invited to join if you’re open to trying new snacks, chatting with fellow students, watching movies, doing arts and crafts, singing karaoke, or marching in the annual homecoming parade.
“The French Club is always in the Homecoming parade,” Braquet said. Le Cercle Français doesn’t miss a beat; it is always involved in whatever it can. Each September, the club holds a meeting to prepare for the event, which includes decorating Madame Braquet’s van and preparing to triumph through the streets.
“I would like to come back in the future,” Parkanzky said. “From today, it’s enjoyable.” Parkanzky plans to attend more meetings and continue studying French through the advanced levels.
Ashlyn Haettich has been to multiple Le Cercle Français meetings and enjoyed every single one. “I went to one or two other times last year,” Haettich said. Haettich plans to return to Le Cercle Français throughout the year and enjoy more of the wondrous club.
“Sometimes we have a baking contest; sometimes we do a white elephant exchange,” Madame Braquet said. This year, the club is considering a combined event. “[We want to have] a contest, [where] we have a cake to eat, and people get prizes and do the exchange,” Braquet added.
While Le Cercle Français is open to all Lakewood High School students, it’s particularly suited for those studying French or who already speak the language. Madame Braquet encourages participation from students in French 1 through AP French but welcomes anyone interested.
“We try to keep it just for French because we try to speak in French, but I have never turned anybody away,” Madame Braquet said.
During meetings, the club often switches between speaking French and English to accommodate members’ varying levels of fluency. “It turns into speaking English because you have level one, and then four and AP and everyone is all around,” Braquet said.
For more information about upcoming meetings, visit Madame Braquet in room A125 and dive into the beautiful Le Cercle Français here at Lakewood High School.
