2017 Hiroshima Club Scholarship Recipients
This year we had two outstanding recipients of the Seattle Hiroshima Club Scholarship, who were presented to the club at the New Years’ Party held on Saturday, January 28, 2017.
The first to be introduced was Kate Guion, a student at Holy Names Academy, and daughter of Eric and Roxanne Yasuda Guion. Kate is the granddaughter of long-time member, Ted Yasuda.
Since 2003 ballet has played a huge role in Kate’s life, and she has continuously taken ballet classes and workshops. At this time she devotes a minimum of 16.5 hours per week attending the highest level of classes offered by the Pacific Northwest Ballet School. Over the years she has performed in countless programs with the PNB, as well as at school. For the past four summers Kate has auditioned for and been accepted to attend intensive 5-week summer ballet programs across the nation.
Despite her time-consuming commitment to dance, Kate has taken a rigorous course of studies at Holy Names, and has maintained a perfect 4.0 unweighted cumulative gpa, which translates to a 4.413 weighted gpa. Since her tenth grade Kate has taken a minimum of four AP/Honors courses each term.
Kate has studied flute since 2007 and currently is the first chair and Section Leader in her school’s orchestra. In 2013 she was selected to the Holy Names Academy Student Ambassador program, and since 2015 she has been an Ambassador Officer, playing a leading role to help run events involving parents, alumni, current students, and prospective students. She is a member of the school’s National Honor Society, volunteers to be a peer tutor, and was just named as a National Merit Commended Student.
Out of school, Kate volunteers at the Ballard Food Bank every Saturday morning. She has been a member of the Girls Scouts of America since 2006, and has participated in their numerous service activities. When time permits Kate babysits, and through a local organization, she manages baby-sitting job placements in Seattle. Also, Kate has been an active member of her church, often helping with their fund-raising activities.
Kate is currently considering pursuing a pre-medicine/biology major, with hopes of a future in medicine and healthcare.
The second recipient to be introduced was Aaron Ramos, a student at Edmonds Woodway High School. Aaron is the son of Andrea Mano, and grandson of long-time Board member, Irene Mano and husband, George Mano. Also, his great-grandparents were Yoshito and Yukiko Fujii.
Several primary themes seem to describe Aaron’s busy and committed life to date: academics, music, sports, and community service.
Ever since grade nine, Aaron has been enrolled in four or more advanced/honors classes per term. This year, as a senior, he has challenged himself by enrolling in seven International Baccalaureate classes, the IB program being one of the most challenging curricula offered in our high schools. Despite this heavy academic load Aaron has maintained a 3.970 gpa, thus earning him enrollment in the school’s National Honor Society.
Aaron has played the viola for a number of years, and as a sophomore was chosen to play in the very select Chamber Orchestra at his high school, for which he is the principal violist. In addition, he plays in a “chamber-like” ensemble, which gives the group the opportunity to perform at various community events and locations. Aaron has also taken lessons on the piano, which he still enjoys playing.
Sports also consume a great deal of Aaron’s time as he not only plays on the school’s baseball team, but he also has been a member of a select baseball team, a year-round commitment. When time permits he enjoys playing recreational basketball.
Currently Aaron is president of Troop 252’s Venturing Crew. As president he plans the meetings, organizes the activities, insures communication with parents, and helps other scouts complete their Eagle Scout projects. In addition, he helps out with the maintenance at his church, when asked, and is an active volunteer in temple fundraisers.
When time permits Aaron enjoys performing magic tricks, with a specialty in cardistry. At this time Aaron is considering a possible major in some aspect of Engineering.
