On Friday, March 22nd 2024, Rachel Leng represented the Harvard Club of Japan (HCJ) in presenting the prestigious Harvard Prize Book to the winning student at Hiroo Gakuen. This event marked a significant moment in recognizing academic excellence and fostering meaningful discussions with the aspiring high school students.
Table of Contents
- Harvard Prize Book 2024 at Hiroo Gakuen
- Harvard Prize Book 2024 Winning Student.
- About Harvard Prize Book
- Final Thoughts
Harvard Prize Book 2024 at Hiroo Gakuen
This year marked my 7th year as representative of the Havard Club of Japan at Havard Prize Book to outstanding Japanese high school students!
See previous ceremonies:
- Spring 2021: HPB Awards 2020
- Spring 2020: HPB Awards 2019
- Spring 2019: HPB Awards 2018
- Spring 2018: HPB Awards 2017
In addition to the award presentation, I engaged in a roundtable discussion with the students at Hiroo Gakuen. I was deeply impressed by the many thoughtful questions posed by the students, ranging from the value of a liberal arts education in the U.S. to insights on career development. The conversation was dynamic and insightful, reflecting the students’ genuine curiosity and their eagerness to explore new ideas.
As an alumni presenter of the Harvard Book Prize Awards and a member of the Harvard Club of Japan committee, I wish to encourage more students to think broadly about where they apply to college. I shared about the benefits of studying in the U.S. and living across various countries, encouraging students not to shy away from studying abroad and taking on new challenges.
See More:
My Educational Mentorship Experience
Harvard Prize Book 2024 Winning Student
This year winner was Ms. Manari Hiruta (蛭田真成)
Manari Hiruta has distinguished herself through exceptional academic performance and proactive leadership, making a significant impact both within and outside the school. Excelling across all subjects, she has consistently achieved top marks, with a perfect GPA of 5.0. Her achievements extend beyond the classroom, particularly in the humanities subjects, where she has excelled in external academic competitions. In the 2022 World Scholars Cup, Manari earned top honors in several categories, including Debate, Art and History, and Writing, securing first place in Team Writing at the Global Round.
Manari’s talents are not limited to academics. She has made remarkable contributions as a leader in her class and extracurricular activities, while also expanding her horizons through volunteer work and internships, demonstrating her commitment to social responsibility. Her intellectual curiosity, deep analysis in English literature classes, and ability to communicate her insights make her a deserving recipient of the Harvard Prize Book.
| About the Harvard Prize Book |
| Harvard Prize Books (HPB) are awarded to outstanding students in the next-to-graduating high school class who display excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields. Harvard Prize Books are presented annually in nearly 2,000 high schools around the world. In Japan, about 20 schools participate in the program. Prize Books are an important way for Harvard Clubs and Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) to help attract the attention of talented young students to the opportunities at Harvard College and studying liberal arts. |
More About My Journey With Harvard Prize Book (Harvard Alumni Association)
Final Thoughts
By conversing in English, the students enthusiastically explored a wide range of subjects, demonstrating both intellectual curiosity and a drive to learn.
The questions posed covered a broad spectrum, reflecting the diverse interests and aspirations of these young people. They sought my advice on how to excel in their current schoolwork, and how to best prepare for university and the possibility of studying overseas. Beyond academics, the students were also eager to gain insights into life after high school, asking for guidance on career choices, entrepreneurship, and how to start their own businesses. It was truly inspiring for me to see such bright young minds eager to engage in thoughtful discussions about the value of a liberal arts education and the various pathways they can explore in the global arena, given enough courage and determination.
The enthusiasm and curiosity of the students at Hiroo Gakuen were a reminder of the importance of fostering intellectual curiosity and leadership from a young age. I am confident that these students will continue to excel and make meaningful contributions to society. It was an honor to represent the Harvard Club of Japan and to witness firsthand the impact that recognition, like the Harvard Prize Book, can have in encouraging academic and personal growth.
