French Club

The French Club stands out from the impressive array of extracurricular opportunities available to Greenfield High School students through the range of its activities. Run by longtime foreign language instructor Ms. Grogan, the French Club is dedicated to the celebration of French language and culture. Aside from the academic aspect of the club, its goal, according to president and four-year member Amanda Rollins, is “mostly to have fun.” Despite its name, the French Club does not require that its members speak French or take any foreign language. This allows for a larger and more diverse membership than would otherwise be possible. Says vice-president and three-year member Sam Kestyn, “everyone should join.” Meetings, held on the first Monday of every month in room 208, revolve around the planning and financing of club activities.

The club has a number of activities for its members. Past years’ itineraries have included ski trips, museum visits, and fieldtrips to watch French films, as well as to “Francofete,” a French cultural exposition at USC. In November the club took a trip to the Rhode Island School of Design. After eating at a French café on campus, students proceeded to the college museum where they were given a tour of the extensive collection of French art. The art work on display ranged from the classical to the contemporary, but with emphasis on the modern. In one gallery students encountered a massive sculpture of a monster. The work, apparently motorized, was armed with a club and prone to sudden spastic movements.

In the past the club’s main event has been a trip to France, but, due largely to financial considerations, the club has chosen no longer to restrict itself to the study of French in its continental manifestation. Today the club continues to offer an out-of-country experience, but aims closer to home. The club’s most recent big trip was to Quebec, and this year a visit to Montreal is planned. Once a part of the French empire, areas of Canada still cling to their original language, speaking French alongside English. This bilingualism gives students a unique opportunity to hone their French skills without the inconvenience of total immersion in the language.

In order to defray the costs of its various activities, the French Club holds a number of fund raisers. The club sells flower bulbs and candy made by its members as well as running school dances and Coffee House. Held on the stage in the school auditorium, Coffee House, is a yearly event featuring local and student artists and entertainers. For a modest fee, food, cooked by club members but not French-themed, is served in a relaxed setting with entertainment from comedians, musicians, and the occasional poet. The highlight of the evening, according to Ms. Grogan, is a singing performance by English teacher Mr. Garland’s two young sons. Coffee House will be held this coming Wednesday, January 10, at 7pm, proceeds to benefit the French Club.