The Masséna high school is an institution in the Nice region. However, in its existence spanning around two centuries, it has only borne this name for about fifty years.
This is partly explained by the complex history of the County of Nice, which is reflected in that of its first secondary establishment (imperial high school, Jesuit college, royal college).
This is also explained by the multiplication of high schools, which required them to be distinguished and thus given a proper name: in 1963, the name Masséna was chosen, due to the personal involvement of the Nice marshal in the birth of the first imperial high school.
Masséna high school is therefore the result of this long evolution. But it also owes its renown to its cultural role, forging generations of elites and celebrities and promoting concerts, exhibitions, conferences, and works by its students, alumni, and teachers, all with the support of the alumni association.
It was on their initiative that yesterday morning, a memorial sculpture inscribing the names of the most prestigious alumni was unveiled in the school’s courtyard, which, let us not forget, is listed as a national monument.
Some of these personalities have left their mark on the History of France, such as the two Nobel Prize winners: René Cassin, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1968, and Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio, Nobel Prize in Literature in 2008.
Furthermore, Guillaume Apollinaire, Roland Garros, Romain Gary, Joseph Kessel, Jean d’Ormesson, Joann Sfar, Daniel Pennac, Yves Klein, Jean and Jacques Médecin.
Similarly, a monument honoring those decorated with the Legion of Honor is now located in the small central courtyard.
Under the eyes of the students coming out of their classes, a large delegation of alumni, among whom were elected officials and figures from civil society and various professions, were present alongside officials, all welcomed by the principal Serge Ferrari who spoke of “the past, present, and future” of the establishment.
While Emmanuel Ethis, rector of the Nice Academy, highlighted this project of educational excellence and reminded the students that “this glorious past should not inhibit your projects, initiatives, and dreams but should indeed give you the strength to achieve them!” Christian Estrosi, president of the Region, which is the proprietor of the premises, announced that this Friday, it would give its approval for the full classification of the high school as a historical monument.
But, but… Christian Estrosi is not the type of man to come empty-handed!
And so, here are the beautiful words that everyone was waiting for: “I am pleased to announce that the Region will cover a major renovation operation for a total of 15 million euros.”
This project should include the energy renovation of the buildings, the complementary rehabilitation of the boarding school, and the accessibility of the entire site.
Why such generosity in these times of budgetary restrictions? “These projects of educational excellence are an essential building block to the economic development and outreach strategy of our Region in Europe and internationally,” affirms the President of the Region with conviction.
