The award ceremony for the Education Academic Prize is being held this Friday, July 1st, at the rectorate in Nice.
This event rewards high school students from general, technological, or vocational tracks for their academic success, sporting achievements, or involvement within their school.
The first prize comes from the Ministry of National Education, presented via the rectorate, while the other six are awarded by partners, with Emmanuel Ethis, the rector of the Nice academy, presiding over the ceremony.
The ceremony resembles American graduation ceremonies in essence, with participants in costumes, a host whose speech is both serious and whimsical, set in a sunny environment.
The reality is quite different; around the picnic tables, about thirty people are present: mostly teachers, organizers, a few journalists, but no matter, the emotion is palpable.
And the “hero,” as Emmanuel Ethis likes to call him, is there: Christophe Meygret. This 17-year-old, a 1ère S student at La Montagne high school in Valdeblore, won four out of seven prizes, three of which were in sports, earning praises from Marie-Christine Lanfranchi, the representative of the regional director of youth, sports, and social cohesion (DRJSC).
The last one being the first prize of the day: the 2016 Education Academic Prize.
“He is an outstanding student. Immensely dedicated to his studies,” says Michel Sénéchal, his principal at La Montagne high school.
He describes himself as “sociable, open, engaged.” Engaged firstly in the life of his high school but also in his region: Mercantour. He aims to create, next year, a feature film about the local biodiversity.
“Where do you find the time to do all this?” Emmanuel Ethis’s question is legitimate.
He is involved everywhere. Especially in sports. His connection to the mountains and his region strengthens and motivates him. Next year, he will take the “BE Ski” technical tests to become an instructor at the French Ski School (ESF).
All while keeping his ultimate goal in mind. “A tiny percentage of people succeed in becoming what they dreamed of as children,” reminds Emmanuel Ethis, “astronaut, professional footballer, veterinarian. He will become a helicopter pilot.”
Dressed all in black in the heat, Christophe struggles to hide his pride and joy. But he knows how to stay grounded, despite the allure of the prize.
These awards will earn him a total of 1,800 euros. But no extravagance for him. Prudence dominates: “I prefer to save directly. If my experience in aeronautics doesn’t work out, I will have something to fall back on.”
Thibault Bourru.
