December marked the 30th year of the opening of the Nishi Hongwanji Child Development Center, nicknamed “Nishi Center.”
To celebrate this milestone, an anniversary-reunion was held in the Nishi Hongwanji kaikan. There were well over 300 guests, including alumni, their parents, and former staff who had been a part of the Nishi Center family during the span of the 30 years.
Lunch was catered by Feast from the East and the group photo was taken by Alan Miyatake of Toyo Miyatake Studios.
The former students were able to reacquaint themselves with former classmates and teachers from their preschool years. There was evidence of friendships that developed while at Nishi Center and have continued on through many years.
Reunion attendees were able to tour the school facilities, which were, in some ways, the same as 30 years ago and also new in other ways, including the expanded play area. There were opportunities for everyone to design a commemorative ceramic tile that will be kiln-fired and installed onto a wall in the school’s play area.
Nishi Center is a state-licensed and accredited day care facility that operates under the umbrella of the Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. The school had its humble beginning in December of 1983 with six preschool students and two teachers. Over time, a well-rounded, comprehensive curriculum was developed to provide a preschool education that prepares children academically and emotionally for entry into the elementary school system. Over the three decades, Nishi Center has provided a solid foundation for hundreds of young children.