What a moment! On May 27, 2026 in Arras, Brigitte Macron appeared deeply moved during a touching meeting with students at the occasion of the Dominique Bernard Awards. Present at the Casino d’Arras alongside Minister Édouard Geffray, she praised the investment and creativity of young people, in an atmosphere that was both solemn and warm.
In brief: for this first edition, nearly 3,000 students from the 4th grade to high school, from the academies of Lille, Amiens, and Normandy, participated with texts, music, caricatures, and journals. The First Lady awarded the prize for “best independent story for high school” and read an excerpt from Zéli Bleuze, recalling the morning of October 2023.
The ceremony in Arras and the awarded winners
At the Casino d’Arras, the prize-giving highlighted engaged and varied school projects. Brigitte Macron emphasized the essential role of teachers and presented several awards, including the “best independent story for high school.” The First Lady praised “the quality of the works” and the courage of the young authors, reminding everyone of the power of education to convey tolerance and freedom of expression.
A report and images circulated widely, reflecting the emotion shared between the stage and the student audience.
An award in tribute to Dominique Bernard and the mobilization of classes
The Dominique Bernard Award, conceived by Isabelle Bernard, pays tribute to the teacher murdered in October 2023 in Arras and aims to encourage civic creativity. The productions presented by the students — texts, music, caricatures — were evaluated by a jury. For more information about the evening’s proceedings and highlights, you can consult the report of the ceremony.
The sensitivity and commitment of the First Lady
Moved, Brigitte Macron paid tribute to the teachers and read an excerpt from a student from Arras, recalling a touching moment related to the memory of Dominique Bernard. A few days earlier, on May 22, she had discussed digital technology with middle school students in Metz, sharing a funny anecdote with a student aspiring to be a footballer and mentioning her commitment to sports personalities. To delve deeper into this profile, find a dedicated report on Brigitte Macron at the Élysée.
Emotion and pedagogy dominated this exchange, reminding everyone of the importance of education in the republican bond.
To discover more about Sébastien Auzière and the family ties with the presidency, as well as other notable moments in the life of the Macrons, visit the dedicated site: portraits and stories. For a complete dossier on the First Lady and her commitments, go to sebastien-auziere.fr and dive into the history of this touching encounter.
