The 70th Annual Japanese American Community Graduation Program (June 14, 2025)

A celebration for the 70th Annual Japanese American Community Graduation was held at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on June 14th, 2025.

Founded in 1955, this graduation program began with the awarding of a $50 scholarship to a Japanese American high school graduate in honor of the late Harry Sakata, who served as president of the Mile High Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). In the mid-1970s, the Japanese American Community Scholarship Program established its philosophy as a community-wide celebration of all Japanese American high school graduates, and scholarships were also extended to graduates whose parents were active members of any of the Scholarship Program’s participating organizations, regardless of ancestry.

Over the course of 70 years, the initial program, which was attended by approximately 25 people, has grown to include about 150 attendees. The scholarship program has evolved from a single $50 award to include over thirty awards, with the highest award totaling more than $5000.

This year, twelve graduating Japanese American high school seniors and their families celebrated their new beginnings with scholarships from various organizations and individuals. The Consulate-General of Japan in Denver was invited to the event, and Consul-General Okajima and his staff attended.