Congratualtions to our graduating
high school seniors!
Donna Sasaki

Jeremy Morita
Jeremy Morita is the son of Glenn and Dee Morita.

Jeremy is a senior at Meadowdale HS in Lynnwood. He plays trumpet in the jazz band, and is a member of the jazz choir. His jazz choir attended a festival at Mt. Hood, and his jazz band attended the Newport Jazz Festival and placed in the top 3.

Jeremy’s favorite high school classes are Japanese III, band, AP European History, Physics and Chemistry.

Jeremy plans to attend WSU in the fall, with a double major in Music education and Anthropology. He received a music scholarship from WSU and is excited to take part in the music program there.

His hobby is music, music, music! He likes playing classical and jazz, and also enjoys playing video game music and TV theme songs. Besides music, Jeremy enjoys reading Manga (Japanese comics) and watching anime (Japanese cartoons).

Jeremy is involved with YBA activities, as well as being a member of our Tacoma Fuji Taiko group. He enjoyed participating at our recent NW Buddhist convention and did a beautiful job doing the Kansho with taiko to open both morning services, along with his brother Declan.

Jeremy says he likes coming to temple to “chill out” with people he only sees once a week.

His words of wisdom to our Dharma School students…
"Nothing is impossible, trust me, nothing is out of reach; so shoot for the moon and shoot again further."
I have been fortunate to work along side with Jeremy in our taiko group. He has come to really step up and play a vital role in our taiko organization. With power, rhythm and flair, with each strike of the drum, and each movement of the bachi, Jeremy shows great musicianship and teamwork as we prepare for each performance.

Now, when you talk with Jeremy, you will notice a little gleam in his eyes. That tells me he truly enjoys talking with people and is interested in what they have to say. He also has a great sense of humor that sometimes hits you…LATER!

I know Jeremy will make many new friends at WSU because he’s a friendly, very likeable guy, a person that people will want to “chill out” with!

We wish you well Jeremy as you trek over the mountain pass to WSU. Remember your time here at the temple, and the family that proudly calls you their own. Congratulations on your high school graduation.

Geoffrey Sasaki
Geoffrey Sasaki is the son of Del and Cynthia Sasaki.

Geoffrey is a senior at Emerald Ridge High School. He maintains a 3.96 GPA, and has received the Scholar Athlete Award, showing academic excellence as well as excellence on the playing field, Highest Honors for having a 3.9-4.0 GPA each semester, the Presidential Award for excellence in the classroom, and the Provost Scholarship from Oregon State University for exceptional non-resident high school students who have excelled in academics and leadership.

Geoff was the 9th grade varsity football captain, 9th grade basketball captain, and the Emerald Ridge high school soccer captain and MVP. I just learned that Geoff was one of six midfielders who were named to the All League first team in soccer. He also played on a select baseball team and has coached soccer at a summer youth camp.

Of his high school classes, Geoff likes Biology, Chemistry, Sports Medicine and Calculus.

Geoff plans to attend Oregon State this fall pursuing a career in athletic training or physical therapy.

Geoff’s hobbies include music and producing music. He is a member of a ska band which has performed locally and at high school events, as well as in Seattle and Bremerton.

At the temple Geoff enjoys listening to Dharma stories and listening to different people who present their perspectives of Buddhist teachings. In YBA, he has held the office of Treasurer for the past 5 years.

His words of wisdom to Dharma School students….
“Don’t take anything for granted. Live each day as if it were your last, because things can change in a moment. Enjoy life!”

To some of you, Geoff may seem like a quiet kind of guy. He doesn’t talk just to be talking. But he speaks his mind and does say what he wants to say. If you really want to know the inner Geoff you will see it in his movement on the soccer field, or when he plays his music.

On the soccer field, he is as competitive as any pro athlete, aggressive, skilled, and awesome to watch. Musically, he has been a joy to teach piano. He has become quite an accomplished pianist. His most moving and beautiful performance was at his grandma Tish Sasaki’s funeral. It was a heartfelt tribute to her, one that I know she would have been very proud to hear.

Geoff will join his brother Byron at Oregon State where I know he will carry on his studies with diligence and perseverance as he always does. We wish you all the best at Oregon State and congratulate you on your high school graduation!

Sean Tanino
Sean Tanino is the son of Ken and Lynne Tanino.

Sean is a senior at Kentridge High School. He has a 3.88 GPA and has received a letter of commendation from the
National Merit Scholarship Association and recognition from the College Board for placing in the top 3% nationally of students taking the PSAT. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Environmental Club, and Track & Field.

Sean’s favorite classes are music, cooking, and math. He plays cello in the high school orchestra and also the Renton Youth Symphony. He says he gets to play a solo with the symphony each year.

Throughout high school, Sean has participated in the Kent Relay for Life which raises funds for the American Cancer Society. He helps with the organizing of the event and recruits teams and participants for this very worthwhile cause.
Sean will attend UW this fall, majoring in Biology, but he says that could change. I believe for now he is thinking pre-med.

Does Sean have any free time? Well, when he does, he loves to ski. He loves the snow! He also enjoys aeronautics, as he volunteers at the Museum of Flight, and will be a camp counselor for the Museum’s kids program this summer.
Sean is a temple leader. He serves as YBA Co-President and has held the office of NWYBL Vice-President. Most recently he presided as MC for our NW Buddhist convention banquet. He did a wonderful job! He was so poised and relaxed…he certainly made us all very proud!

At the temple, Sean enjoys the good food which is always great! He loves the family atmosphere here, which is very welcoming, and where he can be himself.

His words of wisdom to the DS students…
“Appreciate everything you have. There are really great people around you. Thank them, show your appreciation.
Savor what you have, take it all in!”

I will personally miss Sean at the temple next year. He has always been the “go to” guy when we need help for a Dharma School event, a YBA function, a temple fundraiser…you name it and Sean has probably done it. His willingness to help and his kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness make it easy to see why he finds himself in leadership roles. He leads by example, and with his winning smile, helps to put everyone so at ease, they don’t even realize that they’re working hard. Sean is a dependable, likeable, and remarkable young man, with a great future ahead of him. Watch out UW, here he comes!