Skits and speeches win "kudos" for District students

Despite a record number of participants from across the state—and up to 15 entries per category—Issaquah Japanese language students won prestigious honors at the 24th annual Washington State Japanese Speech and Skit Contest on March 30 at the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle.

Sponsored by the Hyogo Business & Cultural Center, the Consulate General of Japan, and the City of Seattle, this fun and challenging contest gives students an opportunity to use their Japanese language skills to communicate complex ideas and thought. It is open to all Washington State high school students studying Japanese as a foreign language. The panel of judges consists of representatives from the Consulate General of Japan, local Japanese businesses, and Japanese educators. The 400-person auditorium is always standing room only during the skits.

Issaquah students won or placed in five categories:

• Skyline High School students Marci Estalallia, Tristan Golban, Ryan Lee, Tiffany Lam, and Andrea Nguyen won first place in the skit contest for first-year students.
• Skyline students Alex Hu, Tony She, Andie Uomoto, and Noel Vincent won first place in the skit contest for second-year students.
• Liberty students Zach Ishimitsu, Leslie West, Khuyen Do, and Tyler Kirkevold won third place in the skit contest for third-year students.
• Liberty students Austin Hedeen, Richie Weisburg, Justin Hoo, and Kayla Hough won third place in the skit contest for first-year students.
• Issaquah High student Faith Kim won second place in the second-year speech contest.

All 35 Issaquah School District contestants spent many hours after school preparing and made their Japanese teachers Tammy Haldeman and Paula Murakami very proud!