Celebrating 2025 National French Week 

National French Week (La Semaine Nationale du Français) is an annual celebration sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF). This national event highlights the many ways the study of French enriches students’ lives and connects them to the world. Students in all levels of French participated in a weeklong celebration of culture, creativity, and community spirit.

The week began each morning with a prayer in French, setting a reflective tone of gratitude and unity. During daily announcements, the entire school joined in a lively French trivia contest that tested everyone’s knowledge of Francophone culture.

Students showcased their creativity by designing National French Week T-shirts inspired by this year’s theme, “Design Your Future with French.” Each class voted on a favorite design, and Sydney Wilker earned top honors in the school-wide competition after receiving the most faculty votes.

Music played a special role in this year’s festivities. Throughout the week, students walked to their next classes to the sound of lively French music echoing through the hallways, creating a joyful atmosphere across the school. Under the direction of music teacher Mrs. Abha Dearing, students also learned about the legendary French chanteuse Édith Piaf and performed three of her most iconic songs: “La Vie en Rose,” “Je ne regrette rien,” and “Padam Padam.”

Art also met language learning as students painted their vision of a future career and illustrated how their chosen profession could connect to a French-speaking country. A school-wide scavenger hunt further engaged students with French culture, highlighting how the language intersects with fields such as fashion, cuisine, art, science, and international relations.

Of course, no French celebration would be complete without food! Madame Joyce Campbell, French teacher, assisted by Mrs. Megan Newman and Mrs. Marylou Waineo, treated students to homemade crêpes. Throughout the week, Chef Joe prepared special French-inspired lunches in the school café, bringing the tastes of France to Mercy.

A special highlight was a macaron-making demonstration by Mercy Alumna Mrs. Tina Aiello Sturgis '90 who studied French pastry-making in Paris. Students had the opportunity to fill and taste their own macarons, gaining both culinary and cultural appreciation in this delicious hands-on experience.

The week concluded with a memorable French dinner at Cuisine, where Chef Paul Grosz delighted fifty students and their parents with a gourmet French meal. The evening offered a wonderful opportunity for students to experience authentic French dining in the Detroit community.

As one student shared in reflection, “It was the best French Week ever!” If you would like more detailed information about the activities of French Week or if you have questions regarding the French program at Mercy, please contact Madame Joyce Campbell at jacampbell@mhsmi.org.