Global Engagement: Two Lycée Students Awarded the 2026 Trophée Jeunesse by Le Petit Journal

On October 1, the Consulate General of France in New York hosted the awards ceremony for Le Petit Journal’s Trophées des Français de l’est américain, a competition honoring French citizens abroad with remarkable achievements. In the presence of Consul General Cédrik Fouriscot, Head of School Jérémie Bourdon, Head of High School Maxime Dubray, and Director of Global Engagement Andrew Stephens, two seniors took center stage: Joseph and Nathaniel Raberin.

Joined by their parents and classmates, the twin brothers received the 2026 Trophée Jeunesse (Youth Award) for their project, Alley Oop—a charitable initiative that funded the construction of a basketball court for underserved youth supported by the organization Village Pilote in Dakar, Senegal.

It’s a huge honor to be recognized here,” they shared. “When we started, we never imagined we’d end up at an event like this! This award gives us greater visibility, which was our main goal—raising awareness. We want to help these kids experience the same passion we have, so they can play under good conditions and, who knows, maybe even go pro one day!

Passionate players on the Lycée varsity basketball team, Joseph and Nathaniel first learned about Village Pilote during a trip to Senegal. The nonprofit uses sports as a tool for social integration and education. Struck by the lack of proper facilities and inspired by the local youth’s determination, the two high schoolers decided to take action.

The motivation of the kids in Senegal inspired us enormously,” they recalled. “Today, we’re in touch with them almost every week, checking in on the project’s progress and talking about what else we can improve.

In May 2025, then in Grade 11, they launched a fundraising campaign in New York. Rallying the Lycée community and their loved ones, they organized an auction—highlighted by the donation of a signed Victor Wembanyama jersey—and raised over $20,000 from 46 donors.

In July 2026, back in Senegal, the twins witnessed the pouring of the court’s first concrete slab. On site, they shared unforgettable moments with local youth and helped lay the groundwork for a new team: the Village Pilote Dragons.

Far from stopping there, Joseph and Nathaniel are now developing a social-impact clothing brand, with a portion of the proceeds going toward facility maintenance and ongoing support on the ground. Balancing budgeting, product design, and marketing, the project is giving them their first taste of social entrepreneurship—all while drawing on their strengths as brothers: “We each have our strengths and weaknesses, which helps us support one another.”

Born in France, raised in New York, and enrolled at the Lycée since preschool, Joseph and Nathaniel embody the global perspective and humanist values at the heart of our school’s mission.

Our education at the Lycée made us realize how fortunate we are to study in New York with this dual culture, and that we shouldn’t take it for granted,” the brothers explained. “At the Lycée, there are so many different cultures that you gain a deeper understanding of everyone’s background. We’re in an environment that is so open to the world, and that really shaped our mindset. It’s thanks to this community and the skills the school gave us that we were able to bring this project to life.

The entire Lycée Français de New York community warmly congratulates Joseph and Nathaniel on this well-deserved honor, a testament to what commitment, solidarity, and student leadership can achieve.