The Venice Japanese Community Center awarded scholarships to six graduating seniors at its annual VJCC Festival on June 27.
In addition to stellar academic records, the students extended themselves by participating in many extracurricular activities and becoming involved in community service both at VJCC and the greater community around them.
Sydney Hongo is a graduate of El Segundo High School and plans to attend Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo. Her parents are Gary and Lola Hongo.
Joseph Masato is a graduate of Culver City High School and plans on attending Santa Monica College. He is the son of Tim and Maria Masato.
Marissa Vensel is a graduate of Culver City High School and plans to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is the daughter of Kris and Robin Vensel.
Noah Wang is a graduate of Culver City High School and is planning on attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. His parents are May Chao and Max Wang.
Cameron Kato is a graduate of Culver City High School and plans to attend UC Berkeley. He is the son of Kelly and Ellen Kato.
William Tomita is a graduate of Santa Monica High School and plans to attend UCLA. His parents are Craig and Karen Tomita.
In addition to the VJCC Scholarship, Masato received a diploma from the Venice Gakuen along with a monetary honorarium for use toward college costs.