Mesa, AZ – May 6, 2026 – Three Mesa Community College (MCC) students were recently recognized for their performances at the 33rd Arizona Japanese Speech Contest. Carlos Jasso, a student of Ryoji Ouchi, earned third place in Category B (Elementary Level II, College Division); Adrian Moreno, a student of Emi Ahn, achieved first place in Category B; and Aislynn Carpenter, a student of Tomoko Katayama, earned first place in Category C (Intermediate Level).
Aislynn Carpenter was also awarded the highest honor of the competition – the Grand Prize – recognizing her as the top contestant among all participants this year. This award highlights her confidence, proficiency and ability to communicate in Japanese.
Co-sponsored by MCC, the event brought 38 talented contestants together representing institutions from across the state, including the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, Paradise Valley Community College, MCC and several high schools offering Japanese language programs.
“This year’s competition showcased exceptional dedication, linguistic skill and cultural understanding,” said Emi Ahn who teaches Japanese courses in MCC’s World Languages Department. “Our MCC students distinguished themselves in a highly competitive field.”
For additional information about MCC’s Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Japanese program, visit mesacc.edu.
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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, [email protected], 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services.
A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.