The Alliance Francaise de Frederick, an organization that promotes French language and culture in Frederick County, recently announced the winners of its annual essay contest.

The contest is open to French students of Frederick County high schools, colleges and universities. Students wrote essays in French answering the question “If you were a famous person, who would you choose to be? And, how would you use your fame to influence contemporary life?”

This year’s winners were recognized at an April 10 ceremony and received a cash award, a certificate and a French dictionary. All participants received a certificate of merit. Each participating school receives a participation diploma and a literary French book for the best student of the school’s classes —sophomore, junior and senior classes.

Sixty five high school and four college students from six high schools and Hood College participated. No winner was selected from Saint John’s Catholic Prep High School because the essays were received too late for judging.

Monica Cardenas of Urbana High School was awarded the Margaret Carpenter prize, recognizing the best essay submitted by a high school student. The $150-award is given in memory of a deceased member of the Alliance.

Anya Nikolenko, an undergraduate at Hood College, won the Janet Crocker prize in recognition of the best essay submitted by an area college student. The $150 award is supported by long-time Alliance member Janet Crocker.

Five high school students also received the Alliance de Frederick prize. Those students are Kaylee Anzick, of Oakdale High School; Marx H. Daphinis, of Tuscarora High School; Fabiola Lopez, of Linganore High School; Kathleen McAdam, of Gov. Thomas Johnson High School and Judith Tsoi, of Urbana High School.