The MHS French Club isn’t just a place to practice up for your next French quiz; this year, it’s a creative powerhouse dedicated to expanding horizons, one bold project at a time. The club’s leadership has set a decisive course to transform the group into a dynamic center for cultural exploration.
Leading this charge is President Bahiyyih Grover, who clearly laid out her view: “My vision for the club is to bring people together and kind of learn about French culture.” She wants the club’s environment to be contagious. “It’s a super fun club, and I think it’s great if you want to learn about different cultures and about the language.” Grover said. A major focus for the club right now is design, turning creative ideas into tangible club spirit. “We’re designing T-shirts for the club,” Grover said. She continued, detailing the hands-on involvement: “All of our members have gotten to draw a design that they would like to see on a T-shirt, and then we’re going to sort through them and kind of mesh them together.” Grover believes the most valuable skill members gain is connection, articulating: “The ability to connect with people across cultures, and the importance of learning like another language or just… things about the world.” Future plans are rooted in French delights, like a possible crepe party, ensuring that cultural education remains engaging.
Vice President Brady Inman champions the club’s open-door philosophy, making it clear: “French club is not just for people in the French classes. Anyone who’s interested in the language or the culture can join.” She confirmed the club is an accessible commitment, meeting once a month during flex time. She articulated his hope for the members’ experience. I hope they have a fun experience, can learn a bit about French culture and language, and connect with new people.” Inman said. She also confirmed that in addition to defending their spot in the annual pumpkin decorating contest, the club is planning a special spirit week for French Appreciation Week in November. She believes communication is the ultimate takeaway, noting: “Learning a bit about other cultures, it’s good practice.”
The club’s transformation has been overseen by Sponsor Andrea Platt, who views the club’s role in the school as evolving from a small interest group to something much bigger. “[Becoming a] tight-knit ‘French family’ that brings French culture to life in creative ways.” Platt said. She highlighted their past success, including winning the pumpkin decorating contest for the past two years with clever French-inspired designs. This year, Platt hopes to inject French flair into school spirit. “I’d love to try something new with French Club, like painting French-themed faces at MHS home basketball games for kids.” Platt said. She believes this is a fun way for students, whom she notes are “incredibly creative,” to share the culture. Platt stressed that learning a language is about opening up your horizons. “discovering a new perspective on the world.” Platt said. She hopes the club reflects that by showing students that life outside the local community “can be vibrant and exciting.” While managing student athletes and busy schedules is the main challenge, Platt’s advice to new members remains simple: “My advice for new members is to keep an open mind and have fun learning about new cultures.” Her favorite part is seeing the students’ genuine enthusiasm. “My favorite part is watching students connect, create, and grow together while celebrating French culture in their own unique ways.” Platt said. Ultimately, the French Club is a collaborative space where members can explore language and culture while making new friends. The club’s renewed focus ensures that students will have ample opportunities to connect across cultures throughout the year, truly expanding their worldview one meeting at a time. “showing students that life outside MHS, Kansas, and even the United States can be vibrant and exciting.” Platt said.