Back row, from left: Blake Wakasa, Akinty Carter, Jordan Perry, Justin Parker, Philip Smart; front row, from left: Michael Saito, Paige Tademaru, Nicole Matsuda, Alyssa Minami, Kyle Nagao.

The Venice Japanese Community Center awarded scholarships to 10 graduating seniors at its annual VJCC Festival on June 25.

In addition to stellar academic records, the students extended themselves by participating in many extracurricular activities and becoming involved in community service both at VJCC and the greater community around them.

• Nicole Matsuda is a graduate of Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnet and plans to attend UC Davis. Her parents are Catherine and Dean Matsuda.

• Alyssa Minami is a graduate of West High School and plans on attending San Diego State University. She is the daughter of Ed and Virginia Minami.

• Michael Saito is a graduate of Pacific Christian High School and plans to attend Loyola-Marymount University. He is the son of Tim and Staci Saito.

• Philip Smart is a graduate of Palos Verdes High School and is planning to attend St. John’s University in New York. His parents are Kimi and Dana Smart.

• Paige Tademaru is a graduate of Marymount High School and plans to attend Duquesne University in Pennsylvania. She is the daughter of David and Arlene Tademaru.

• Akinty Carter is a graduate of Loyola High School and plans on attending USC. His parents are Tomoko and Ty Carter.

• Kyle Nagao is a graduate of Torrance High School and plans to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. His parents are Ken and Jeanne Nagao.

• Justin Parker is a graduate of Culver City High School and plans to attend UC Berkeley. His parents are Jeff Parker and Linda Suzuki Parker.

• Jordan Perry is a graduate of Pacifica Christian High School and plans to attend Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash.. His parents are Mike and Debbie Perry.

• Blake Wakasa is a graduate of Venice High School and plans to attend UC Irvine. His parents are Barbara and Lance Wakasa.