Ismarie Fernandez (left) and Rosanna Novas Perez (right) received awards for Excellence in French Language Studies from Gail Covney (center), Co-Director of the Alliance Francaise of Greenwich, at their annual awards ceremony on May 10, 2012 in Greenwich, CT.Graduating seniors and French minors Ismarie Fernandez and Rosanna Novas Perez received awards for Excellence in French Language Studies from Gail Covney, Co-Director of the Alliance Francaise of Greenwich, at their annual awards ceremony on May 10, 2012 in Greenwich, CT.

"I am very honored and grateful to have received this award," Fernandez said. "It is a privilege to be recognized for my achievement in my French Minor. I have put a lot of work into my course requirements, and have been very determined to improve my skills in French."

Fernandez said she tried to expose herself to the language through different media, including films, magazines and internet publications, as well as speaking the language whenever she had the opportunity.

"I recommended Ismarie and Rosanna for the awards based on their excellent grades, but also for their willingness to go beyond course requirements to enhance their knowledge of the French language and French and Francophone culture," said Binita Mehta, French Professor at Manhattanville College.