The 2019 Education Award from the Academy of Sports and the additional local partner awards were presented this Thursday to honor two laureates for their commitment to academics, social causes, humanitarian efforts, and sports.
Sports and academics… Two themes that are often difficult to reconcile. This is not the opinion of Justine Bigot, a first-year social sciences (ES) student at the Montagne de Valdeblore high school, and Charlotte Contesse, a first-year ES student at the Parc Impérial high school in Nice. This duo of talents was individually recognized with academic awards.
The rector, Mr. Richard Laganier, emphasized the commitment of the two laureates and expressed his pride: “I am very happy and proud because their paths align with the positive vision of youth. They have committed themselves at all levels, setting an example for the young people of the region to follow.” These awards reflect their academic dedication but especially highlight their athletic involvement and “showcase the diversity of talents that we are fortunate to have,” added the rector.
Two Unconventional Paths
Justine Bigot was awarded the Academy of Sports 2019 Education Prize, the Southern Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region prize, and the Regional Directorate of Youth, Sports, and Social Cohesion award. Presented as a model and exemplary student, Justine is highly deserving. Her overall average of 15/20 over two years and 17/20 in physical education and sports earned her commendations from the council and her peers. Justine joined the “mountain option” class in 2017 and is now part of the Mountain Climbing Training Group. However, it is in climbing where she excels, boasting an impressive record as a double academic team champion and twice placing fourth at the French championships. She is also involved as a young official in climbing (route judge). The young laureate has become an Ambassador for the Mercantour National Park, engaged in the UNSS cross-country races, and participates in humanitarian races for organizations like ELA and Action Against Hunger.
Charlotte Contesse received the school sports award and the National Union of School Sports award. It is an award initiated by regional and local partners to appreciate students among the candidates for the Education Prize. With averages nearing 17 in all subjects, Charlotte doesn’t shy away from balancing academics and sports. This young handball player is a UNSS French champion. She is also involved as a young referee in handball, participating in meetings in primary schools and middle schools to introduce handball.
What is the Academy of Sports Education Prize?
Created in 1975, the Education Prize is an initiative of the Academy of Sports. Since 1987, it has been under the patronage of the Minister of National Education. It aims to reward, beyond students’ academic success, their commitment to sports both in school and out. It also values voluntary engagement within an institution or associations, for example.
The Education Prize contest is open to students in the following classes:
– First-year students from general and technological high schools
– First-year professional baccalaureate students
– Second-year vocational certificate (CAP) students
