The Champions from Nishihara High School

Oct. 3-4, American Village, Chatan – Students from the Department of Defense Dependants' (DoDDS) Kadena and Kubasaki High Schools competed with students from local Okinawan high schools in a photo contest this weekend. The contest, sponsored by the American Consulate, The Okinawan-American High School Arts Exchange Executive Committee with support from Okinawa Prefecture Senior High School Cultural Federation, Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education, Chatan Town Board of Education, the Mihama 7 Cineplex and Foremost Blue Seal Ice Cream, challenged teams of students to take photos in and around the American Village shopping area and combine them into thematic displays.

When the students and their supporters reassembled at the Chatan Mihama Community Center on Sunday, each group gave an oral presentation on the artistic vision behind their projects. Then, during an exchange event where the American and Okinawan team members had the chance to meet one another and exchange artistic tips, they selected the winners.

• First Prize was awarded to Nishihara High School for their photos of the many different smiles they met while in the American Village Area.
• Second place went to DoDDS Kadena High School
• Third place went to Urasoe Industrial High School.
• The Consulate General Naha Special Prize for the work that best showed the special relationship between the American and Okinawan people went to DoDDS Kubasaki High School.

The photo contest is part of a continuing series of artistic exchange events designed by Consulate General Naha to promote cross cultural friendship among young artist. As with previous events, the students mixed well with one another and many new friendships were formed.

DoDDS Kadena High School, the 2nd Place winners

Special Consulate Prize for DoDDS Kubasaki High School

Urasoe Industrial High School came in 3rd place.