Lauren Heilman, a senior English major from Salem, Alabama, received an Outstanding Senior in French Award from the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) at the Feb. 25 meeting of language majors.
“Lauren received the Outstanding Senior in French Award because she excels as a French major while simultaneously completing a BA in English-Creative Writing,” said Division of Modern Language and Literature Chair Dr. Jeremy Patterson. “She scored advanced high on her oral proficiency interview, which is an extremely high rating, and is involved in a number of on-campus activities that promote the French language.”
The award is annually given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in the study of French, as well as an exceptional commitment to the French language and the many cultures where it is spoken. Recipients must have completed at least three years of French study at the time of graduation and be non-native speakers of French.
Heilman has completed four years of French study, lives in a French language room, participates in National French Week, serves as a French Club officer and as French representative and communications coordinator for the University Language Association.
Founded in 1927, the AATF’s mission is the promotion of the study of the French language and French-speaking literature and cultures at all levels. The group, the largest national association of French teachers in the world with nearly 10,000 members, recognizes achievements of outstanding students in order to motivate them to continue their study of French either through a career in teaching or as a complement to other professions.
