Before they audition in front of the jury, shortlisted candidates spend several weekends preparing with the support of one of our partners. We are very proud to present you our 2023 Laureates, who have all shown tremendous talent and perseverance in the process of being selected.
Short Bios
Short Bios
Short Bios
Assitan is a quiet force, who falls in love with a subject and devotes herself wholeheartedly to it. She taught herself to play the guitar, then decided to pursue her skills at the conservatory and at her school. Spontaneous and creative , she also practices open theater. Her artistic talent is not the only string to her bow: mature and diligent, last year, she participated in fund-raising for her school's "open school" activities. She is a spirited young woman, her sights are set on a career in research and marking history as a woman.
Siby is an IT enthusiast, he taught himself to code using Python. What started out as a simple curiosity has become a real competence that he has mastered, and a promising prospect for the future. Later on, he would like to become a computer engineer. At school, Siby takes part in "Phocéen exchanges" and the "Cordées de la Réussite" programs. Studious and curious, he excels in musical education, physics, chemistry and foreign languages. Last year, he took part in the school rugby association, and outside school, he played soccer and basketball. Among his classmates, he is known to be a good listener, open-minded and mindful of their well-being. He cherishes his relationships with his fellow students and does not pass judgment on others.
Meryame wants to discover the world and herself. To do so, she creates; she paints canvases retracing her journey, her history, her culture and her evolution over the years. She also writes, and hopes to publish a book in the near future. Curious and gourmand, she loves reading and discovering new languages and recipes. Meryame has all the characteristics of a dreamer, but is no less rigorous. Her favorite subject? Mathematics! Her academic dedication guarantees many, if not all, the outcomes she could dream of, and she has a keen interest in astronautics.
Since arriving in France 3 years ago, not a day goes by without Junior making the most of the opportunities presented to him. Reading, music, sports and discussions are all ways in which he learns more about himself, the world and others in a relentless march towards success. Junior never leaves a fellow student out in the cold; he speaks to everyone with great kindness and makes sure that everyone is supported. Junior is a keen mathematician, and gladly helps his classmates with their homework.
Jaïnab doesn't shy away from a challenge. Her goal is to enter a profession that she knows is more difficult for women to gain access to, to, as she puts it, "show that we are capable of it". Last year, she took part in the school life council, helping to organize and set up school events. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking on her own or with her little brothers, and getting lost in the sunset scenery. She shines with a benevolent smile, and is particularly fond of human contact.
To Basmala, the world around her is a wonderful playground. She seizes every opportunity to learn something new. From politics to scientific phenomena, her insatiable curiosity leads her in many different directions. She takes part in every activity at her school, practices track and field, and excels in mathematics and physics-chemistry. Basmala cares about her classmates' success, and doesn't hesitate to take time out to help them revise and do their homework. In her spare time, she enjoys reading at home or in the library.
Farah has a formidable charisma. Proactive and enthusiastic, she proposed and organized Olympiads at her school. She was also a member of the school council. She is always ready to support her fellow students, and knows how to make the most of their strengths. It's a quality she has acquired or reinforced by playing club basketball for over 4 years now. Farah has a passion for fashion and plans to pursue a career in this sector.
Manal arrived in France in 2017. She explores the world around her and discovers many talents. She practices boxing and contemporary dance. She excels in foreign languages, history and geography. Last year, at her school, she took part in a wide range of activities, including sports and film clubs, and was also an eco-delegate. Manal is concerned about the environment and contemporary climate challenges, and would like to take concrete action to protect and preserve it. In each of her commitments, Manal puts her heart into her work. She aspires to become a neurosurgeon.
Shérif, who arrived in France six years ago from Egypt, has a passion for mathematics, technology and physics-chemistry. Despite today's pressures on certain forms of mobility, Shérif isn't ready to give up on technical progress, and what he wants most of all is to create a bigger, faster plane that would enable families scattered across the four corners of the world to get back together. He also sees this airplane as being more environmentally friendly, because innovation has to be good for the environment. Whenever he can, Shérif goes out with his friends and takes great pleasure in discovering new places in and around Saint-Denis.
Adib is always there when help is needed. Voluntary and generous, he takes part in the activities of his local sports association, and spreads his own enthusiasm around him. He has a keen scientific mind and excels in science, physics, and chemistry. Although he hasn't decided on a specific career path, he aspires to a profession related to these subjects. Curious and open-minded, Adib doesn't confine himself to his own interests, and enjoys discovering new landscapes, today's cultures and yesterday's legacies.
Damla is the epitome of sheer determination, and there's hardly a test she doesn't come out of triumphant. In school, she excels in all subjects and surpasses herself in mathematics and foreign languages. Naturally serious and committed to each and every one of her missions, she has been class delegate for two years running. She also plays rugby at club and school level. Behind this strong personality lies an altruistic sensibility. In the future, she would like to open a hospital and make medical care more accessible to the most disadvantaged populations.
For Zahra, young people have their say. Last year, she was the class president, a elected member of the school life council and an appointed member of the disciplinary board. She is happy to represent her fellow students and act as a spokesperson, advocate and mediator. But her commitments are not confined to her school: she is also involved in the political life of the town of Sarcelles, working closely with the town's elected representatives. Crowned regional gymnastics champion in 2016, Zahra is now interested in the title of boxing champion in her category. She is also passionate about calligraphy, a relaxing and resourcing practice for her, who gives a lot of her time to others.
For Nasif, the well-being of the team comes first. In his role as class president, he is committed to promoting cohesion and making the most of everyone's qualities. He is a born mediator, with a radiant serenity. He loves sports and is a keen promoter of well-being. He use to participate in the school's basketball sports association and seeks to cultivate his body and mind. He often helps his parents at the family restaurant and helps his father organize charity food drives. With his empathetic and caring nature, he envisages a career as a psychologist or neuropsychologist, for example.
Jully is a born competitor, but also a reserved young person. She is a keen sportswoman, practicing athletics, gymnastics and rugby. She excels in all subjects, particularly foreign languages, history, physics and chemistry. She aspires to a career in astronomy or aeronautics. Given her qualities and discipline, Jully has every chance of achieving her dreams, and perhaps even reaching the stars.
Abou-Laziz is a passionate life-lover. He knows how precious and precarious it is, and the contacts he has had with doctors have convinced him that this is his vocation. For him, there is no nobler cause than caring for and accompanying others. He wants to be able to help those in difficulty and sick to find their way back to health and the joy of living. He wants to become a cardiologist. He is passionate about soccer, anime and video games.
For Aïssa, every person deserves a fair chance, to be respected and appreciated for their differences rather than sidelined. For her, every exchange is an opportunity to learn and open up to the world. She wants the world to be more tolerant and inclusive, and knows that her opinion counts. She doesn't hesitate to reach out to others, and at the age of 8 she took part in a journalism project. Last year, within her school, she was an eco-delegate and stands in for her class president. In her spare time, she draws and dreams of a career as an art director in a fashion capital; Milan or New York? Only time will tell!
Archery Laureates are distinguished by their infectious enthusiasm, their belief in the power of the collective, their natural empathy for others, and their desire to change the world.
Laureates selection process