Annual Sorobon Competition Set for May 22.  It’s time to show that old technology can still set the pace in the modern world. On May 22, over 110 DoDDS students representing seven schools across the Kanto Plain will show their skills with the sorobon.  The competition will be held at the New Sanno Hotel. This device has been used for thousands of years to do mathematical computations. Based on the abacus which Romans used to solve problems, the sorobon is a Japanese adaptation of a Chinese device. In the competition, children solve progressively harder problems on their sorobon. The winners are able to add five digit numbers faster than most of us could do on an electronic calculator. This competition is just a small example of how DoDDS students interact with the host nation and demonstrate appreciation for its culture and history.

Congrats are in order for EJ King HS and Ms. Carola Cintron.  She received news that she has been accepted to Harvard University, class of 2012. Ms. Cintron is joining an elite group.  This year of the more than 27,000 students who applied, 93% were rejected.

Winners - 27th Anniversary - Junior Science and Humanities Symposium.  First place, Alex Kuster, Osan High School; second place, Kathrina Orozco, Guam High School; third place, Leslie Anne Stake, Osan High School.  Mr. Kuster, Miss Orozco, and Miss Stake will be traveling to the National Symposium where they will present their research projects.  They depart for Orlando, Florida on Monday, April 28, 2008.  Alex and Kathrina qualify to compete at the National Symposium for  scholarships ranging from $16,000 for first place to $2,000 for third.  If either should finish first in their presentation category, they will be eligible to attend the International Forum in London this summer with all expenses paid by National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium.