South Bay JACL Scholarship Recipients

KIICHI EGASHIRA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

In December 1987, Mr. Ichio Egashira of Homeland, California established a perpetual scholarship award program in memory of his brother, Kiichi who was an engineer. Administered by the South Bay JACL Chapter, the scholarships are designed to be given to deserving undergraduate and graduate students who are studying in scientific fields including mathematics, engineering, computer science, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy biological and physical science. The first scholarship was awarded in 1989. Since that date, there has been over 170 scholarship recipients and over $220,000 awarded to students on behalf of Kiichi Egashira.

KIICHI EGASHIRA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS FOR 2025

Coco Funakoshi, daughter of Yuko and Koji Funakoshi of Redondo Beach graduated from Redondo Union High School with many academic achievements including California Scholarship Federation, Principal’s Honor Roll, PTSA Letter/Pin Recognition, RUHS Ivy Chain, AP Scholar with Distinction and Scholar Athlete Award.

Coco’s on campus activities includes being a member of the Varsity Girls Basketball Team. She was the Club Commissioner of the Student Council and a school Pianist awarded the Certificate of Merit State and Branch Honors.

Coco’s off campus activity includes working as various establishments which includes, being a server at South Bay Rice Things, Volunteer Camp Counselor for Magic Beans Occupational Therapy, an Intern for the West Coast Sports Medicine Foundation, a Teacher’s Assistant for the Rafu Chuo Gakuen Japanese School, a coach for the Northstars Girls Basketball Team and Donation Organizer for the Friends of the Redondo Beach Public Library.

Coco will be attending the University of California Los Angeles in the fall, majoring in Biology.

Makayla Moromisato, daughter Cindy and Douglas Moromisato of Torrance graduated from North Torrance High School with many academic achievements including the AP Scholar with Honors, Outstanding Student for World Language Award in Japanese, Outstanding Student for Visual Arts Award, Scholar Athlete of the Year, Principal’s Honor Roll with Distinction and member of the California Scholarship Federation.

Makayla’s on campus activities includes, being the President of the Japanese Club, Treasure of the Polynesian Club, Volunteer for the National Honors Society, Volunteer for the J’s and V’s Interact Rotary Service Club and Varsity Captain and Member of Golf Team.

Makayla’s off campus activities include being a member of the Girls Scout helping the homeless. She is a member of the Southern California PGA Junior Tour and qualified to the next level, The Players Tour. Makayla was also selected to be part of the internship team of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservatory.

Makayla will be attending the University of California Irvine in the fall majoring in Biological Science.

Lily Heinonen daughter of Harry and Miki Heinonen of Torrance graduated from West Torrance High School. At West Torrance she was on the Principal’s Honor and has Perfect Attendance throughout her four years

Her on campus activities include being a member of the California Scholarship Federation and the Ambassador and member of the Warrior Focus. Lily was also a Volunteer in the TUSD Summer Leadership.

ily’s off campus activities includes being a Member of the Youth Cheering Club and a Student of the LA Computing Circle.

Lily will be attending Cal Poly Pomona in the Fall, majoring in Computer Engineering.

Kayla Sakurai daughter of Dan and Anarella Ushijima Sakurai of Torrance graduated from Torance High School.

At Torrance High Kayla was a member of the California Scholarship Federation and on the National Honor Society. Kayla was also President of the Botany Club, a member of the Tartar Ladies, Secretary of the Kiwins. Kayla was a Member of the Volleyball Team, she was Captain of the Intermediate Dance Team and Member of the Varsity Drill Team.

Kayla’s off campus activities includes being a Member of the Girls Scout earning the Gold Award.

Kayla will be attending University of California Irvine in the Fall, majoring in Psychology.

Jeffrey Takahashi son of Scott and Riva Takahashi of Torrance graduated from West Torance High School with many scholastic honors including AP Scholar Award, Principal’s Honor Roll Award, Scholar Athlete Award and Scholar Baller Award. He was a California Scholarship Federation Honorary Member and earned the Principal’s Honor Roll Award.

Jeffrey on campus activities includes being the President of the Computer Builder Project, Member of the Interact Club and a member of the Varsity Tennis Team.

Jeffrey’s off campus activities includes volunteering for the Seaside Heroes Park, the CPLFS Medical Clinic, the Community’s Child Food Drive, St. Lawrence Youth Ministry and the Madrona March.

Jeffrey will be attending Santa Clara University in the Fall, majoring Electrical Engineering.

Return to SB JACL Scholarships