Gabriela (Gabi) Senno began her involvement with JACL while studying American Studies at Washington University of St. Louis. As a PhD student in American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California, Gabi will explore the understudied postwar connections and relations between Japanese Americans and African Americans.

Gabi will also continue her work in curation and public education to promote greater consciousness about the legacies of the incarceration of Japanese Americans.

Kiera Hosack, a graduate from Eureka High School, is planning to earn a degree in chemistry at the University of Tulsa.

Outside of academics, she plans to actively participate in programs that foster and uplift diverse groups of people. Kiera would like to educate others on LGBTQIA+ culture so that those outside of this community understand and embrace those within it. Kiera is a member of the St. Louis JACL and has worked at the annual Japanese Festival booth.

Ayla Kim, a graduate from Kirkwood High School, is planning to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in Child and Family Development at St. Louis Community College at Meramec.

Ayla remains committed to volunteering at the Japanese Festival and staying actively engaged with community members–efforts that reflect her belief that preserving a child’s connection to their heritage is a vital component of social justice and diversity. Ayla is also member of the St. Louis JACL and has worked at the annual Japanese Festival booth.

Presentations of the St. Louis JACL Scholarship awards will be conducted at the St. Louis JACL July 4th Picnic at Vlasis Park at on July 4, 2025. Congratulations to the 2025 St. Louis JACL Scholarship recipients!