High School Video Contest
In recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we are excited to present Rina Iwata from Katy, Texas as the winner of our High School Video Contest, sponsored by global media and technology leader Comcast NBCUniversal. We invited high school students in the United States to utilize the National Veterans Network’s resources to research and share how the story of an American WWII soldier of Japanese ancestry impacted their own life.
Rina Iwata, a senior at Seven Lakes High School in Katy, TX, utilized original illustrations, historical photos and an individual interview to depict how her personal life was impacted by the story of Japanese American World War II veteran George Fujimoto in her winning. We also congratulate video contest runners-up Andrew Frost and Ryan Kimura, both from California.
A committee of judges reviewed the videos based on the following criteria:
- Reflection on the Nisei soldiers’ values of Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Compassion, Perseverance, and Humility
- Relevancy to today
- Historical accuracy
The committee was impressed and moved with how Rina understood the importance of sharing the stories of the Japanese American WWII soldiers, while sharing her unique perspective of her own identity and struggle as an Asian American in this country.
“We must continue to share the narratives of the Japanese American World War II veterans, not only because they are critical chapters in the American struggle to achieve freedom, but also because they serve as reminders for all Americans that individuals of minority skin color, descent, walks of life – are just as American,” said Iwata.
Sponsored by:
