The 2026 Graduates Banquet was held at Lemongrass on April 29, with 41 people in attendance, 2026 Graduate’s Banquet Shelley Quipotla Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani, ministers, educators, and staff gathered for the Dharma Educators’ Retreat at the Buddhist Study Center on May 2. Dr. Miki Tomita-Okamoto facilitated strategic planning sessions focused on the future of Dharma School and dharma education. WHM members in attendance: Rev. Shinkai Murakami, Mike Munekiyo, Sandra Hirata, and Joan Tamori. including 10 graduating seniors. It was a wonderful evening of fellowship and celebration. Yuki Lei Sugimura shared an inspiring message for the graduates and wished them success in the future. Rylee Ann Ota also gave a heartfelt student response. Guests enjoyed a delicious five-course Chinese family-style dinner and ono dessert. A big mahalo goes out to all of the graduate sponsors and those who helped support the banquet.
The graduates shared the following future plans:
• Namaka Andaya — Santa Monica College, Engineering
• Noa Fong — Santa Clara University, Computer Science
• Jaelynn Fukuda — Northern Arizona University, Dentistry or Teaching
• Tate Fukunaga — University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, undecided major
• Aeva Gomes — University of Nevada, Liberal Arts & Criminal Justice
• Naia Kaulukukui — Vanguard University, Business Administration & Soccer
• Ailene Kava — Temple University, Liberal Arts
• Aaron Omuro — UCLA, Chemical Engineering
• Rylee Ann Ota — San Diego State University, Electrical Engineering • Dominic Rabang — University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Hospitality
Congratulations and best wishes to all of the graduates.
