2010-2011 Kunitomi/Suzuki Scholarship – Nolan Tcheng
Nolan Tcheng receiving award from 2010 recipient, George Toyama
Gabrielino High School Senior Nolan Tcheng was named the CYC (Community Youth Council) Kunitomi/Suzuki scholarship recipient for 2011. The award ceremony will be held at the annual CYC Jamboree to be held on Sunday, February 27 at Schurr High School. Nolan’s parents are Ken and Marilyn Tcheng and he has an older brother named Trent. Nolan has been a member of the Pasadena Bruins organization since the first grade and currently serves as a coach for the Bruins “Thunder” 6th grade team. While maintaining an impressive 3.7 grade point average throughout high school he is affiliated with the Student Class Council, National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation. In addition, Nolan has received several athletic accolades while playing Varsity Basketball where he was a team captain as well as playing Varsity Volleyball all four years of high school. Nolan also found time to volunteer his services at the Pasadena Buddhist Church as well as the Pee-Wee clinics organized by the Bruins. Parent Ken Kikkawa contributes, “Nolan began coaching the Thunder team when he was in 10th grade and he quickly gained the respect and admiration of all of the boys. He is able to perfectly balance the responsibilities of being a coach with the fun-loving attitude that only 6th grade boys can appreciate. He exemplifies the values that are the foundation of our organization – responsibility, integrity and academic and athletic excellence.” Nolan is currently pursuing college opportunities to play Men’s Volleyball and wants to major in Athletic Training or Physical Therapy. The runner-up award will be presented to Cody Sato, also of the Pasadena Bruins organization who attends Mark Keppel High School. Honorable mentions will be awarded to Jeffrey Akune from Schurr High School, Ryan Ishimaru from John Marshall High School, Kenneth Kawada from Schurr High School, Richard Kodani from Redondo Union High School, Mitchell Kozono from Walnut High School, Brandon Kwan of Diamond Ranch High School, and Brandon Lum of Arcadia High School. The Kunitomi/Suzuki Award was established in memory of the late Hideo Kunitomi and in 2006, in memory of Paul Suzuki. Both are honored for their longtime service to CYC. Each year, CYC recognizes individuals who exemplify the qualities held in high esteem by our member organizations – these include scholastic ability, active participation in school and community affairs, leadership skills and true sportsmanship.
Nolan with parents Ken and Marilyn Tcheng, and CYC Board Member Charlene Nishimura
