Huntington Duo Excel in
Japan Center Contest
Huntington High School sophomores Liz Whitcher and Emaad Khwaja were named semi-finalists in the Japan Center at Stony Brook University's 6th annual essay contest.
The two teenagers are students in social studies teacher Camille Tedeschi's Advanced Placement World History course. Last year the pair was enrolled in Ms. Tedeschi's Honors World History class.
The contest, sponsored by Canon U.S.A. drew entries from many talented students. According to the entry form, contestants were asked to "discuss one or more aspects of Japan including Japan's arts, pop culture, traditions, values, philosophy, history, society, politics, business, and technology in relation to their personal view, experiences, and/or future goals."
Ms.Whitcher and Mr. Khwaja are held in high esteem. "I have taught them both for two years and they are stellar students who work hard to achieve success," she said. "They make my job a lot of fun because they are both smart and funny and know how to enjoy themselves while being serious and learning. Both contribute a lot to our class."
Ms. Whitcher is known as a friendly, caring and motivated young woman. "She will be my intern when she is a senior," Ms. Tedeschi said. Mr. Khwaja is "calm, cool, collected and extremely smart," the teacher said.
"The aim of the Japan Center – Canon Essay Competition is to promote awareness and understanding of Japan in the United States and to help young Americans broaden their international horizons," according to the contest website.
Shinichi Nishimiya (Ambassador and Consul General of Japan) and Joe Adachi (President of Canon U.S.A., Inc.) were the contest's honorary judges. Regular judges included representatives from five different Stony Brook University academic departments.