Pride of Whittier High

High school dedicates Yoshio Nakamura Art Building. By MARY UYEMATSU KAO

One of the hottest days of this recent heat wave, Saturday, Sept. 7, did not keep Whittier folks from coming out to celebrate one of their local heroes, Mr. "Yosh" Nakamura. Some 100+ people came out to see the dedication of Whittier High's art building getting a new name with a plaque of its namesake.

The Whittier Union High School District website describes what led up to this event: "Acknowledging Nakamura's contributions as a teacher and his commitment to art education, the Whittier Union Board of Trustees voted unanimously on March 12 to dedicate the Whittier High School Fine Arts building in his honor.

"This honor celebrates the man who shook off the adversity of being interned with his family in WWII to become a highly decorated war hero and beloved teacher and administrator at Whittier High and, later, as Río Hondo College's first art professor."

Sitting in his wheelchair next to the speaker's podium, 99-year-old Yosh weathered the heat and delivered his words of appreciation in a 15 minute speech. It was all from his intact mind, showing everyone he is still as sharp and witty as ever, despite his declining physical abilities.

With typical JA humility, he credited those around him for him being a successful art teacher, including the students he taught, and an administration who took its chances hiring a Japanese American after World War II.

Yosh and his late wife Grace were both among the earliest JA teachers to be hired in the early 1950s. Many a Nisei with college degrees were only able to find jobs in the produce market or gardening after the war.

Yosh mentioned how surprised he was when he received "Teacher of the Year" from the Whittier Women's Club — the first time they had given such an award. This was followed by the San Gabriel Valley District Federation of Women's Clubs, but he jokes, "I didn't quite make it to the state."

Yosh ended his comments with: "Anyway, I promise that I won't have you baking out here too long — I just want to thank you for the recognition that you have given for the arts and for teachers by giving this award,and it really is not a personal award as much as for a group of people who have encouraged teachers to do what they can do and be successful, so I want to thank you..."

Yosh received commendations from State Sen. Bob Archuleta (D-30th District) and U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-38th District). And with the unveiling of the plaque, Gary Mendez, president of the Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees, declared Yosh's story to be remembered forever.

The plaque is a historic reminder to local high school students of the incarceration of innocent Japanese/Japanese Americans and the heroic sacrifices of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II.

The Whittier Union High School District website goes on to describe Yosh's artistic legacy — some of his former students include: Academy Award-winning visual effects artist Lorne Petersen; Rose Parade float designer Raul Rodriguez; graphic designer Don Strout; glass artist Trish Duggan; and Amy Yutani, who helped co-design the Seattle Seahawks logo for the National Football League. ( )