Seabrook Group Honors Board Members, Graduates

JACL Executive Board installed by Paul Uyehara EDC Governor for 2025-26. Back row, from left: Paul Uyehara, Yukiye Tamm, Kelly Kuwabara, Sharon Yoshida, Stefanie Pierce, Louise Ogata. Front: Julie Yamasaki, Susan Jacques, Misono Miller, Lenore Wurtzel, Linda Ono, Wendy Mitsui, Darlene Mukoda.

Approximately 50 people attended the recent gathering of the Seabrook Chapter of the JACL (Japanese American Citizens League) dinner held recently at the Edgar Joyce Senior Center in Seabrook. At the event, graduating students of the chapter members were announced by Scholarship Chair Lenore Wurtzel as follows:

From 8th Grade: 

• Lyla Pucher, Pittsgrove Middle School, Elmer, NJ

• Hudson Wagner, Vergennes Middle School , Vergennes VT

From High School: 

• Andrew and Timothy Darrow, Centennial High School, Ellicott City, MD

• Aaron Sanderlin, Cumberland Regional High School, Bridgeton, NJ

• Connor Weitl, North Gate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

Upper Deerfield Township Deputy Mayor James Crilley presented keys to the Township to graduates, from left: Ella Taylor, Millville Sr. High School; James Crilley, Deputy Mayor; Paige Genievich, Arthur P. Schalick High School; Aaron Sanderlin, Cumberland Regional High School, Reese Sanderlin, Rowan College, South Jersey; Bryce Mosley, Cumberland County Technical Ed Center.

From College:  

• Mari Dragan, BS, Veterinary Medicine, Wake Forest University

• Julia Reyes, BA, Marketing/Business, Ohio State University

• Reese Sanderlin, AA, Biological Science and Health, Rowan College SJ

• Andrew Yamasaki, BA, Accounting, Liberty University

The JACL Citizenship Awardees, who were selected by their high school or middle school administrations, were also announced:

• Alondra Mayo, Bridgeton High School

• Bryce Mosley, Cumberland County Tech Ed Center

 • Blake Modri, Cumberland Regional High School 

• Ella Taylor, Millville Senior High School 

• Paige Genievich, Arthur Schalick High

• Danica Feister, Vineland High School

• Logan Pace and Steven Williams, Woodruff School in Seabrook. 

JACL member emeritus Irene Nagao Kaneshiki announced the JACL Chapter Scholarship awardees receiving scholarships for academic excellence in their respective high schools, including the Charles and Mary Nagao Memorial Scholarship to Connor Weitl; the John and Sets Fuyuume Memorial Scholarship to Timothy Darrow; and Seabrook Chapter Scholarships to Aaron Sanderlin and Andrew Darrow.

Danielle Iwata, representing the New Jersey AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islanders) was the keynote speaker and she spoke about her activities in her collaboration with other agencies and members of the Asian population in New Jersey. She spoke of the importance of knowing and inquiring elder family members regarding their roots and their own experiences as immigrants and citizens of the USA. In her words, ”The AAPI believes that cross-racial solidarity and civic engagements are key to our shared future.”

Paul Uyehara, governor of the Eastern District Council of the National JACL, left, presented the Sapphire Pin Award to Sharon Yoshida, She holds a metal-crafted bonsai sculpture created by JACL member/artist Stanley Kaneshiki.

Paul Uyehara, governor of the Eastern District Council of the JACL, installed the upcoming executive board of the Seabrook JACL. He also presented a prestigious Sapphire Pin Award granted by the National JACL to Sharon Yoshida of Bridgeton, for her commitment and leadership in all levels of the JACL and her faithfulness, dedication, and contributions to the Seabrook JACL in its activities and civic engagements with organizations in Cumberland County. The award was received with a standing ovation from the audience, all in appreciation for her many years of unselfish service and in agreement for her receiving the honor so deserved. 

An exhibit on the history of the JACL in Seabrook as well as the military service and contribution of several of its members was on display during the event, as set up by Membership Chair Wendy Mitsui and Veteran Air Force Staff Sargent and VFW1795 Quarter Master Ricky Ohara. 

If interested in more information or membership, contact Wendy Mitsui at 856-455-7692 or Chapter President Stefanie Pierce at miyokolynn@gmail.com.