STOCKTON — The French Camp Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) held its 68th annual Installation and New Year’s luncheon at King’s House Restaurant in downtown Stockton.
Approximately 40 members and their family attended the March 13 event.
Stockton JACL President Aeko Yoshikawa installed the following 2016 slate of French Camp Chapter officers: President Dean Komure; Vice President Sam Liang; Treasurer Karen Nakamura; Secretary Jeannie Matsumoto; Membership Marcy Wong; Delegate Alan Nishi; Advisor Katy Komure.
The 2016 Harry & Dorothy Ota Memorial Chapter Scholarship was awarded to Katelyn Kimiko Nakamura, a senior at Lincoln High. Katelyn is an honors student who serves as the Student Trustee on the Lincoln Unified School District Board representing over 9,000 students. She is the founder and President of the WAVES Club (Worth, Achievement, Volunteering, Empowerment and Success) which advocates Women’s Empowerment. She is a four year Varsity player and Captain of the tennis team and will achieve four “Commitment to Community” awards for completing 100 community service hours each year. She has served for three years as a Youth Deacon at Calvary Presbyterian Church. She plans to pursue a degree in Human Biology at either USC, UC Davis, or UOP.
The 2016 French Camp Chapter Scholarship was awarded to Kyle Kenichiro Asano, a senior at Fremont High. Kyle is an honors student at Fremont High school and has scored a near perfect college entrance exam score. He is very involved in his high school choir, serving as choir section leader, singing club officer, and singing solos in concerts and musicals. As a result, he was awarded the William Stretch Award twice for his musical aptitude and peer leadership. He is also an officer in the Japanese club and has worked with his teacher on advanced 3D printing technology and modeling. He plans to major in mechanical engineering at Santa Clara University.
The 2016 French Camp Chapter Scholarship was also awarded to Brett Nakashima, a senior at Lincoln High. Brett is an honors student who has excelled in sports and community service. He has earned multiple Commitment to Community awards for his volunteer work including service to Calvary Presbyterian Church. He serves as Vice–President for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a member of the Japanese Club. He has played Frosh and JV basketball and is a 3 year member of the Varsity Golf team. He plans to attend Biola University and major in Business Management.
The luncheon ended with all attendees receiving a raffle prize. The next French Camp JACL event will be its annual picnic with the Lodi JACL on Sunday, June 5, at Micke Grove Park.
French Camp JACL installs new officers