MESA, Arizona – May 5, 2016 – Japanese language students from Mesa Community College competed in the 27th Annual Arizona Japanese Speech Contest on April 17, 2016. The contest is presented by the Arizona Association of Teachers of Japanese.
Contestants from nine high schools and six colleges in Arizona competed with students with similar levels of Japanese language skills and experiences.
MCC Japanese language students Emily Chase (Phoenix) and Miguel Rodriguez (Tempe) competed and were recognized for their presentations. Chase was recognized with a Creative Award for her speech, “Why is it important to learn a foreign language while young?” Rodriguez received third place for “For the Sake of Others.”
MCC has cosponsored the Japanese Speech Contest for two decades and served as host for the event on multiple occasions. This year Kenichi Maruyama, MCC grants coordinator, whose native language is Japanese, was invited to serve as a judge along with a Consulate-General of Japan and local business leaders.
“There are many students who are interested in studying Japanese in Arizona; this contest provides them an opportunity to showcase their Japanese language skills,” said Maruyama.
A Karate demonstration and tea ceremony were showcased for attendees to enhance the cultural experience of the event.
The Japanese language program at MCC offers two tracks. The conversation track emphasizes speaking and listening skills for those desiring basic conversational ability. The foundation track prepares students for higher-level university courses and includes instruction in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
This year’s event was co-hosted by Gilbert High School and the Consulate General of Japan, Los Angeles, and co-sponsored by Japan Airlines, Japan Business Association of Arizona, Japan Foundation, Arizona State University, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona.
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Contact
Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its service-learning, civic engagement and innovative educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and life-long learning. Host to 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC’s student body hails predominantly from the East Valley of Phoenix and includes Veteran, American Indian and International students who enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC is one of 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. The District also includes the Maricopa Corporate College and two skill centers. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) http://www.ncahlc.org, 800-621-7440.
The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.