For the first time ever, Portage Collegiate Institute had a student compete in the Concours d’art Oratoire National French Public Speaking Competition for the Grade 11 category in Gatineau, Quebec recently.

Grade 11 Tee-Tee Appah won her way to the competition just over a month ago when she took the top spot at the provincial competition in Winnipeg in May. She flew out to Ottawa for the competition which was held a short drive away in Gatineau and says it was a great experience even though she didn't place in the top three.

"Canadian Parents For French (CPF) paid for everything, so my dad and I left at like 5 a.m to Ottawa," says Appah. "The competition was in Gatineau, but it's so close to Ottawa you can just drive to it quickly. We got settled in on a Friday, I practiced my speech a little bit and then met with all the other competitors who were a lot of fun. Saturday we actually did our speeches. I was in Category 4 for the competition and was up against 11 other competitors."

Appah's topic for the competition was on the gender wage gap, how it affects women, and how we can work to make it better in our society. She says it was great to be able to meet so many like-minded individuals and practice her French.

"I was just happy to be there in General," adds Appah. "The people there were really nice and it was a nice atmosphere, and just being able to speak French and practice my ability while there."

She adds they also got to check out the Parliament Building and they also did a little street shopping in Ottawa. She also recieved a $1000 scholarship.