Among her many accomplishments in figure skating, Brasseur’s most notable one is taking home two Bronze Medals in figure skating in the 1992 and 1994 Olympic games.
Going from a virtual unknown to being recognized around the world as a Bronze Medal winner in figuring skating during the most competitive sports competition in the world, Isabelle Brasseur was able to inspire students at Cherry Hill High School West Thursday morning with her story.
Among her many accomplishments in figure skating, Brasseur’s most notable one is taking home two Bronze Medals in figure skating in the 1992 and 1994 Olympic games. Upon discovering she would be a guest speaker at Cherry Hill West, the Quebec native was honored and excited to get the opportunity to share her story and motivate students to accomplish their dreams.
“It inspires the kids to think, ‘wow, she made it to the Olympics and lives right here, so if I have big dreams, no matter what they are, it doesn’t have to be the Olympics, maybe if I work hard I can really make it,’” Brasseur said.
The Cherry Hill West community, including the broadcasting students, banded together to create a memorable moment for those in attendance and Brasseur herself by filming, creating preparation questions and documenting the event, English Teacher Sharon Ferguson explained.
The students also were just as excited to help with the event as they were being a part of it. AP French Teacher Ann Cottone expressed delight to hear Brasseur’s story resonated with her students. Cottone explained it takes teaching to a new level, where students can learn by interacting and engaging in ways that are difficult in just a classroom setting, which the students were receptive to.
“I get teary-eyed watching them do that,” Cottone said.
Speaking in French through the duration of the presentation, Brasseur recalled her moments gliding across the ice nearly 25 years ago with the world watching and discussed her experiences. Students also had the opportunity to touch her memorabilia from the Olympics, which included her medals and and apparel. During the interactive portion of the presentation, French students asked various questions in both French and English about her skating experience.
“If I can inspire one kid out of the group to reach their dreams, to really go for it and work hard, I will be so excited to hear in 10 years that someone made it to where they want to be,” Brasseur said.
Senior AP French student Kristen Hy walked in expecting to gain exposure to the French language but walked away feeling inspired to accomplish any dream, no matter how big.
“It was really motivational,” Hy said.
After the presentation, students walked away with far more than a lesson in how to speak French. Senior AP French student Parker McNaughton walked away with a renewed sense of motivation about achieving his dreams.
“I took from it that you have to try really hard to get where you want to be and that you have to be dedicated to what you want to be,” McNaughton said.
