90 years ago this year, the Lycée Français de New York first opened its doors to 14 students in the basement of the French Consulate. We’ve come a long way since 1935, and this year’s Gala —Notre Héritage, Notre Avenir: Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future–kicks off a year of celebrations.
With tickets now on sale, Gala 2025 Co-Chairs Wendy Abascal de la Faverie, Alejandra Alonso Rojas, Elsa de la Garde de Saignes, and Anna Harman are excited to tell you all about their journey to the Lycée, why they took on the challenge of leading Gala 2025, and what to expect.
We are so grateful to you for being a part of planning this year. First and foremost, how did you and your family end up at the Lycée?
Anna: My husband is from the UK, I grew up in New York, and we wanted the most international experience possible. We knew no one when we joined—it was a leap of faith—but it’s been the best decision.
Wendy: Same for us! We’re a multicultural family—I’m from Mexico City, my husband is French, and my son was born here in New York City. We wanted the best school: one that offered academic excellence rooted in French culture. The Lycée was a natural decision for us. Also, I went to the Lycée Français in Mexico City, but what’s special about the one in New York is its diverse community. It feels like a reflection of the city itself.
Alejandra: I love how we all arrived here differently! For me, the Lycée connection goes way back—my grandmother attended a Lycée Français in Spain in the 1930s and 40s. She spoke French with me and introduced me to an incredible network of thinkers and creatives. That made the Lycée an obvious fit for our family.
Elsa: And for me, it was a bit of a surprise! I moved to the U.S. for love, planning to stay just one year… and now it’s been ten. Many of our friends were already part of the Lycée community, and as we settled in, their recommendation made it feel only natural to join the school, something that quickly became one of the most meaningful decisions of our journey here.
How very Lycée! What makes our school so special to you and your family?
Elsa: The Lycée doesn’t replicate a school in France—it’s something richer. It’s a mix of where we live, the city we love, the people we meet, and the values we share. The Lycée feels like a home of its own kind.
Wendy: Yes! And it fosters such a strong sense of curiosity in the kids. I once visited my son’s class to talk about Día de los Muertos, a beautiful Mexican holiday. His classmates were full of thoughtful questions. The Lycée creates an environment where these conversations happen naturally.
Alejandra: That’s what drew us in. We’re not French, but we loved the way the Lycée approaches education—it’s not just about what children learn, but how they learn. It’s multicultural, diverse, and deeply European in spirit.
Anna: And it goes beyond academics. The Lycée does an amazing job teaching kids to think critically—to ask “why?” rather than just memorizing facts. It’s a skill that will serve them for life.
Why volunteer to co-chair the Gala? It’s quite an undertaking.
Elsa: The Lycée has shaped my children in ways I couldn’t have imagined. My son was very shy when he started, but thanks to his teachers and the inclusive culture here, he’s really come into his own. This is our last year in New York before moving back to France, and while, as an entrepreneur, I may not be able to make a major financial contribution, I’m committed to giving back with my time and energy—to honor and support the Lycée that has meant so much to us.
Anna: That’s such a great perspective. For me, it has been incredible meeting parents who are deeply committed to supporting the school. Seeing firsthand how that support translates into scholarships has been eye-opening—one in five students receives financial aid, and the Gala plays a huge role in making that possible.
Wendy: I felt honored to be a co-chair this year, the 90th anniversary year, because the Lycée’s mission means so much to me. Being involved in the Gala allows me to contribute to an event that not only celebrates our community’s achievements but also creates opportunities for children’s education by raising vital funds. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring together families, faculty, and friends for a common cause.
Alejandra: And the financial aid piece is critical. The school works hard to ensure access, and the Gala is a big part of that effort.
You’ve been working so hard. What are the highlights of this year’s Gala?
Anna: This year is extra special—it’s the Lycée’s 90th anniversary! The theme, looks backward and forward at what’s to come.
Alejandra: We reflected on what the Lycée stands for and what it means for a school to thrive for 90 years. It’s about the past, present, and future, and the idea of being part of one big family. That’s how we arrived at Notre Héritage, Notre Avenir: Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future. We wanted to honor the past, celebrate it, and also look ahead.
Elsa: And we’re honoring some truly inspiring individuals—Stephan Haimo, an alumnus and former board chair who gave tirelessly of his time to the Lycée for over a decade; Philippe de Montebello, an alumnus who had an extraordinary career bridging France and New York at the helm of the Metropolitan Museum of Art; and Prune Nourry, a forward-looking young artist whose work fosters global awareness through education.
Wendy: One of my favorite additions is the “Tree of Wishes” installation. Ahead of the Gala, we’re inviting the entire community—students, parents, faculty, staff—to write their hopes for the future on ribbons and tie them to a symbolic tree. It represents life, renewal, and unity. Also, we’re working with a Michelin-star chef to highlight our French roots, and the invitation and event design reflect the timeless elegance of French culture.
What would you like to say to the many volunteers and guests?
Wendy: Merci! We are grateful for all the volunteers who give their time and their talent to come together to make the Gala a wonderful event for everyone. If we can change the lives of children through education, we can change the life of a family, our community, and eventually make the world a better place.
Alejandra: We’re working on every detail—the décor, the atmosphere—so that people can really feel this connection between past, present, and future. There will definitely be some surprises! There’s a huge group of volunteers bringing everything together.
Anna: We are grateful for the time and effort that goes into making the Gala a success. And, if you’re planning to attend—get your tickets early! We have ambitious fundraising goals, and there are great early bird prices until March 31st, table sponsorships, and corporate opportunities.
Elsa: Musical performances, special moments! The Gala is just the beginning of our 90th-anniversary celebrations—and it’s going to be unforgettable.
Lycée Français de New York – Gala 2025
Notre Héritage, Notre Avenir : Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future
Thursday, May 8 at 6.30pm
The Glasshouse, New York City
Tickets here.
About the Author :
Caroline Naralasetty, Director of Development, was born in France and is a proud Lycée alumna and parent. She majored in art history at Stanford University, before beginning a career in fundraising for cultural institutions. She holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.