A small group of high school students and teachers from the metro area headed to France as part of the 2026 Eleanor Kirkpatrick Franco–American Fellows and Faculty Program.
The immersive experience combines cultural exchange with an academic research project designed to deepen students’ and teachers’ understanding of French language, history, and daily life. This prestigious program was started in 2009 and is supported and maintained by the Alliance Francaise of Oklahoma City in conjunction with the State Department of Education.
The students were based in Beauvais, in the Haut de France region north of Paris, where they will attend classes at the Lycee Jeanne Hachette alongside local peers and stay with host families. This trip allows students to live the language as they navigate school and local markets, conduct interviews and present research findings — all in French.
The students chose different topics which reflect their personal interests and ambitions. Throughout their stay, students gathered data, interviewed residents and documented their observations. The project culminated in a multimedia presentation to be shared with the community upon their return.
The students were chosen from a group of applicants from all over the metro area. They are as follows:
• Jack Bair (Harding Charter Prep High School, Nima Keivni, French teacher) — Pharmacy in France vs. the U.S.
• Abigail Boyd (Edmond North High School, Caroline Shepard, French Teacher) — Comparison of the importance of political issues to teens in France vs. the U.S.
• Elizabeth James (Casady School, Blake Pardue, French teacher) – Understanding the French Strike Culture.
• Kilie Moore (Norman High School, Alina Bagajewicz, French teacher) – The Art, Chemistry and Emotion of Scent in French Culture.
• Brandon Harney (French teacher) — Historical Influences on Architecture: France and the U.S.
• Ava Wade (Norman High School, Alina Bagajewicz, French teacher) — Climate Conscious Practices.
In addition to students, there were two French teachers chosen to conduct research topics to then share with their colleagues and students in Oklahoma upon their return. Carolyn Shepard of Edmond North (using authentic resources to enhance learning in all levels of French nd Whitney Stafford-Najibi of Westmoore (locating and honoring American dead from the World Wars in various cemeteries) are the teachers who went to France along with the students. Peggy Whittington of Edmond Memorial is the chaperone for the fellows and the director of the Fellows Program, along withShepard.
Beyond academics, organizers emphasize the personal growth that comes from international travel. Students adapt to new schedules, cuisines and customs — experiences that foster independence and global awareness.