(South Orange—March 5, 2010) The New Jersey Association of Teachers of Japanese (NJATJ) recognized the dedication of Jersey City resident Trisha Briones and Ashley Matarama of North Bergen, both seniors at High Tech, with 2010 New Jersey Japanese Language and Culture Studies Awards, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Director of High Tech and Academy of Architectural & Contemporary Themes (AACT).

Held at Seton Hall University, the ceremony honored twenty-six students in all from middle school to college. Formerly, the Japanese program at Seton Hall University had bestowed the New Jersey Japanese Language and Culture Studies Awards to distinguished students. This year, however, NJATJ, established in May 2009, now distributes these awards.

Like its predecessor, NJATJ brought high school students together from every socio-economic and geographic region in and around New York City. In addition to the awards ceremony, teachers, students, and parents perused enjoyed activities, which included flower arrangements, calligraphy, origami, Naginata (a Japanese dish), sushi, rice balls, and Japanese pastry.

Seton Hall’s Department of Asian Studies offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. The major program provides students with training in the languages, histories, politics, religions, and cultures of Asia, leading to careers in government, international services, research, teaching and business, as well as to advanced graduate study. The Master of Arts program prepares students to become Asian specialists in government and diplomatic services, business, and education.