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The Academic Merit or Cross of Honour (Le Mérite scolaire ou croix d'honneur) is, in France, a distinction granted to the best students in a class, mainly in the primary and middle school cycle, and symbolized by the award of a medal in the shape of a cross.
This procedure fell into disuse in the 1950s.
Left to the discretion of the individual schools, it is awarded for each class to the best students by subject or in general for the results obtained during a week or a month, after which it was put back into play.
Excellence in discipline and camaraderie is also a criterion taken into account.
This type of award is most often found in the primary or middle school sections of high schools (lycées) or Catholic institutions, especially Lasallian schools (écoles Lasalliennes), the star present on all the medals recalls the emblem of these schools.
It is also highlighted in school battalions.
Taking the form of a cross pattée surrounded by laurels, it is intended to recall the cross of the Legion of Honor.
Its ribbon is often red or sometimes blue.
Most medals bear the mention Au Mérite and a star.
The simple medal is made of bronze or silver-plated brass, but there are deluxe models with an enamelled cross.
