On Saturday, February 22, 2025, nine students from Wabash High School traveled to DePauw University to compete in the annual Japanese Olympiad of Indiana (JOI).  Nine schools with 34 total teams from all over Indiana came together to test their Japanese knowledge in a competitive event.

With cultural activities and an awesome Taiko drumming performance, students were able to experience Japanese culture first-hand. 

Two teams from Japanese II and one team from Japanese IV from WHS competed for a chance to bring home recognition.  Wabash High School history was made when seniors Cole V. and Avry D. from Japanese IV took 3rd place out of the 10 teams competing at the Japanese IV level.  This is the first time Wabash has placed in the top three at the JOI at any level.

Calling all Japan enthusiasts! This past February, Wabash High School's brightest Japanese language stars had the chance to showcase their skills at the prestigious Japanese Olympiad of Indiana (JOI).

The JOI is an annual event that brings together high school students from across the state in a friendly yet competitive academic battle. This year, students from our Japanese 2 and 3 classes proudly represented Wabash High School in a quiz bowl format, testing their knowledge of both Japanese language and cultural understanding.

The JOI is a fantastic opportunity for students to:

• Challenge themselves: It pushes them to go beyond their textbooks and delve deeper into the intricacies of the Japanese language and culture.

• Connect with peers: Students get to meet and compete against fellow Japanese enthusiasts from other Indiana schools, fostering a sense of community and shared passion.

• Gain confidence: Participating in the Olympiad builds confidence in their language abilities and cultural understanding.

A big congratulations to all the Wabash High School students who participated in the 2024 JOI! Whether you brought home a trophy or simply honed your Japanese skills, your dedication and hard work are truly commendable.

Are you interested in learning Japanese? Wabash High School's Japanese language program offers a fun and engaging way to explore this fascinating language and culture. Consider enrolling in our introductory courses and maybe you'll be the next Wabash student competing at the JOI!