Japanese speech contest winner and more

John Ampa Jr., a student from Everett Alvarez High School, was the winner of this year's Monterey County Japanese Speech contest with his speech "If I could Redo My Life.

Jorge Rodriguez from Alisal High earned the Judge's award with his speech "Growing up as an Immigrant."

The event, which took place March 11, was attended by 50 college students from Japan. They made presentations in English about Japanese culture, holidays, dance and rice!

"It was a memorable and wonderful event where our students' love for the Japanese language and culture were celebrated and showcased," said Minako Kamimura, Japanese language teacher at Salinas High. 

 And speaking of Japanese art, if you happen to take a stroll on Main St. in Salinas Friday, during First Friday Art Walk, make sure you admire the pieces produced by Salinas Union High School Students.

 "This is a first time event, and we are very excited to showcase the talents and creativity of our students," Kamimura said. The Art walk takes place from 5 to 8 p.m.

* An earlier version of the blog misidentified Kamimura as a Salinas High parent.