The International School of Denver is proud to celebrate an extraordinary achievement by our Upper Primary French program. Our CM1 (4th Grade) and CM2 (5th Grade) students, guided by teachers Yohan Sery and Marion Hiruois, have been awarded the “Prix Coup de Cœur” in the 2026 Dis‑moi dix mots competition, earning top honors among all French‑Accredited Primary Schools in North America.

This distinction, which translates to a “stroke of the heart,” is reserved for the project that most deeply moved and impressed the jury. It is one of the competition’s highest recognitions, an honor that reflects both exceptional creativity and profound emotional resonance.

A Project That Captured the Jury’s Imagination

Competing in the “EFE Primary School” category, our students’ collaborative work, “The Time Travel Log: Archives of 3075,” stood out among submissions from across the United States and Canada. Their imaginative scrapbook, rooted in this year’s theme, d’un monde à venir (“of a world to come”), blends science fiction, linguistic play, and thoughtful reflection on the future.

This project was first featured in our recent story, Upper Primary French Students Imagine the Future in “Dis‑moi dix mots d’un monde à venir”, which highlighted the creative process behind the work. Today, we are thrilled to share that the same project has now earned Réseau d'Enseignement Français à l'Étranger (EFE) recognition.

A feature article spotlighting the students’ work was published on Orion following the official awards ceremony held March 19.

Celebrating Excellence in Teaching and Learning

This award is not only a celebration of student creativity but also a testament to the strength of ISDenver’s bilingual academic program and the dedication of our faculty.

“Congratulations to everyone! I am so proud of the work that you and the students have demonstrated… as I mentioned before, I am impressed by the quality, the commitment, and the dedication you all have brought to this unit. Truly well done.”  

— Marzia Mauffrey, Assistant Head of School for Academics and Director of Upper Primary

During the bi‑weekly meeting of directors from all French‑accredited schools in North America, ISDenver’s accomplishment was recognized once again.

“This achievement is a true testament to our faculty leadership and the excellent teaching they provide to our students.”  

— Christele Turner, Director of French Program Accreditation

A Moment of Pride for Our Community

This recognition affirms what we see every day in our classrooms: students who think boldly, create joyfully, and engage deeply with language and ideas; and teachers who inspire, challenge, and nurture them at every step.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Marion Hiruois, Yohan Sery, and all CM1 and CM2 students for this remarkable accomplishment. Their work exemplifies ISDenver’s mission to empower bilingual, intercultural, and globally minded learners.

Félicitations à tous. We are so proud of you.