From left: Randall Noji, Marilyn Philipp, Pastor Marion Park and Audrey Yamagata-Noji
By LAURIE HAYASHI
Grace First Presbyterian Church of Long Beach takes great pleasure in announcing the 2026 recipients of the Kimi Sugiyama Human Service Award.
This award is given annually to individuals in our community who extend God’s love to others with outstanding creativity and self-sacrifice.
This year’s recipients are Marilyn Philipp and the late Gene “Coach” Noji.
Marilyn radiates God’s love for others as she is always helping others through her volunteer work in the community.
“Coach” was a gifted high school tennis and football coach who became a father figure to many of his players when they needed support, an advocate, a helping hand.
Both were honored at the annual Aki Matsuri celebration on Oct. 4. Accepting Gene Noji’s posthumous award were his wife, Audrey Yamagata-Noji, and his son, Randall Noji.