2008 scholarship recipient Kelsey Hayashi.

STOCKTON — The French Camp chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League celebrated its 60th anniversary in conjunction with its annual installation and scholarship luncheon on March 16 at China Palace restaurant in Stockton.

Approximately 95 members and their families attended the luncheon.

The French Camp JACL originated from a Nisei organization called the Progressive Society, which sought to unite the French Camp Nikkei community after the return from the World War II internment camps. Early activities included supporting evacuation claims for former internees and naturalization rights for the Issei, and maintaining the Japanese Community Hall.

In 1948, the Progressive Society, under the leadership of Bob Takahashi, successfully petitioned JACL National Headquarters to become an official chapter. The first installation of chapter officers occurred the following spring in 1949, and has since been an annual community event.

Charter members from 1948 who remain active today include: Morey Egusa, Fred Fukano, Kiyoshi Hayashi, Shig Hisatomi, Katy Komure and Peter Takahashi.

French Camp JACL member and current Northern California-Western Nevada-Pacific District Governor Alan Nishi installed the following slate of officers: David Morinaka, president; Fumiko Asano, treasurer; Katy Komure, recording secretary; Tom Miyasaki, corresponding secretary; Hideo Morinaka, membership; Kimie Morinaka, historian; and Dean Komure, delegate.

Special guests at the luncheon included Lodi JACL President Bill Hinkle and Yo Hiraoka, a current Berkeley resident and French Camp native, who was eager to meet up with old friends for the first time in more than 50 years.

New member Chris Watanabe and his family were also warmly welcomed to the club.

The 2008 chapter scholarship was presented to Kelsey Hayashi, the daughter of David and Candy Hayashi of Stockton and the granddaughter of Kiyoshi and Mari Hayashi of French Camp.

A graduating senior and honors student at Stagg High School, she has received numerous journalism awards for her work on the school newspaper and a varsity letter in basketball. Her Nikkei community activities include being vice president of the Stockton Jr. Young Buddhist Association and assistant coach for the Stockton Shoguns basketball team.

Hayashi aspires to study either sports medicine or physical therapy in college.

The luncheon ended with a raffle in which every person in attendance received a small parting gift.

The next chapter event will be the annual summer picnic with Lodi JACL at Micke Grove Park on Sunday, June 1.

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