Filing into the cafeteria in formal dresses and silk ties, the newest members of the National French Honor Society, also known as the Society Honoraire de Francais (SHF), were inducted on Tuesday, Feb. 24, amid the smiles of proud parents and melodic notes of classical French music. 

The long-awaited event went by in a blur of lighted candles and honorary speeches switching between French and English. SHF sponsor Sarah LePichon, accompanied by President Bella Yi ‘26 and Vice President Elise Leclercq ‘26, warmly welcomed new members with inspiring words of their experience with society and French culture. Inspired by the ancient Greek tradition of passing of the torch, students were each handed a small candle to represent the passing of responsibility and knowledge from the graduating class to the newest generation of members.

“I got to light each inductee’s individual candle as they walked onstage, which was a really special and personal moment,” Yi said. “For me, part of the joy of joining the Honor Society was learning so much from older students and teachers and growing alongside them. It feels like such a full-circle moment to symbolically pass that on to new members.”

After receiving certificates, a firm handshake from Mme. Le Pichon, and the honor of the society’s officers, students lined up onstage and reflected on their achievements as SHF member and musician Ella Kim ‘26 played La Marseillaise, France’s national anthem, on the flute. While some sang along, others stood in silence to commemorate how far they had come with the French language.

“I engaged myself in this great organization because it is important to spread the knowledge of French in our school, district, and state,” Samuel Nicol ‘28 said. “French at Westwood is very important and being in the honor society is a privilege to show great dedication, ambition, and to meet new people who also love French.”

Founded in 1949, SHF involves many generations of students who have shown inevitable hard work and persistent dedication to this second culture. The society’s motto, “To have a second language is to have a second soul,” is a widely known quote to represent the benefits of possessing two cultures and two languages.

“Our motto pretty much sums up how I feel about French and my experience within SHF,” Yi said. “It’s incredibly special to be able to interact with the people and culture of another language. I hope our new members also view the French language with such high regard and feel especially motivated after the ceremony to continue pursuing French.”