Scouts say “Merci” as MP scores language win
“I’m absolutely delighted to have come top of the class, but even more pleased that the prize money will go to our brilliant local Scouts”
Local MP Alex Mayer has scooped a £5,000 prize after being crowned Duolingo’s Parliament Language Champion, with Leighton Buzzard’s Church Riverside Scout Group set to benefit.
At a lively Westminster awards ceremony, complete with Duolingo’s famous green owl mascot, Ms Mayer topped the leaderboard ahead of MPs and Peers from across Parliament after months of language learning on the app.
Over the past three months, parliamentarians have been brushing up on their French, Spanish and more, collecting points and competing for the top spot, with Ms Mayer coming first overall.
Now, thanks to her success, local Scouts can say “merci beaucoup, muchas gracias and thanks very much” to a welcome funding boost, with half of the £5,000 prize going to support their activities in Leighton Buzzard.
Alex Mayer MP said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have come top of the class, but even more pleased that the prize money will go to our brilliant local Scouts. They do such fantastic work for young people in our community, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the difference this funding will make.
“Duolingo has made learning a language fun, friendly and a little bit competitive, which has been a great combination!”