VOLUME 28 FALL 2020 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020 Continue to Pursue Your Dreams From the Greater Seattle Awards Committee
We were so excited NSRCF decided that we personally to return to the Greater Seattle area contributed for its 40th anniversary. The local and raised awards committee is a passionate approximately and thoughtful group, comprised of $15,000 from the community and education leaders local community. who genuinely care about helping We also students gain access to higher dedicated education. Many of us were also $5,000 of the first-generation college students and locally raised we chose to serve on this committee funds to provide because of the huge opportunity for scholarships to Black Lives Matter us to give back and pay it forward. four Pacific Islander students. The Seattle Awards Committee would like to take a moment to Southeast Asian students are faced Thank you to the families, teachers, reflect on the racial injustices that are with barriers and challenges around and advisors who worked tirelessly happening in our nation amidst this language, gaps in mental health to support them. Thank you, pandemic. We as Asian Americans treatment, race-based bullying, students, for sharing your stories, and Pacific Islanders stand in and harassment that prevent hardships, and goals with us. It was solidarity with the Black Community many of them from obtaining inspiring tolearn how much you have and condemn the violence they face. higher education. To that end, we overcome, how you rise above the While the struggle for racial equality worked hard to ensure an inclusive, noise to reach your goals, and the and justice is ongoing, the turbulence accessible process, including ways you give back to your families of the past months must not providing workshops and tools to and communities. We hope that you overshadow the accomplishments of help students fill out the application. will continue to do so and someday this year’s recipients. Your journey pay it forward to the next generation brought you to intersect with us, It was with great pride that we of students. A lot of people care and we encourage each of you to awarded $71,500 to 66 Southeast about you and are rooting for you. continue to share your voices and Asian students – the largest No matter how hard the journey stories. We believe that each of you group in NSRCF’s history! The gets, lean into resilience, and exemplifies the best of the purpose students’ stories were so compelling continue to pursue your dreams. and work of the NSRCF.
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG
Islanda Khau Naughton, board member
I’ve had the pleasure of attending to care for my family. The committee a few of the award ceremonies continued its work and went above over the years and am continuously and beyond. These remarkable humbled to meet so many resilient individuals will always have a special and ambitious individuals. It is one of place in my heart. the highlights of being on the board. The culmination of all the hard I moved back to Washington a few work led us to award $76,500 to years ago and was excited when 70 students – the largest amount I first joined the NSRCF local the board announced it chose the ever given to the largest number committee in Seattle in 2010 to Greater Seattle area to be the of students. These highly qualified organize for the 2011 awards and scholarship destination for our students exemplify resilience, was so moved by the mission that I 40th anniversary. What was even intelligence, and community. wanted to continue my commitment more amazing was that folks from to this organization. When I moved the 2011 local committee agreed To the class of 2020 - in times of to Boston in 2011, fellow board to serve again this year! I am so darkness, societies have searched member and friend, Phitsamay honored to have worked with such a for and found beacons of light. Sychitkokhong Uy, invited me to compassionate and dedicated group You are those beacons. serve on the board and I have been of people. In January, I gave birth to involved ever since. my second son, so I had to step away Congratulations and good luck!
Nisei, Seattle
I’d like to add my congratulations to the high school class of 2020 for your achievements and graduation. I would be remiss in also not acknowledging the significance of this year’s world-wide pandemic on your lives and future. My father always told us that learning never ends and we were enriched by our love of reading, but also by but my younger brothers and I were opportunities. You have already the diversity of family friendships the recipients of their sacrifice. This demonstrated your own strengths and other people from other racial, taught me to give to others who to overcome obstacles and this will ethnic, and religious backgrounds. struggle for an education, not unlike keep you in good stead as you face My older sisters were not able to the Nisei founders of the NSRCF. the future. Best wishes to you for the continue their educations after the A mentor once said that there were courage to lead a life of hope and war because of family circumstances, no problems, only challenges and optimism.
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 2 Dear NSRCF supporters and friends, and this year was no exception. will be given in the great state of Overcoming numerous obstacles, Rhode Island. Thanks to member Congratulations to the Class of functioning during a pandemic, Phitsamay Uy, initial contact has 2020! What an amazing milestone, not meeting in person, working in been made with ARISE, the Alliance accomplished during a pandemic isolation from home, calming anxious of Rhode Island Southeast Asians and the broadening movement to high school seniors whose schools for Education and its powerhouse end systemic racism. On the 40th were abruptly shut down (“How can Executive Director, Chanda anniversary of the NSRCF, a record I get my transcript? How can I get a Womack. We are hopeful for a 70 scholarships totaling another recommendation?”), and the general coronavirus-free endeavor, including record $76,500 were awarded to uncertainty of life, the committee did an in-person awards ceremony next outstanding high school seniors from an outstanding job. year. Greater Seattle. Early on in the process the local Heartfelt condolences are extended The board is grateful to member, scholarship committee knew that to the families of Akio Mochizuki Islanda Khau Naughton, who lives the awards ceremony had to be and Colonel Joseph Y. Kurata, both in the Seattle area, for her leadership canceled due to covid-19. In lieu of of San Francisco. Mr. Mochizuki and guidance of the local scholarship an in-person program to celebrate passed away on July 18, 2020 at age awards committee. Islanda and this year’s recipients, the committee 99. He was a longtime supporter several members of the committee designed a terrific “Awards Gallery” of the NSRCF, and established also worked on the 2011 awards on the website that we encourage the Hisaye Hamaoka Mochizuki committee, the last time the Fund you to watch: www.nsrcfund.org/ Scholarship in honor of his late was in Seattle. Thank you so much scholarships/2020-awards. wife. Colonel Kurata passed away to this year’s committee members: We are so appreciative!! on August 23, 2020 at age 98. He Linda Ando, Bopha Cheng, Rahul established the Colonel Joseph Y. Gupta, Maekara Keopanapay, May The NSRCF board of directors Kurata Scholarship in 2015, “After Lukens, Bely Luu, Charlene Mano remains an all-volunteer group reading the scholarship recipients’ Shen, Gabe Nishimura, Rattana committed to keeping operating educational and career goals, I was Noeun, May Saetern, Ekkarath costs to a minimum so that donations inspired to support your worthy Sisavatdy, Khamph Southisombath, to the Fund go primarily towards program.” Bill Tashima, Jeff Thungc, and scholarships. (The NSRCF’s financial Star Wang. The committee locally statement is made available upon Lastly, thank you to the Fund’s raised enough funds to award four written request.) Even in these supporters on this 40th anniversary. scholarships to seniors in the Pacific uncertain times, the Fund is holding Your affirmation of our work Islander community. That endeavor steady at just over $2 million (as of inspires us during these chaotic and was spearheaded by Naomi July 31, 2020). unparalleled times. We have two Mulitauaopele Tagaleo’o, CEO of objectives – award scholarships and Education with Purpose Foundation This year’s appeal letter is tell our story. The NSRCF was born for Pacific Islanders, along with contributed by President Paul in the US concentration camps and Andrea Iosua-Tinae, Lindsay Watanabe, as excerpts from draws a straight, unwavering line Tuiasosopo, Matthew Vaeena, and his virtual speech given in from 1942 to today. It is fitting that Ivo Vongsaveng. congratulations to the Greater 1980 was also the year that Congress Seattle scholarship recipients. established the Commission on We cannot do the Fund’s work Wartime Relocation and Internment without a committed, energized The board is pleased to announce and well organized local committee that the 2021 scholarship awards continued on next page
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG GREETINGS FROM THE BOARD cont’d. THE NISEI STUDENT of Civilians. The Commission In grateful appreciation, RELOCATION concluded that the decision of the COMMEMORATIVE United States Government to forcibly NSRCF Board of Directors FUND CALLS UPON remove and incarcerate 120,000 Paul Watanabe, President ALL AMERICANS TO Americans of Japanese ancestry was Stephen Y. Hibino, Treasurer STAND TOGETHER based on “racial prejudice, wartime Jean Y. Hibino, Executive Secretary IN SOLIDARITY WITH hysteria, and a failure of political Kesaya E. Noda, Recording OUR NATION’S BLACK leadership.” Failure of political Secretary leadership. Unnervingly prescient. Elizabeth Sequenzia Hibino COMMUNITIES. There is still much work to do. Islanda Khau Naughton Yutaka Kobayashi BRING RACISM TO ITS Our sense of “ongaeshi” (repaying a James McIlwain KNEES. kindness) is strong, but our ability to Laura H. Misumi do so depends on your support. Stay Keith Schuricht well, social distance, wash your hands, May O. Takayanagi and wear a face mask. Phitsamay Sychitkokhong Uy
HOMER YASUI, Nisei, Seattle
Well done, Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative Fund. NSRCF Board of Directors
For me, one of the most heartwarming results of the help so freely given to them by strangers so long ago, is that the founders PETER TRINH, of the Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative Fund remembered 2008 NSRCF what their parent’s had taught them recipient, Arizona about On --- the obligation to repay acts of kindness. 1980 it has been awarding monetary Thank you and scholarships to high school seniors of congratulations on forty So, many years ago, those former Southeast Asian extraction, to help years! May this fund Nisei college students established them pay for their college expenses. continue to further this fund as an act of ongaeishi - the The supporters of the Nisei Student education, love, and hope. obligatory repayment for favors Relocation Commemorative Fund received in the past. Rather than have remembered how much it once Thank you for showing us making these repayments to the meant to them when help was so that the challenges we face descendants of the founders of the badly needed. today do not have to hold National Japanese American Student us back tomorrow. Relocation Council of 1942, the And that makes my heart swell with NSRCF has paid it forward. Since pride.
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 4 While many things were similar, you HUY PHUNG, have had so many more challenges 2011 NSRCF recipient, to deal with in 2020. You’ve had a once in a century pandemic, a civil Seattle revolution sweeping the nation, and a global recession to deal with … all To the class of 2020 – Almost 30 while trying to graduate. years ago, I was in your shoes on my way to college struggling to find The road to success is never short my path in life. I was still trying to nor simple. It is always long and figure out what I wanted to be, what arduous. There are many paths to I wanted to do, all while trying to your destination, but all paths have figure out how to pay for college. one thing in common. They all begin Relocation Commemorative Fund Receiving the NSRCF scholarship with one step. scholarship. I hope this gift helps was a huge gift that lightened the you with the first step to success as it burden as I tried to make my way Congratulations on being awarded helped me many years ago! into a brave new world. the 40th anniversary Nisei Student
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP THE NSRCF The Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative Fund needs your support. Donations are the life blood of our scholarship program and allow us to support deserving students as they move from secondary school into higher education. Contact us by mail or email [email protected] if you would like further information about giving. You can also donate via PayPal online at nsrcfund.org/support/donate.
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND, INC. 19 Scenic Drive, Portland, Connecticut 06480
Enclosed is a tax-deductible donation of $ o To an existing Tribute, Legacy or Named Scholarship Fund called:
o To the General Fund. (Please make check payable to NSRC Fund. You may also use PayPay at www.nsrcfund.org) o Tell me how to establish a Tribute, Legacy and Named Scholarship Fund. o Tell me how to donate appreciated stock. o Please email the annual newsletter:
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NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2020 NAMED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Samirah Apdalhaliem (Cham), Renton HS Lily Duong (Vietnamese), Highline HS, Des Moines Kaizo and Shizue Naka Scholarship Audrey Logan Scholarship As a Muslim woman of As the first in her family to Asian descent and daughter attend college, Lily worked of Vietnamese refugees, hard to achieve excellent Samirah is keenly aware of grades and be involved in the importance of education school. She was a member and being proud of her of Tutor Team, Link Crew, heritage. In high school Key Club, National Honor she received outstanding Society, and president of the grades, worked part-time, Marine Biology Club. She and implemented new also helped take care of her programs for the youth in her community. She was younger siblings and worked in the family restaurant. a Peer Mentor, active in HOSA, and participated in Her experiences growing up Vietnamese have taught several internships including cancer research, Southeast her to push for equal access and to encourage students Asian Women camp, and computer programming. She like her to pursue higher education. She plans to be a continues to actively seek out opportunities available to teacher and is attending Western Washington University underrepresented minorities. Samirah is attending the as a Future Woodring Scholar majoring in Elementary University of Washington to pursue her interest in public Education. health and biology. Lisa Ha (Vietnamese), Kent-Meridian HS, Kent Uyen Dao (Vietnamese), Lincoln HS, Tacoma Tama (Yoshimura) and Jiro Ishihara Scholarship Koh, Mitsu and Dr. Kotaro Raised by her single Murai Scholarship immigrant mom, Lisa was Uyen arrived with her determined to be the family from Vietnam in first in her family to go to 2014. She found her voice college. She was in Upward by getting involved in the Bound, DECA, Interact Vietnamese dance group Club, Japanese Club, and and youth group at her Girls Who Code Club. She church. Uyen established volunteered at the local the first student-led health library, co-leading a service club in her school district. She was also a member of project that positively impacted nearby elementary National Honor Society, Key Club, Upward Bound, and schools, and coded a scholarship resource website to Outdoor Adventure Club. She volunteered at Tacoma help her peers. Lisa hopes to encourage students from General Hospital, Vietnamese Language School, Youth underrepresented and underserved communities to Faith Formation Program, youth choir, and youth dance explore STEM, college access, and career opportunities. group. Uyen is attending the University of Washington She plans to become a software engineer and is to pursue a career as a traveling doctor advocating for attending Pacific Lutheran University, pursuing a degree affordable and easier access to healthcare in developing in Computer Science. continued on next page countries.
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 6 2020 NAMED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS cont’d. Tracy Ha (Vietnamese), John R. Rogers HS, Spokane Julina Lang (Khmer), West Seattle HS Kay Yamashita Scholarship Dr. Kenji Murase Scholarship Tracy maintained a 4.0 Taking care of her ailing GPA at the high school grandmother helped Julina and college level while realize she could be a demonstrating her leadership positive role model and skills in the National Honor mentor in her community. Society, Key Club, Varsity She was an active leader Tennis, Skills USA, and in Link Crew, interned at the Vietnamese Buddhist Hiawatha Community community. As the daughter Center and Delridge of immigrants, Tracy spent Community Center, and hours helping in her mother’s nail salon, and along worked at the Boys and Girls Club and White Center with an internship at an urgent care clinic and visiting a Community Center. Weekends found her helping the developing country, her desire to serve underrepresented Khmer community by participating at the Khemarak populations was affirmed. Working with Doctors Without Pothiram Temple. She says, “Through my experiences Borders is one of her goals. Tracy is attending Stanford with my grandma, I was able to reconnect with my family, University majoring in the health sciences with the intent community and Khmer roots.” Julina is attending the of becoming a pediatric surgeon. University of Washington pursuing a degree in Public Health. Ravipon Khampradith (Lao), Federal Way HS Lafayette and Mayme Noda Scholarship Perseus Nguyen (Vietnamese), Evergreen HS, Seattle Growing up in a household American Friends Service Committee Scholarship where higher education was Perseus says, “I have always emphasized Ravi worked had the goal to prove others hard to balance school, wrong about myself as well sports and work. While in as leave behind a legacy.” high school he was also a Perseus’ community work Running Start student at included Ecology Youth Highline College and a Corps, cleaning up the member of the Phi Theta sides of roads, supporting Kappa Honor Society. He the LGBTQ+ community, was active in Key Club, and on the varsity track and field and commissioning art for a teams. He enjoyed being involved in the Lao community, 5K run/walk. They were the president of the Evergreen teaching music and dance to Lao youth and volunteering LGBTQ+ club, a member of the Outdoors club, and at community events. He started his own photography participated in track and field. Their wide-ranging business as a way to earn work experience and to interests include art, animals, nature, music, theater/ express himself creatively. Ravi is attending Arizona acting, politics, law, and government. Perseus plans to State University’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering attend Central Washington University “to hopefully studying product/industrial design. pursue a career that makes me happy.”
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NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG 2020 NAMED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS cont’d. Sofia Nguyen (Vietnamese), Franklin HS, Seattle Kristy Nhan (Vietnamese, Chinese), Gladys Ishida Stone Scholarship Kentridge HS, Kent Sofia is an academic Hisaye Hamaoka Mochizuki Scholarship standout, active in Health While achieving high honors Club, track and field, and numerous academic Upward Bound and awards in school, Kristy National Honor Society. is also passionate about She is passionate about serving the community and social justice and science. giving back. In high school She painted murals in her Kristy held leadership community to express her positions in Key Club and activism, and participated National Honor Society, in the Genome Sciences Internship at the University of and was the founder and Washington and the Political Science Academy at her president of STEM Careers Club. As the daughter of school. She advocated for equitable science curriculums immigrant parents, she experienced firsthand the need throughout the Seattle public school district as part of for Seattle’s immigrant and refugee communities to be the Science Adoption Committee. Sofia is attending the able to access and learn to use technology. By being a University of Washington studying pre-health sciences role model, Kristy hopes to encourage girls and young and ethnic studies with a goal to build diversity in the women to explore STEM careers. She is attending the medical field. University of Washington’s Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering. Thanh-Thanh Nguyen (Vietnamese), Franklin HS, Seattle Linda Phan (Vietnamese), Garfield HS, Kent Colonel Joseph Y. Kurata Scholarship Yutaka and Maureen Kobayashi Scholarship If Thanh-Thanh can say Linda was actively involved one thing about herself is with Student Government, that she perseveres. She Vietnamese Student will be the first to admit Distributive Education that she can sometimes be Clubs of America, National “disconnected” from her Honor Society, varsity Vietnamese community. gymnastics, and varsity Even so, she would like to track and field. She was travel to Vietnam for the appointed to the Seattle first time and to go with her Youth Commission that mother, “My ethnicity is an important part of my identity, connects youth to local elected officials. She also it makes me who I am, what I am, and greatly impacts volunteered with Post 84, the Service Board, Global my life.” She perseveres - learning Vietnamese and Visionaries, and Girl Up Puget Sound. Linda says, volunteering as a library assistant and teacher’s assistant. “My marginalized background allowed me to better Taking baby steps never intimidates her. Thanh-Thanh’s understand societal inequalities…. I want to join the influx dream is to become a nurse. She is attending Seattle of diverse leaders in Congress … where the faces of Central College. politics are ones that kids like me can look up to.” She is attending Pomona College majoring in Political Science.
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NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 8 2020 NAMED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS cont’d. Phuong Phan (Vietnamese), Flora Saelor (Mien, Thai), Rainier Beach HS, Seattle John F. Kennedy Catholic HS, Burien Nobu (Kumekawa) and Yosh Hibino Scholarship Michi Nishiura Weglyn Scholarship Flora values hard work and Joining the Eucharistic kindness, as evidenced by Vietnamese Youth her volunteer work with the Movement helped Phuong Iu-Mien Community Center recognize her leadership and Asian Counseling abilities. She was president Referral Services. She of her senior class, president continuously pushed of the Human Relations herself as an International Club, and president of the Baccalaureate Diploma Chamber Orchestra. She Programme student. Due to also worked part-time, her family situation she also played an important role at advocated for common sense gun control, was an ACLU home, and worked part-time to help pay bills. Joining the Advocacy Institute alumni, and Senate page. One of College Success Foundation provided her with support her proudest achievements was organizing a protest in and help on a college and career path. Flora hopes to her town to try to prevent an undocumented immigrant become a psychologist so she can improve herself while from being detained. The experience reminded her helping others to do the same. She is attending Pacific of the injustices her own immigrant parents faced and Lutheran University majoring in Psychology. she is determined to acquire the skills to empower her community. Phuong is attending the Honors Program at Pan San (Burmese, Karen, Thai), Ferris HS, Spokane the University of Washington majoring in Political Science and History. Ryozo Glenn Kumekawa Scholarship Pan and her family arrived in the U.S. in 2007 from a Michelle Saechao (Khmer, Mien), Thai refugee camp. Her Lindbergh HS, Renton family always encouraged Alice Abe Matsumoto Scholarship and supported her and she takes inspiration from her As the daughter of refugees, grandmother who is blind. Michelle says that spending Pan is determined to help a lot of time helping her her by helping others. She parents and grandparents is an active member of her navigate life in America community working as a tutor and an interpreter, helping taught her the importance people with translations and paperwork. In high school of higher education. In she enjoyed volunteering at an elementary school. Pan’s high school she worked goal is to help people with medical treatment, and she hard to maintain a 3.9 GPA attended NEWTech Skills Center to study pre-medical while involved in Key Club, assisting. She is attending Spokane Community College HOSA, National Honor Society, Lindbergh Orchestra with the long term goal of a career in the medical field. and an Eagle Crew mentor. She volunteered at Renton Park Elementary School and the Department of Social and Health Services. She received numerous academic, music, and community service awards. Michelle is a first generation college student attending Highline College, planning to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. continued on next page
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG 2020 NAMED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS cont’d. Leah Tran (Vietnamese, Teochew - Chinese), Tuyet-Nhi Vo (Vietnamese), Lincoln HS, Tacoma Rainier Beach HS, Seattle Shim and Chiyo Hiraoka Scholarship Michihiko and Bernice Hayashida Scholarship “I am extremely appreciative Daughter of a single mom, to be a first generation Tuyet-Nhi says, “Like my Asian American student, family, I also think that and strive to surpass the knowledge is something expectations my parents that can never be taken set for me.” Leah was an away from me.” She was an active member of Key officer on the Associated Club, Upward Bound, and Student Body and Key Club, Running Start at Tacoma a youth leader and intern for CC. She and a group the Asian Pacific Islander of friends established the Southeast Asian Student Coalition Advocating Together for Health (APICAT), Association to embrace their cultures through promoting and a regular volunteer for the nonprofit, Got Green. unity and pride. Leah volunteered with Greater Tacoma During her senior year, she carried a full collegiate load Community Foundation - Youth Philanthropy Board, and while working two part-time jobs. Tuyet-Nhi is the first Pierce County Juvenile Detention Center - Diversion in her family to attend college. She is attending Western Program to help youth and their families navigate the Washington University to become a community health criminal justice system. She is attending the University of educator. Washington majoring in Education and American Ethnic Studies, and plans to become an educator and youth mentor. Chelsea Vorng (Khmer), Highline HS, Des Moines David Mitsuo Takagi Scholarship Kovit Virivong (Lao), The Northwest School, Seattle During high school Chelsea was a tutor, member of the Hiroko Fujita and Paul Fukami Scholarship National Honor Society, Persistence, curiosity and jazz band, Associated passion are important to Student Body, and Link Kovit. He is more than Crew. She also played just the son of immigrant basketball and tennis, and parents and a hard working was on the swim team. A student at the top of his teacher wrote, “Chelsea’s class. He brought Lao curiosity and attention to representation to the detail will ensure her success in research science, and International Student Union, her dedication to service and community will allow volunteered with the API her to form connections with others that will be crucial Interest Group, worked as a student advisor and SSAT to proposing and creating systemic change.” Chelsea Prep teacher with Rainier Scholars, and proudly learned is attending the University of Washington to study how to make art with wax. He tutored youth at a local neuroscience, “I hope to do research on mental health, library, enjoys taking photos, and his favorite activity is and use it to bring affordable treatments and therapies working on his car. He says, “I want to inspire Lao youth to the Khmer community, along with other communities and show that they can surpass their limits.” Kovit is of color.” attending Pomona College to study neuroscience.
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 10 2020 GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Asigiah Aly (Cham), Vinial Kumar (Fijian), Vanny Nguyen (Vietnamese), Franklin HS, Seattle Kent Meridian HS, Kent Lynnwood HS, Bothell
Anna Bun (Khmer), Nhung Lam (Vietnamese), Vy Nguyen (Vietnamese), Interlake HS, Bellevue Mountlake Terrace HS, Hazen HS, Renton Mountlake Terrace Brian Cao (Vietnamese), Brenda Pham (Vietnamese), Edmonds-Woodway HS, Edmonds Emily Le (Vietnamese, Chinese), Kent Meridian HS, Kent Juanita HS, Kirkland Kim Cao (Vietnamese), Cynthia Pham (Vietnamese), Evergreen HS, Seattle Jameel Le (Cham, Chinese), Ingraham HS, Seattle Lindbergh HS, Renton Cam Che (Vietnamese, Chinese), Hana Phan (Vietnamese), Franklin HS, Seattle Tuoi Le (Vietnamese), Meadowdale HS, Lynnwood River Ridge HS, Lacey Bryan Duong (Vietnamese), Leo Scott-Rifer (Khmer), Hazen HS, Renton Paulina Mao (Khmer), Summit Sierra Public School, Seattle Lincoln HS, Tacoma Erianha Esteban (Khmer, Filipino), Hewah Soe (Burmese, Karen), Franklin HS, Seattle Chalee Moua (Hmong), Joel E. Ferris HS, Spokane John R. Rogers HS, Spokane Aaron Fhong (Mien, Thai), JaLyssa Tiengkhamsaly Chief Sealth International HS, Seattle Jazlyn Munoz (Khmer, Hispanic), (Lao, Vietnamese), Fife HS, Fife Stadium HS, Tacoma Alexis Friedman (Khmu), Hazen HS, Renton David Nelson-Leang (Khmer), Jasmine Tran (Vietnamese), Lynnwood HS, Bothell Tahoma HS, Maple Valley Brian Ho (Vietnamese), Cascade Senior HS, Everett Anna Nguyen (Vietnamese), Kevin Tran (Vietnamese), Franklin HS, Seattle Cleveland STEM HS, Seattle Henry Ho (Vietnamese), Garfield HS, Seattle Bao-Tran Nguyen (Vietnamese), Selena Tran Cleveland HS, Seattle (Vietnamese, Chinese), Andy Hoang (Vietnamese), Lincoln HS, Tacoma Lincoln HS, Tacoma Doan Nguyen (Vietnamese), Edmonds-Woodway HS, Edmonds Vivian Tran (Vietnamese), Doan Hoang (Vietnamese), Lindbergh Senior HS, Renton Woodrow Wilson HS, Tacoma Hannah Nguyen (Vietnamese), Edmonds-Woodway HS, Edmonds Emily Un (Khmer), Lilli Huong (Khmer), Chief Sealth International HS, Seattle Franklin Pierce HS, Tacoma Kenny Nguyen (Vietnamese), Summit Sierra HS, Seattle Phuong Uyen Nguyen Vo Hayley Gin Iglecias (Chamorro), (Vietnamese), Federal Way HS, Federal Way Nike Nguyen (Vietnamese), Rainier Beach HS, Seattle Interlake HS, Bellevue continued on next page
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG 2020 GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS cont’d Vivian Vo (Vietnamese), Madison Vu (Vietnamese), Mia A. Yi (Khmer, Korean), Hazen HS, Renton North Thurston HS, Olympia North Thurston HS, Olympia
Kevin Vu (Vietnamese), Akina Yada (Micronesian), Hudson’s Bay HS, Vancouver Evergreen HS, Seattle
MIRIAM, GEOFFREY AND EMILY MURASE, Dr. Kenji Murase Scholarship
Congratulations on the 40th Anniversary of NSRCF
Our father, Kenji Murase, who served on the board of directors of NSRCF, once told us that his proudest achievement in life was helping to administer the Fund. He instilled with us the value of having a good education and it's great to see that the fund continues to reward deserving students and help them on their educational journey. We wish the fund continued success in promoting higher education among students of Southeast Asian descent.
KEITH economics, and sociology. forward, the importance of education As global citizens, however, we need remains clear. The NSRCF’s belief SCHURICHT, to understand others’ perspectives in the primacy of education remains Board Member and concerns. We need a critical unwavering. As a board member mass of critical thinkers. At the of seven years, I am honored to As the challenges facing society macro level, the ramifications of continue supporting the educational multiply, we are collectively individuals’ behaviors on others is goals of Southeast Asian students. bombarded by sound bites, painfully obvious. To push forward, By providing scholarships, we hope headlines, and tweets espousing “this we must learn to communicate to encourage and enable recipients solution” or “that quick fix” to life’s beyond echo chambers. Society to attain degrees and pursue their every problem. People of all ages, broadly must learn to learn. goals. In parallel, we hope to nurture walks of life, and political leanings critical thinkers who will lead their now share myriad competing Though the breakdown of civil communities and our society opinions spanning epidemiology, discourse has obscured the path forward.
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 12 My ongoing involvement KESAYA NODA, with the NSRCF is a joy for Board Member me. In these difficult times, more than ever, I need to On the occasion of the fortieth look beyond my immediate anniversary of the founding of the community and grasp NSRCF, I am thinking about the hands with the students and devotion my parents and their friends families I reach through the had for this fund and the students NSRCF. The young are the it supports. I almost wrote “fierce treasures and the hope of devotion,” but I hold back from the every community. Through phrase because “fierce” belies the NSRCF scholarship awards, joy they took in their work for it. we have the privilege of My parents drove miles to the early, celebrating and supporting in-person board meetings, always admirable, determined returning home nourished by deep students who, I know, will give back ceremonies. Like me, you will find friendships, much laughter, and twentyfold and more of whatever that meeting the students and their the fulfillment of one more year of they receive. Please join us when we families is exhilarating - a shot of shared hopes and a shared vision. once again hold in-person awards happiness and hope.
KEN KUMEKAWA AND HANNAH TANI HOGAN, THE KUMEKAWA FAMILY, Nisei, Illinois Ryozo Glenn Kumekawa Scholarship Congratulations NSRCF
I imagine my father at a rail station in 1945, confident A flash-back appears! The but insecure about his journey ahead. It had been a long World War II crisis. journey, one about to get longer as it took him from the cityscapes of the Bay Area to the desolate Utah We are forcibly removed desert. But he knew he had the support of the National to those barbed wire Japanese American Student Relocation Council and fenced destinations. My that helped him take the next steps forward. yearning to depart from the desolation. To “Go 35 years later and many more miles traveled, my father East.” To fulfill a higher and his generation found themselves in the position to education degree. help refugees from Southeast Asia and to acknowledge those that likewise helped them so many years ago. Pause: Thus the Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative On this 40th Anniversary, do remember all of the Fund was created to support those who wanted to take compassionate and tireless sponsors who made my those next steps as well. impossible dream come true.
On the 40th anniversary of the NSRCF, we look to the Today, for the 2020 Class. Look beyond this crisis. award recipients, past and present, to continue their Discover the wide range of marvelous opportunities journey and fulfill their promise. Congratulations to all. before your eyes. Good luck! With deepest regards, Hannah Tani Hogan
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG Congratulations to NSRCF on forty fantastic MOCHIZUKI-CHU FAMILY, years!! Hisaye Hamaoka Mochizuki Scholarship Since 2010, when the Hisaye Hamaoka Mochizuki Scholarship was established, we have proudly watched NSRCF grow and flourish. We have seen hundreds of scholarships awarded, watched a new generation begin to take the helm of the committee and witnessed the expansion of the target recipients to include Somali as well as Southeast Asian students. What wonderful growth.
Many thanks to the American Friends Service Committee for being the inspiration, to the board for always striving to fulfill the vision of the committee founders, and to all those who have served on the local scholarship committees for their time and commitment to putting scholarship monies into deserving hands.
We are looking forward to seeing what the next forty years has to offer.
In honor of Akio Mochizuki, Tara Mochizuki, Jeffrey Chu, Timothy Chu and Elizabeth Chu
PHUOC V. LE, MD, MPH 1994 NSRCF recipient, California
When I think about what the it was like to struggle as members recognition that all of our lives essence is of NSRCF’s mission of the oppressed, the “other,” are interconnected, that an injury and activities over the past 40 the marginalized. They took that to one is an injury to all, and that years, the one word that comes deep suffering and redirected that we have such a long way to travel to mind is solidarity. The original experience into the manifestation toward a just nation, the NSRCF group of extraordinary people who of what is meant by solidarity. In our continues to be a signal of what is established NSRCF knew what society today, among an increasing needed most – solidarity.
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 14 THE HAYASHIDA FAMILY, Michihiko and Bernice Hayashida Scholarship BOBBY AND LILLY TAKATSUKA, Nisei, Seattle
Congratulations on the 40th Anniversary. As a recipient of aid from the Society of Friends - Quakers to attend college, it is gratifying to be able to return the favor by supporting the students selected by NSRCF.
2020 AWARDS GALLERY Visit: nsrcfund.org/scholarships/ 2020-awards
photo taken circa 1985
Congratulation on the 40th Anniversary of Bringing Hope Our dad, Michihiko Hayashida, in a therefore means a lot to us, to know letter to a friend, wrote: “Even at our that the scholarship addresses issues darkest moments there were those of equity that can affect access. who made profound impacts on our lives, who at personal sacrifice, We were raised with not only reached out to give us hope. We the value of education but more were very fortunate to be touched by significantly, the importance of such people.” gratitude for what we have been given and paying it forward through Both our parents understood the service to others. Our parents transformative power of education recognized and were deeply grateful and its potential to level what still for the support of others who gave remains an uneven playing field. them hope. It is our hope that Their legacy of improving people’s through the NSRCF sustainable lives through higher education progress towards social equity will be lives through the recipients of the realized by future generations. NSRCF. It meant a lot to them, and
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG The Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative Fund’s annual awards are made possible by contributions from individuals and organizations. Named Scholarships, Legacy Funds and Tribute Funds enable anyone, including organizations, to honor, commemorate or pay tribute to individuals, groups or events. If you would like information about establishing a Named Scholarship (minimum $20,000), a Legacy Fund (minimum $10,000) or a Tribute Fund (minimum $2,000), please contact: NSRCF, 19 Scenic Drive, Portland, CT 06480.
The following funds have been established, and are designated by who created them, * and ( ). The Board of Directors is grateful for the generous support these funds have received, as noted, during the period from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020.
NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS Shim and Chiyo Hiraoka Alice Abe Matsumoto (Ann Graybill Cook and Michael (Family and friends) American Friends Service Hoshiko) Hannah Hogan Committee* Steven Matsumoto Judy Nakadegawa Tama (Yoshimura) and Jiro Michio Nakajima Ishihara Patricia Tanaka Hiroko Fujita and Paul Fukami (Jiro Ishihara, NSRCF board of (Joyce M. Fukami) directors, family and friends) Hisaye Hamaoka Mochizuki Margaret Murata (Akio Mochizuki) Michihiko and Bernice Hayashida* Harley & Judy Inaba & Family Frances Hayashida Yutaka and Maureen Kobayashi Robert & Lynne Ishikawa Hayashida Family Trust (Maureen Kobayashi) Sharon Kotabe in honor of Susan Hayashida John Dubeck & Susan Hotine Akio Mochizuki Margaret Murata Walter Zydlewski Akio Mochizuki Tara Mochizuki & Jeffrey Chu Nobu (Kumekawa) and Ryozo Glenn Kumekawa In memory of Akio Mochizuki Yosh Hibino (Joanne K. Kumekawa, family Thomas & Ryuko Helm (Michihiko and Bernice Hayashida, and friends) Jean Hibino family and friends) Jane Beckwith Leslee Inaba-Wong Sue Bowers Harvey Goldstein Gayle & Craig Wong Stephen & Karen Fugita Wallace Kido Frances Hayashida James McIlwain Koh, Mitsu, and Dr. Kotaro Murai June Hibino Margaret & Prentice Stout (The Murai Family) Liz & Steve Hibino Nobuko Yamasaki Koh & Nanci Murai Shirley Hibino Cathy Inamasu Colonel Joseph Y. Kurata Dr. Kenji Murase Barbara & Gary Kitagawa (Col. Joseph Y. Kurata) (Family and friends) Jim & Toby Kubota In memory of Col. Kurata Emily Murase Forrest & Lorraine Minor Jean Hibino Geoffrey Murase Laura Misumi Miriam Murase Michio Nakajima Audrey Logan Jack & Nancy Sneider (Kesaya Noda) Kaizo and Shizue Naka Diane Hibino & John Triplett (F. Robert and Patricia Naka) continued on next page
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 16 Lafayette and Mayme Noda Dr. Chosaburo Kato Yasuko Fujita (Walter N. Frank) (Kane and Rose Senda) (Joyce M. Fukami) Noreen K. Enkoji Evelyn Nakano Glenn Fred Kishi Junzo and Ito Hibino Joan Longcope (Susan M. Kishi) (Yosh and Nobu Hibino) David Noda & Kay Nishiyama Ruth Ann Kishi & Michael Woodring Susan Kishi & David Schuricht Gordon Hirabayashi Gladys Ishida Stone (Elizabeth Muench and Bruce Hawkins) (Gladys Ishida Stone) Harutoyo and Haru Kobayashi Bruce Hawkins Hannah Tani Hogan (Yutaka and Maureen Kobayashi) Elizabeth Muench
David Mitsuo Takagi Livingston Yamato Colony Tom Imagawa Memorial Fund (NSRCF board of directors, family Pioneers (Mrs. Tom Imagawa and Family) and friends) (Lafayette and Mayme Noda) Deborah & Bill Handschin James Zenichi Imamoto Barbara Takagi Eleanor and Emil Sekerak (Grace Imamoto Noda) Keiji Takagi (Michihiko and Bernice Hayashida) Alice Takemoto Miye Takagi in honor of Frances Hayashida Mary E. Takagi’s birthday Frank and Hisako Ishikawa Family Hikokuma and Koyoshi Shigeno (Michi I. Tashjian) Michi Nishiura Weglyn* Memorial (Ted K. Shigeno, Agnes Miyakawa, The Issei Generation Kay Yamashita Rosie Tani, and Florence (Lillian Ota Dotson) (Yutaka Kobayashi) Kawagoe) Neal Dion & Jennifer Gladden Elinor Umezawa Kajiwara Margaret Murata Bobby and Lily Takatsuka (Elinor U. Kajiwara) Martha Uyeki (Bobby and Lily Takatsuka) Bobby and Lily Takatsuka Jin and Kay Kinoshita LEGACY FUNDS (Jin and Kay Kinoshita) Trudy King Toll* Thomas R. Bodine* Warren Uchimoto Yuri and William Kochiyama Elizabeth Muench (Michi and Walter Weglyn) Warren Uchimoto TRIBUTE FUNDS Haru and Keiroku Kumekawa Woody and Betty Emlen* David Aman (Nobu and Yosh Hibino) Warren Uchimoto (Lafayette and Mayme Noda) Denji Dan Kuniyoshi Joseph R. Goodman Ann Graybill Cook* (Anna Kuniyoshi) (Ryozo G. Kumekawa) Anna Kuniyoshi Kerry King & John Goodman Monroe E. Deutsch* Judge William M. and Suezo and Kikuyo Hayashida Kei Enomoto Victoria Marutani (Michihiko and Bernice Hayashida) (Jiro J. Enomoto) (David K. Nitta) Frances Hayashida Emi Kimura Fujii Susan T. Matsumoto Julius Ishida (Midori Fujii and Sono Fujii) (Alice and Yo Matsumoto) (Calvin Ishida) Sono Fujii & Claudio Katz Steven Matsumoto Calvin Ishida continued on next page
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG Nobu Miyoshi Takako Tanioka Paul * The NSRC Fund board of (Yoshiko and Ryozo Glenn (Anna Kuniyoshi) directors established these and the Kumekawa) Anna Kuniyoshi following funds in the hope that what happened during World War Takashi and Yuri Moriuchi* Madeleine Haas Russell/ II will never be forgotten, and that Columbia Foundation future generations will have the My Immigrant Ancestors (Ryozo Glenn Kumekawa) opportunity to receive a higher (Marcia Mau) education: Margaret Cosgrave Sowers* Naka Endowment Amache Alumni Tribute Fund (Fumio Robert Naka) Bill Stevenson* Gila River Alumni Tribute Fund John W. Nason* Taichi and Sachiye Takagi (Yoshiko and Ryozo Glenn (David and Barbara, and Mary Heart Mountain Alumni Tribute Kumekawa) Elizabeth Takagi) Fund Warren Uchimoto Keiji Takagi Miye Takagi Jerome Alumni Tribute Fund Dr. Lee Lowry Neilan (Yoshiko and Ryozo Glenn Charles William Tanioka Manzanar Alumni Tribute Fund Kumekawa) (Anna T. Kuniyoshi) Anna Kuniyoshi Minidoka Alumni Tribute Fund Prof. Mabel M. Nemoto (Atsuko Hirai) UC Berkeley Student YWCA Poston Alumni Tribute Fund (Mary Yamashiro Otani) Gil & Maeona Mendelson Masamoto and Kimi Nishimura (Rhoda Nishimura Iyoya, Dwight Yoshiko Uchida Rohwer Alumni Tribute Fund Nishimura, Joseph Nishimura, (Virginia Scardigli) Jonathan Nishimura) Topaz Alumni Tribute Fund Paul R. Wada Shichiro and Sachi Noda (Yasuko and Yukio Wada) Tule Lake Alumni Legacy Fund (Lafayette and Mayme Noda) Tami Suzuki & Richard Eijima Janice Abe Yukio Wada Sekizo and Kinuko Nomura (Yasuko Wada and Family) (Mary S. Ozamoto) Michi N. and Walter Weglyn Chiura and Haruko Obata (Robert H. and Agnes Suzuki, (Eugene Kodani) Lafayette and Mayme Noda, and Nobu Hibino) Bob O’Brien (Mrs. Chihiro Kikuchi) Mabel Sheldon Williams* Amy Iwasaki Mass Frances R. Ogasawara
Fumi Yokoyama Ono Reiko Azumano Yasui (Janice Ono, Frank Ono, R. (George I. Azumano) Dana Ono) Homer Yasui Rachel Yasui continued on next page
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND 18 THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS
Thank you to the following Special thank you to our Greater Seattle area supporters who helped contributors to the general fund: make 2020 a huge success:
Syed Arif in honor of Laura Misumi Julia Ahn Alix Koyama Stephanie Klein & Larry Baer Linda Ando Jeffrey Lau Tina & Peter Barnet Sarah Baker Jerry Quinn Lee Kesaya Noda & Christopher Dye Bill Tashima and Chris Bentley Lucy Li in honor of Taka Takayanagi BiHoa Caldwell Bely Luu Bruce Eejima Lisa Chan Tomas Madrigal Elizabeth Fox Sharon Cho Juliana Morris Gary K. Hart Kumnith Chum Islanda and Tim Naughton Judith Hijikata Barbara Conlin Thu-An Nguyen-Lai Hannah Tani Hogan in memory Doug Cotanche Momo Nisen of Frances Yamasaki Mori Cora Edmonds Rattana Noeun Wayne Itano & Polly Fabian Huy Phung Christine Yoshinaga Itano Frank Fukui Kritin Puhl Jack & Sue Kennedy Scott Furukawa Yevin Roh John Kirihara Julian Griesser Carrie Rubenstein Christopher Leonard Brenda Handley, Pavan Samprati Patrick Nakamura Gobo Enterprises Mary Shen Jim & Harriet Nakano Gary Howlett Stanley Shikuma Ronald & Irene Nakasone Diana Huang Khamph Southisombath Thomas Nishi Howard and Kimberly Huon Jeff Thungc David Noda & Kay Nishiyama Alicia Huong Dang Stephen Uy Ken Nomiyama Daniel Jo and Suejin Park Star Wang Mariette Norbom Mara Kage Andy Wen Keith Schuricht Meatra Keo Eilleen Yamada-Lamphere Tak Shirazawa Ben and Longhan Khau Sofia Sequenzia & John Shostrom Tona Khau JACL - Puyallup Valley Chapter George Suzuki Seila Kheang JACL - Seattle Chapter Kenji & Mary Tomita Amanda Kim Microsoft Peter Trinh Conor Kleweno Laura Uba Mary Yee & Paul Uyehara Paul Watanabe JJ UBONWAN SAEUNG, DDS Nobuo Yutani 2004 NSRCF recipient, Michigan
It is hard to believe that 16 years have gone by since I received an NSRCF scholarship. Being recognized for my hard work throughout high school helped propel me forward as I journeyed through college and found my passion in dentistry. Today I am proud to be able to treat oral diseases and alleviate pain for my community. Thank you for believing in us, your organization is crucial in making many kids’ dream come true. Congratulations on the 40th Anniversary!
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND WWW.NSRCFUND.ORG 2020 NEWSLETTER BOARD O BOARD OF DIRECTORS NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION Jean Y. Hibino COMMEMORATIVE FUND, INC. Stephen Y. Hibino Elizabeth Sequenzia Hibino 19 Scenic Drive, Portland, Connecticut 06480 Islanda Khau Naughton Yutaka Kobayashi James McIlwain Fall, 2020 Laura H. Misumi Kesaya E. Noda Keith K. Schuricht May O. Takayanagi [Message delivered by Paul Watanabe, President of the Board of Directors, to Phitsamay Uy Paul Y. Watanabe this year’s scholarship recipients.]
www.nsrcfund.org I want to give you my personal congratulations and on behalf of the rest of the members of the board of directors on your wonderful accomplishment as recipients of scholarships for 2020. I and some other members of the board wanted to travel to Seattle to give you our personal greetings. I had already bought tickets on Amtrak along with my wife to take the train across the country to Seattle. But alas that trip and a lot of other travel is going to have to wait until some future time.
There is a famous saying, “may you live in interesting times.” And assuredly these are about as interesting of times as we’ve ever seen not only in American history but in world history. This is a period of time that they are going to be reading about in history books for all time. It is a memorable time, therefore, for world history, American history and for your and your family’s history because of your accomplishments graduating from high school and beginning your new career in college. I’m sure you will be well prepared to take on the challenges of a new and interesting world. We want to give you our support as much as possible and to the wonderful people who stand behind you.
One thing that I would have asked you to do if I saw you in Seattle personally would be to take a moment and learn something about the Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative Fund and the wonderful people who created a legacy that makes this scholarship possible. Almost 80 years ago some students like you, in this case Japanese Americans, yearned for and dreamed about going to college. But their dreams were interrupted by World War II when their families, like those of other Japanese Americans, were placed in America’s concentration camps. These students didn’t feel like there was any hope that they could continue their education. Except there was a group of strangers who took it upon themselves to support these students so that they could continue their education beyond the camps and continue their dream of going to college.
Many of the people who were assisted decided that they wanted to give back. They wanted to show their generosity to a new generation of students who needed support just as they had received many years before from strangers they didn’t even know. That is what this scholarship is built on - the desire of people to provide support for capable and promising students like you. I think it is a wonderful legacy and story, and one that I hope you will continue as you gain success in your lives and careers because of your college education. Remember with gratitude the generosity that was bestowed upon you.
Congratulations to you, and thank you to your family and friends and all those who trusted and had confidence in you and helped make this moment possible. We’re proud of you and are confident you will contribute to these interesting times.
NISEI STUDENT RELOCATION COMMEMORATIVE FUND, INC. 19 Scenic Drive, Portland, Connecticut 06480 [email protected] www.nsrcfund.org FEIN 06-1021906
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