Base leaders judge Kadena Town English Contest

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kasey Zickmund
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Kadena Town held its 10th annual English contest Nov. 10, and two senior officers from here took part in the judging and presentation of awards.

The contest is meant to encourage youth to engage, through speeches, in global discussions regarding international exchange, friendship and understanding, as well as cultural values.

"The 18th Wing participation through judging and awards presentation helps further advance our relationship with the Kadena Language Institute," said Col. Max Kirschbaum, 18th Mission Support Group commander. "The contestants impressed us again this year with their views on current issues and their command of English."

The Kadena Language Institute hosted the contest while members of its faculty served on the judges' panel and presented awards. KLI's goal is to give youth a chance to learn foreign languages and computer skills while promoting a sense of internationalism.

Col. Charles Ennis, 18th MSG deputy commander, was the first Kadena official to be on the judges' panel for the contest. He also presented gifts to elementary school children for their dance performances of "We love Eisa" and "Tiny Boppers."

"It was an honor to be asked to judge this year's Kadena Language Institute speech contest," said Colonel Ennis. "I have attended the contest the past three years but this is the first year I've been asked to serve as a judge."

Contestants ranged from elementary school children to adults. Each contestant had to memorize their speech without notes, and within a time limit. They were scored on speech content and expressions.

The contest was organized into four different categories with five contestants in each. Categories were Elementary School, Jr. High School, Senior High School, and adult.

The one winner from each category received the "golden" award - which included a trophy, a certificate, and a 15,000 yen coupon book.

Narumi Genka, an Okinawa Shougaku Senior High School second-year student, was the grand prize winner for her speech "For a Brighter Future." The win earned Ms. Genka various prizes, including one month to study abroad provided by the Global Education Academy, and a 100,000 yen scholarship from KLI.

The 18th Wing special award, presented by Colonel Kirschbaum, was given to Natsuki Yamamoto, Kadena Town Elementary School fourth-grade student for his story "Polar Bear."

"For the past two years, I have been amazed by the English speaking skills of all the age groups from fourth grade through young adults," said Colonel Ennis. "Preparing and speaking in front of a large crowd is difficult enough, but to do so in a foreign language with the proficiency the speakers demonstrated highlights abilities they spent years developing."

This was the sixth time Kadena military members have been involved in the event.

"I applaud each of the students for their dedication to studying languages," said Colonel Ennis.