Seated are (from left) Richard Fukuhara, Laura Higashi, Nori Uyematsu, and Emily Folick. Standing are (from left) Danielle Kihara, Devin Tani, Alex Uda, Karen Mizoguchi, Makoto Kotani, Allysa Kochiyama, Lauren Hishinuma, Marisa Otani, Marsha Hamamoto, Renee Kimoto, Caryn Ito, and Christine Kimoto.

WESTMINSTER — The Orange County Nikkei Coordinating Council held its annual awards dinner on May 30 at Westminster’s Seafood Paradise Restaurant.

OCNCC President Diane Watanabe welcomed everyone for attending the special recognition evening to award outstanding individuals for their service to the community.

Mistress of ceremonies Emily Folick, 2012 Miss Orange County Japanese American and 2012 Nisei Week Queen, gave her farewell message before introducing the 2013 Miss Orange County Laura Higashi.

Richard Hanki and Nori Uyematsu were awarded as the 2013 Orange County Pioneers and Renee Kimoto received the 2013 OCNCC Youth Adult Award.

The 2013 OCNCC Outstanding Service Award honorees included Richard Fukuhara from Orange Coast Optimist Club, Marsha Hamamoto from South East Youth Organization, Caryn Ito from Orange Coast Sports Association, and Christine Kimoto from Orange County Queen’s Council.

Tomo no Kai (Association of Friends), a Japanese/Japanese American social club of UC Irvine students and staff, was honored by SELANOCO Japanese American Citizens League by Ken Inouye.

Susan Shimizu of the Ray Shimizu Orange County Nikkei Junior Golf Scholarship Committee awarded Rena Oginoand Darre Kusumoto its annual scholarships.

 

Join the Conversation

1 Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *