The Japan-America Society of Georgia - Japan Academic Challenge & Speech Contest

2025 JPN Academic Challenge Winners!!

On March 22, 2025, 18 high school students from all across Georgia studying Japanese competed in the 2025 Annual Japanese Academic Challenge at Sharon Forks Library, sponsored by Temple University Japan Campus and the Japan Foundation, and co-organized by The Japan-America Society of Georgia and the Georgia Association of Teachers of Japanese.

The Japan Academic Challenge is an annual quiz bowl-style competition that tests students’ knowledge of Japanese culture, grammar, and language. The Challenge has 4 different levels: Level I being reserved for students who are currently in their first year of Japanese studies, Level II for second year students, Level III for third year students, and Level IV for fourth year students. This year, a total of 7 teams from 2 Georgia high schools, Milton High School and Roswell High School, competed in the Academic Challenge.

The results are as follows:

2025 Academic Challenge Winners

	Level I 1st: Roswell High School Team A Soleil Gallenberger, Jamie Cox, Annabelle Breaux 2nd: Milton High School Jackson Jenkins, Abigail Courtney 3rd: Roswell High School Team B Zara Marraccini, Emory Blanks
	Level II 1st: Roswell High School Team A Ethan Evans, James Councill, Annalee Tucker 2nd: Roswell High School Harris White, Ken Richey
	Level IV 1st: Milton High School Sydney Vidmar, Gavin Girard, Madelyn Shaffer 2nd: Roswell High School Dalton Peek, Ryan Dittmore

2025 GA Japanese Speech Contest

The 2025 GA Japanese Speech Contest, held on March 29th at Alpharetta Library, showcased impressive language skills across four categories, with participants from high schools and universities delivering outstanding speeches. Several individuals earned top honors and special mentions for their exceptional performances. The event also featured a Video Showcase, which was enjoyed by attendees. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and dedication!

The annual GA Japanese Speech Contest, organized by the Georgia Association of Teachers of Japanese, provides an opportunity for students at various levels of Japanese proficiency to showcase their language skills. Divided into four categories, the competition accommodates high school students, as well as college students ranging from beginner (JLPT N5-N4 level) to advanced (JLPT N2 or higher).

2025 GA Japanese Speech Contest Winners

Category I

1st: Jackson Marling (Lumpkin County High School)

Honorable Mention: Jiayi Sun (Roswell High School)

Category II

1st: Andrew Witherington (Kennessaw State University)

2nd: Bummoon Lee (Kennessaw State University)

3rd: Devin Elliott (University of North Georgia)

Honorable Mention: Mackenzie Johnson-Tucker (University of North Georgia)

Category III

1st: Christian Xiong (Georgia Institute of Technology)

2nd: Alexander Gattis (University of North Georgia)