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.

Kiichi Egashira was born in East Los Angeles and attended McKinley Elementary School, Enterprise Junior High School and Compton High School. During World War II, he was interned in Gila River Relocation Center in Arizona. After the war, Kiichi attended the Illinois Institute of Technology and later received his engineering degree from the University Southern California. During the Korean War, he served in the United States Air Force and then worked in the aerospace industry, at TRW. The Egashira brothers lived in Gardena, California.

Administered by the South Bay Chapter of the Japanese American Citizen League, 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 190 scholarship recipients and over $255,000 awarded to students on behalf of Kiichi Egashira.

KIICHI EGASHIRA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS FOR 2026

Julianne Mayetani, daughter of Ryan and Karen Mayetani of Rancho Palos Verdes graduated from Palos Verdes Peninsula High School with many academic achievements including numerous Awards from the Palos Verdes Peninsula Science and Engineering Fair, 3rd Place in the Material Science Event at USC Science Olympiad Invitational. Julianne took 5th Place in the Material Science event at Los Angeles Regional Olympiad Tournament at Rio Hondo College and was a Technology Student Association National Qualifier in 2025 and 2026. She was also an AP Scholar with Distinction.

Julianne’s on campus activities includes being a member of the Varsity Girls Volleyball Team. She was a member of the Library Replenishment Club, She was a Member of the Science Olympiad Team, Member of Mu Alpha Theta Math National Honor Society, National Honor Society and Team Captain for the Technology Student Association.

Julianne’s off campus activity includes being Student Researcher for Stony Brook University Garcia Research Scholars. She was a student at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Michigan Math and Science Scholars and a student at California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science at University of California, Santa Cruz. Julianne was member of the Mizuno Long Beach Volleyball Club and the Beach Cities Volleyball Club.

Julianne will be attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall, majoring in Chemical Engineering.

Maya Nawachi, daughter Nobyo and Noriko Nawachi of Torrance graduated from West Torrance High School with many academic achievements including the AP Scholar with Distinction, she earned numerous Science Olympiad Awards for Water Quality, Experimental Design, Remote Sensing and Microbe Mission. Maya was awarded SAT Letter of Commendation and she was Member of the California Scholarship Federation.

Maya’s on campus activities includes, being the Captain of the Science Olympiad, president of the Women in STEM and Editor in Chief for the school newspaper, The West Signal. Maya was the Secretary for the Tutorial Club and Treasure for HOSA.

Maya’s off campus activities include being an Member for TUSD Communication Interns, she was Intern for California Youth Climate Advocacy program, Intern for USC Dornsife High School. Maya was on the Youth Ambassador for the South Bay Parkland Conservatory.

Maya will be attending the University of California Berkeley in the fall majoring in Environmental Science.

Mia Yamada daughter of Shuji and Lori Yamada of Torrance graduated from West Torrance High School with many scholastic honors including the TUSD School Board Recognition 2025 Outstanding Achievement Award, the California Legislation Assembly Certificate of Recognition, numerous National Speech and Debate Association Degrees and the Northeastern University John Martinson Honors Program.

Her on campus activities include being the Captain of the Speech and Debate Team, she was a Senior Athletic Trainer for West High School Sports Therapy, President of the Health Occupations Students of America Club , the Publicist for Women in STEM Club, Member of WHS Warrior Focus, Publicist for the Political Club and Member of the National Honors Society. Mia also was a member of the West High Golf Team.

Mia’s off campus activities includes being a Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction for Youth and Government and she is the President of the Gardena Buddhist Church Jr. Youth Buddhist Association. Mia is also a Girl Scout and Coach and Scorekeeper for Double Dribble Basketball Camp.

Mia will be attending Northeastern University in the Fall, majoring in Nursing.

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