On July 20, the Okinawa Association of America, Inc. (OAA) hosted their annual picnic at Whittier Narrows Group Picnic Area in South El Monte.
The day was filled with games, live performances, raffle drawings, the only Okinawa Bon Odori in Southern California, and an awards ceremony for the organization’s high school scholarship recipients.
A tradition dating back to the 1950s, the OAA recognizes and rewards graduating high school seniors of Okinawan descent in Southern California. OAA family membership is required to apply and the selection process is based on the students’ academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and community contributions; transcript; letters of recommendation; financial need; and essays (including the prompt, “What does being Okinawan mean to you”). Special consideration is given for community hours at the OAA.
2024’s recipients were Cristiana Arakaki Grosdidier (Shoan and Shizuko Yamauchi Scholarship), Isla Walker (Joe and Yoko Higashi Scholarship), Luke Ablaza (Masayuki and Tamako Kishimoto Scholarship), and Kekoa Kakihara (Richard Itomura Memorial Scholarship).
2025’s recipients are Katelyn Watanuki (Yamauchi Scholarship), Makayla Moromisato (Higashi Scholarship), Kiyomi Wohlschlegel (Charles M. and Yoshiko Kamiya Scholarship), Paloma Velasquez (Richard Itomura Scholarship), Mia Rees (Masayuki and Tamako Kishimoto Scholarship), and James Osorio (OAA Scholarship).
Every year at the picnic, the OAA president reads short biographies of each student and the Yamauchi Scholarship recipient gives a short speech and thank-you on behalf of all recipients. At the 2024 picnic, OAA Executive Director Yuko Yamauchi introduced the inaugural Itomura Memorial Scholarship and invited spouse Kathy Itomura and nine family members on stage.
With increases in tuition fees and other expenses, not to mention the hardships experienced during the peak years of the pandemic, the OAA hopes that these scholarship awards will assist each student in their journeys toward success – Uyurukubi unnuki yabira (Congratulations) and chibariyō (Do your best)!
OAA is an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and perpetuating Okinawan culture in the greater Los Angeles area. Formed by first-generation immigrants (issei) over a century ago, OAA has grown into a multi-generational organization that hosts numerous events throughout the year, including cultural presentations, performances, and senior-focused activities.