Thiès school wins US Embassy’s National English Competition
By Mutiu Olawuyi
Photos: US Embassy, Dakar
Lycée Ahmadou Ndack Seck de Thiès has emerged winner of the national English competition “Who’s the Best?”, organized across American Spaces in Senegal by the U.S. Embassy in Dakar.
The grand finale, held at the Daniel Sorano National Theater, brought together young English learners from Thiès, Louga, Saint-Louis and Ziguinchor, who demonstrated creativity, language competence, public confidence and knowledge of American history before an enthusiastic audience.
The competition formed part of the U.S. Embassy’s cultural and educational engagement in Senegal, using language learning as a bridge for leadership, cross-cultural understanding and youth development.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, the students impressed judges and supporters with their passion, teamwork and command of English. The embassy congratulated all participants, saying each team had made its community proud.
“And the best is… Lycée Ahmadou Ndack Seck de Thiès,” the embassy announced, celebrating the school’s victory and praising the excellence, determination and passion shown by all participants.
The competition also highlighted the role of American Spaces in Senegal, which serve as platforms for learning, dialogue, leadership development and cultural exchange. Through programs like “Who’s the Best?”, students are encouraged not only to improve their English, but also to develop confidence, research skills, collaboration and global awareness.
For many young Senegalese, English is more than a school subject. It is increasingly a tool for higher education, technology, diplomacy, tourism, entrepreneurship and international opportunity. Competitions like this help students move from classroom learning to public performance, where language becomes a living skill.
The participation of students from multiple regions also gave the event national significance. By bringing together learners from Thiès, Louga, Saint-Louis and Ziguinchor, the competition showed that talent is not limited to the capital and that regional students deserve platforms where they can be seen, heard and celebrated.
The U.S. Embassy said its American Spaces bring communities together across Senegal to promote cross-cultural understanding, leadership and American values of creativity, innovation and collaboration.
The victory of Lycée Ahmadou Ndack Seck de Thiès therefore represents more than a trophy. It is a recognition of preparation, discipline and teamwork. It also sends a message to young people across Senegal that language learning can open doors when supported by mentorship, opportunity and confidence.
The event also reflected the importance of educational diplomacy. When embassies, schools, teachers and communities invest in young people, they strengthen the human foundation of international friendship. Students who learn languages and cultures today can become tomorrow’s translators, diplomats, journalists, entrepreneurs, teachers, researchers and bridge-builders.
Supporters who attended the finale added energy to the competition, cheering their teams and turning the event into a celebration of youth potential.
For the champions from Thiès, the moment was a proud achievement. For all participants, it was a reminder that excellence is not only in winning, but in preparation, courage and the willingness to stand before others and express ideas with clarity.
The “Who’s the Best?” competition ended with one champion, but its wider success belonged to every student who participated, every teacher who prepared them and every community that encouraged them.
