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Student from Japan chooses Barton to learn English, launch career
BCC Japan Yota Kamikawa
Barton Community College student Yota Kamikawa is shown on the Barton campus. Kamikawa came to Kansas from Japan to study sports management.

Yota Kamikawa came to Barton Community College from Japan knowing only a little English, but in less than three months he is able to competently carry on a conversation in his second language. Kamikawa has been taking English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at Barton, and he said it has made all the difference.

“My English has improved quite a bit,” he said. “I hope to one day work as an analyst for a professional baseball team.”

He has already completed two years of college in Japan. Barton’s associate degree and the ability to speak English will help him land his dream job.

ESOL Instructor Abby Howe said Kamikawa is a model student.

“Yota’s English was good when he arrived at Barton in August, but his skills have already improved,” she said. “He is a hard worker, and I am impressed by the way he works on improving his English. He not only studies and attends classes but also finds opportunities to practice outside class.”

Howe said ESOL is a little unconventional in its approach, which makes Kamikawa’s progress even more impressive.

“The unique challenge in ESOL is that all the lessons and assignments are in English, which the students are learning as a foreign language,” she explained. “Imagine that you attended the first day of a German I class and the instructor only communicated in German. At the most basic levels, like Introduction to English and ESOL, I use pictures, pantomime, and examples to communicate the ideas of the words and lessons. At the upper levels, ESOL II and III, I explain unfamiliar words and lessons by using English words and concepts that the students already know.”

Kamikawa said he’s grateful for the level of support he has received from Barton while trying to learn English, noting a few key elements of Barton’s atmosphere that have been conducive to his success. Class size, he said, is particularly important.

“Having more one-on-one interaction is very important,” he said. “Since there are fewer people in a class, the teachers can listen to you and help you.”

Those interested in learning English through Barton can contact the Testing Center at bartonccc.edu/online/services/placement or send an email to placementtesting@bartonccc.edu to schedule and take a free placement test without any commitment. They can meet with Howe or another advisor to discuss options for classes at the appropriate level. Part-time students can only take one class at a time.


This story is part of a series celebrating Academics Month through November, which highlights Barton’s various academic programs through events, stories, social media posts and more. Visit bartonccc.edu/academicsmonth for more information.


GBHS students bring home top honors at Job Olympics
job olympics team 2025
Great Bend High School students and teachers pose for a photo following the annual Job Olympics, held March 26 in Hays. From left: Brandi Suchy, interpreter and coach; Payton Edwards, 10th grade; Jamie Patton, 12th grade; MaKayla Cross, 11th grade; Faith Mead, 10th grade; Rhonda Glenn, special education teacher and coach; and Trish Berger, special education teacher, work Study coordinator and coach.
job olympics grocery packing
MaKayla Cross competes in a grocery packing event at the Job Olympics.

Four students from Great Bend High School put their skills to the test and brought home top honors during the annual Job Olympics, held March 26 in Hays.

Representing GBHS at this day-long event were students MaKayla Cross, Jamie Patton, Payton Edwards and Faith Mead. These outstanding students competed in a variety of hands-on events designed to build employability skills and boost confidence for future career success. Their hard work and preparation paid off with impressive results:

• 1st Place – Small Gas Engines, Rolling Silverware

• 2nd Place – Sorting Recyclables, Kids Meals Packaging

The Job Olympics provides students with opportunities to practice real-world job tasks, connect with employers, and engage in meaningful social experiences. The event aims to build motivation to learn job skills, improve social interactions, foster new friendships, and develop self-confidence. Participants also receive valuable feedback on their personal employability skills.

“The students not only gained practical skills that will serve them throughout their lives, but also built friendships with students from other schools and communities,” shared Trish Berger, Vocational Program Coordinator and Special Education Teacher at GBHS. “It’s inspiring to see their growth and enthusiasm during this event.”

Accompanied by three dedicated coaches, the GBHS team embraced every opportunity the Job Olympics had to offer, demonstrating perseverance and a positive attitude in each competition. Events like these reinforce the importance of community partnerships and showcase the talents and abilities of students with special needs.

For more information about the vocational programs at Great Bend High School, contact Trish Berger at 620-793-1521.

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grocery stocking 2025
Payton Edwards competes in the grocery stocking event at the Job Olympics.