My students won だいいち (dai ichi)！

So, every year there is an English speech contest in my gun (county), represented by some 12 odd schools. Us native English speakers prepare these kids to compete against each other, so it is a bit of a source of pride for all of us to see how they do, because, in a way, we compete against each other (of course, it depends on how involved the actual English teacher, school, etc etc is). At the speech contest, it doesn't matter; what matters is that your students sound as native as possible! Last year my school didn't place, and apparently, we haven't placed in a looong time. Anyhow, so the 3rd year student didn't place (big surprise, she only met with me once), the 1st year students were replacements for the chosen students (who got quarantined for influenza the day before the contest) had ONE DAY to practice, and therefore didn't place. BUT alas, my 2nd years stuck with me til the end and they got FIRST PLACE!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!! I was so proud of them. But now we go to the "state" competition! The principal couldn't stop talking about it, took our pictures, posted it on the front board, made an announcement to the whole school as soon as we got back, etc etc. It was pretty interesting to see their surprise when they found out how awesome I am...ahem.... I mean....the students are of course. Lol, jk, but really I am so proud of them. Their speech is from their textbook, about Americans and how we say nice things to each other as a greeting, like "if you have a new bag, I can say 'I like your bag'." It's actually a pretty funny speech, very entertaining. I didn't even realize that Americans did that, but yes, we do compliment each other ALOT.