The first competition was held in April of 1953 at the Provençal House of Rollins College and continued to occur annually.
[2] In 1962, professor Suzanne Carrell facilitated the event's relocation to Jacksonville University where it had remained for several years.
[2] A French national, Carrell, was highly praised for her work in strengthening the cultural ties between the United States and France, particularly in the relationship between the sister cities of Jacksonville and Nantes.
Separately, students who demonstrate in writing an intent to continue their studies in French (especially in higher education) are allowed to win multiple scholarships, the most notable of which is the Bourse Suzanne Carrell.
The organization's homepage claims that the event allows students to "meet other enthusiastic Francophiles who inspire one another."