Nearly 5,600 students took part in this year’s Hanoi City High School Academic Excellence Competition. Among the many talented students competing in this challenging academic arena, Vu Hoang Mai An (11Orlando) earned Third Prize in Japanese in her very first attempt.
Japanese has been part of Mai An’s life through her previous studies and living experiences. However, taking part in a major academic competition was an entirely different experience. The competition required in-depth academic knowledge, strong analytical skills, and the ability to use the language flexibly. Adding to the challenge, contestants competed against other high-achieving students from across the city who shared the same strengths.

Mai An shared: “As this was my first time taking part, the result has given me a better basis for understanding my abilities in comparison with my peers. I’m also looking forward to the challenges ahead and am curious to see how far I can go in future competitions.”
This Third Prize is also Mai An’s first academic award in Japanese. The result recognizes the language skills she has developed over the years and opens up a new path for her to explore Japanese at a deeper academic level.
At Dewey, every student brings their own linguistic and cultural background, along with unique life experiences. When these strengths are recognized and given room to grow, students can better understand their own abilities, approach greater challenges with confidence, and discover new ways to connect with the world.
Congratulations to Mai An on earning Third Prize in one of the city’s major academic competitions. May this first achievement give her the confidence to continue pursuing her passion for Japanese and gradually push beyond her own limits.




