By RYAN CHEN
ANAHEIM — The Rising Stars Youth Leadership Program held its annual miniature golf tournament on March 12 at Camelot Golfland in Anaheim.
Around 100 guests, mostly families, came out on the sunny Saturday morning to either participate in the tournament or enjoy the delicious pizza.
The event, which began at around 9 a.m., had close to 60 golfers hitting the greens for a round of putt-putt. Every attendee was given the opportunity to purchase last-minute raffle tickets for $2 for the chance to win some high-tier prizes, such as a Go-Pro camera, Disneyland tickets, and the top prize of an iPad Mini.
Next, the golfing the participants were invited to an all-you-can-eat pizza and salad lunch, during which the top three scorers in both the kids and adults divisions received awards. The results of the raffle were announced, with more than 100 gifts being given away. Finally, goodie bags were distributed to all participants at the end of the event.
From the Kids Division of the tournament, Grace and Kara Sadahiro, siblings of current Rising Star 13 student Hope Sadahiro, received first and second place, respectively, and Joneyan Limpus was awarded third place.
For the adults, Felix Harder won first place, Brodie Sadahiro placed second, and former Rising Stars member Taryn Iwamoto was awarded third.
After the dominant performance by the Sadahiro family, with three family members placing in the tournament, Grace shared her thoughts on the success of the event. “It’s been great … how well the members all worked together to get sponsors and help for this one big event that a lot of people enjoyed, and that people will enjoy for the next few years of Rising Stars.”
Her father, Brodie, reflected on the program in general. “For Hope it’s been fantastic … She’s learned a lot, made a lot of good friends, learned some pretty good skills as far as financials, interviewing and networking…priceless”. He continued by stating that he would like his two younger children to follow their sister’s path and join the Rising Stars program in the future.
Erica Fisher, a member of RS 12, a former member in the RS Planning Committee, and the representative leader for Japanese American Parents Association of Children with Challenges, remarked on the impact of the program and event. “I think it’s great that the program is … able to have the golf tournament every year, give opportunity to so many high school youth, as they’re all of our future leaders, and I’m really excited to see it continue to grow and to see every year all the students [develop] and grow.”
This event, she continued, was a fun activity for the students of the JAPACC, and for all of the parents and friends of the Rising Star members.
The Rising Stars Youth Leadership Program thanks all participants, sponsors, and donors for another successful tournament. Focusing on both leadership and cultural awareness, it hopes to continue its work in helping the high school youth of today.
The Nikkei Federation is the program sponsor for Rising Stars. For more information, visit our website at www.Nikkeifederation.org. The website is a clearinghouse of information on special events, sports leagues, clubs, language and cultural classes, and social groups involving Southern California’s vibrant and diverse Japanese American community.
The JACCC is our facility sponsor and has provided ongoing support for the Rising Stars program since its inaugural session. For information about the JACCC and its programs, visit their website at www.JACCC.org.
The Rafu Shimpo is the media sponsor and provides media coverage and ad support for the program. Visit www.rafu.com for online coverage of news and events.
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Ryan Chen is a current sophomore at La Cañada High School. He is on the Rising Stars Publicity Committee and hopes to pursue a career in business or political science.
Photos by Cyril Nishimoto
