2022-2023 Award Winner
Yoshiko Mendoza
“In my free time, I like to sew and make accessories. I mainly make bows, neckties, and bowties. I enjoy being creative and making things like journaling and stickers. In addition, I like to watch Korean and Chinese dramas when I have free time. My favorite drama is Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung! I also like to listen to music as well. My favorite artist is a group called Tomorrow by Together.”
Yoshiko was selected as a recipient for the 2022-2023 cycle as a result of her demonstrated commitment to her community through volunteering with organizations like Kizuna, Girl Scouts, the Pasadena Bruins, the Venice Japanese Community Center, and the Asian American Appreciation Club at her school. She selected Clean Up Westchester as the recipient for the donation part of her award.
2023-2024 Award Winner
Dylan Gruel
“I (on the left) enjoy playing basketball above everything else. I mainly play for the Bruins Strikers and the La Canada Varsity team. I enjoy helping the elderly and animals through community service and have two cats of my own. I like listening to music, and my favorite artist is J.Cole. My favorite subject is computer science, and I like to code projects in my free time.”
Dylan was selected as a 2023-2024 award winner, demonstrating commitment and generosity towards all members of his community, including classmates/peers, the elderly--and even our animal friends! Dylan selected Perry’s Place Heaven on Earth as a recipient for his donation, and completed his community service project with Sakura Home Memory Care Facility.
2024-2025 Award Winner
Emi Yumori
“I’m Emi Yumori and I’m honored to have received the ARKLA scholarship this year! A little bit about myself - one of my favorite things to do is playing taiko with my group Makoto Taiko located in Pasadena. I also love reading and one of my favorite books is Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I have two younger sisters, two cats, and I can finish 85% of a Giuliano’s torpedo sandwich! I’ve learned so much from completing the ARKLA scholarship award and these skills will be helpful for any future leadership opportunities. Thank you, ARKLA!”
Emi was one of two recipients for the 2024–2025 ARKLA scholarship because she is dedicated to bringing awareness to Japanese heritage and giving back to the communities that have supported her throughout her life. Emi expresses her cultural pride through taiko drumming with her group, Makoto Taiko, in Pasadena. For her community service project, she organized a taiko performance and event at her local library—combining her love for Japanese culture and community engagement while creating an entertaining and educational experience for children.
2024-2025 Award Winner
Leighton Lopez
“My name is Leighton Lopez and I am currently a student at Flintridge Preparatory High School. Outside of school activities, I am a Girl Scout, an active member of the JR YBA at the Pasadena Buddhist Temple, and of the Pasadena-Mishima Youth Exchange program. In my spare time I enjoy attending Japanese school, playing taiko and volunteering at local nonprofits in Pasadena such as Union Station and Pasadena Bruins Pee-Wee Clinic. I also enjoy going to museums, reading, cooking, gardening, and going to the beach or hanging out with friends.”
Leighton was one of two recipients for the 2024-2025 ARKLA scholarship because of her desire towards helping others. She is passionate about organizations that help those in need because she feels everyone should have the basic necessities to strive for a better future. She volunteers at Union Station Homeless Services because it has taught her the meaning and importance of community. She chose Union Station Homeless Services as the recipient for her donation.