Omedetou!

To the winners of the 5th annual High School Japanese Speech Contest of Monterey County, held at North Salinas High School on March 25. Andy Chuang, a sophomore in Stevenson School, nabbed first prize (in the picture). In second came David Estrada of North Salinas High School, and Brian Lara also of North Salinas High School took third place. Another third place winner was Sara Hamilton of Salinas High School.
The contestants had to show their Japanese language skills in three areas: prepared speech, spontaneous speech, and Q&A session with five judges. First place winner Chuang is now eligible to apply for the the Eighth Annual Aurora Foundation All-USA High School Japanese Speech Contest to be held on May 28 in Los Angeles.