Hanes: These anglo seniors show it’s never too late to learn French

One by one, the graduates made their way to the front of the room wearing black caps and gold-lettered sashes. They shook hands with their teachers, were handed certificates and switched their tassels from right to left to mark a rite of passage.

When Gloria Sandy’s name was called, the 78-year-old retired nurse slowly and carefully declared: “J’ai la confiance maintenant pour parler français.” The audience clapped and cheered. Sandy is among nearly two dozen anglophone seniors showing that it’s never too late to learn French in Quebec.

A ceremony was held Wednesday at the LaSalle D&D 50+ Centre to celebrate the accomplishments of the first cohort of students in their Fast Track French program.