“Embracing Tomorrow” was the theme of the Lycee Francais de NY’s 11th Annual Gala held at the Park Avenue Armory. “Embracing Tomorrow“ uniquely describes the inventive minds and creative spirit that our students showcase every day,” said Head of School, Yves Thézé, “As we gear up to celebrate 75 years of unparalleled educational excellence next year, it is this combination of inquisitiveness and enterprising drive that will propel our students to succeed, with the help of the rich educational and diverse multicultural experiences that are found at the core of our institution.”
The honoree of the evening was Ms. Christine Lagarde, French Minister for Economy, Industry and Employment. Internationally recognized for her leadership in law, economics and finance, Ms. Lagarde exhibits the outstanding qualities that make the Lycée Français de New York, a special educational institution – leadership, scholarship and vision. A pioneer in every sense of the word, Ms. Lagarde has excelled in various fields. From her dazzling law career with the international firm of Baker & McKenzie to her past roles as French Minister of Trade and later, Agriculture and Fisheries; Christine Lagarde has an impeccable reputation as an insightful and strong leader. In 2009, she was ranked as the 17th most influential woman in the world by Forbes Magazine and the 5th best European female executive by The Wall Street Journal Europe. In receiving the Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle Award bestowed by LFNY, Ms. Lagarde became the first woman to be honored. A role-not unfamiliar to her, as Ms. Lagarde is also the first female Finance and Economy Minister for a G7 country. In this post, Ms. Lagarde holds the reins of France’s economic policies during the most challenging global financial crisis in decades.
The gala was a glittering evening of dining, dancing, and fundraising through a special auction that benefited the school’s academic and extra-curricular initiatives, including funding of a scholarship program that is crucial to maintaining the institution’s diverse and multicultural student body.
The consistently excellent caterers, Great Performances created and flawlessly served both delectable hor d’oeuvres and a scrumptious meal for the guests. The lead sponsor for the evening was NYSE EuroNext with Nespresso and Donna Karan also contributing goods and services. Maarten ten Holder, Managing Director of Sotheby’s North and South America, served as our auctioneer. There were 920 guests in attendance with $1,541,919 raised for the school!
I have personally never seen a more elegantly attired crowd or had a more delightful time. Learning about the school’s dazzling reputation, I now hope to send my lil’ niece there when she is old enough!
For more information about the Lycee Francais de NY, please go to: http://www.lfny.org.
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