FDSTL Awards Nitta Scholarships to Two High School Graduates

The Federation of Dharma School Teachers’ League (FDSTL) Fred and Helen Nitta Scholarship Committee received 11 excellent applications this past winter. 

Without reservation, each high school applicant struck us as intelligent, active and thoughtful leaders at their respective temples. It was not an easy decision, but we are pleased to announce two wonderful high school seniors as the 2026 Nitta Scholarship awardees: Nicholas Arai of Oceanside and Kylene Kubo of Fresno. Each awardee receives a $1,000 scholarship. 

Kubo is featured in this issue of the Wheel of Dharma. Arai was profiled in the July issue.

Kylene “Kylie” Kubo graduated from Clovis North High School and lives in Fresno, California. She attends Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple where Rev. Dr. Kazuaki Nakata serves as Resident Minister and interim Rimban. Kylene Kubo's parents are James and Jenny Kubo.

At Clovis North, Kylene was an honor student and a champion varsity tennis player. Outside of school, Kylene does volunteer work and is an intern as a social media specialist. 

To earn her Girl Scout Bronze and Silver awards, she created a website to educate about Japanese American internment and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. 

At Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple, Kylene leads in Jr. YBA, as a Youth Minister’s Assistant, as a Kodomo Center volunteer, and as a Toban leader at the Fresno Betsuin’s “Camping in the Sierras” summer camp. 

She plans to attend the University of California at San Diego to study applied mathematics and intern at actuarial firms. 

Kylene wrote to the prompt: The BCA theme for 2026 is “Realizing Our Interconnectedness.” How do you understand this theme?

“Throughout my life, I have been taught that Buddhism is a religion of awareness. I once understood this teaching in a very simple way, such as needing to be aware of our surroundings or of others’ feelings. While these views are still applicable, the theme ‘Realizing Our Interconnectedness’ has deepened my perspective. It has shown me that awareness also means recognizing how our actions continuously shape and influence one another’s lives.  

“I was recently reminded of this idea while watching “Dead Poets Society,” a film that follows the quiet and introverted Todd Anderson as he gradually finds the courage to share his voice. With the encouragement of his roommate, Neil Perry, and his teacher, John Keating, Todd begins to believe in himself and his abilities. 

“As someone who also struggles with self-confidence, Anderson’s development prompted me to reflect on how the people in my life have helped me come out of my shell. 

“My parents, for example, have always supported me in whatever I do. Whether it was dance recitals, pep competitions or tennis matches, they never failed to show up and be my biggest cheerleaders. Their steady presence has given me the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone, as I know they will be there for me no matter what. 

“Similarly, my Sangha has played a crucial role in my growth. As a Youth Minister’s Assistant, I have had opportunities to share Dharma messages during our temple’s weekly services. 

“At first, speaking in front of others made me anxious because I worried about making mistakes or being judged. However, each time I spoke, members of the Sangha responded with kindness and appreciation, even when I stumbled. Their compassion helped me feel more at ease and reminded me that imperfection is not only natural but necessary for growth. Reflecting on these experiences helped me realize that who I am today is directly shaped by my interconnectedness with others, as their support has provided the foundation for my growing self-confidence. 

“Beyond recognizing the influence of those close to us, it is equally important to acknowledge our interconnectedness with those we might be less familiar with. Attending Jr. YBA conferences over the past four years has given me the chance to meet many new people who I might not have encountered otherwise. 

“At Bay District’s most recent conference, one of the workshops asked us to write down something we were proud of, something we were worried about and something we were looking forward to. Then, we stood in a circle and shared our responses while one person held a ball of yarn. 

“Once everyone was done sharing, that person would tie the yarn around their finger and toss it to another delegate with whom they shared a common experience. We continued until everyone had received the string once, forming a complex web in the center of the circle. 

“Participating in this exercise opened my eyes to how deeply our lives are intertwined through shared emotions and experiences — even among strangers. Recognizing this connection reassures me that no one is ever truly alone, as someone else in the world has likely experienced the same things or felt the same way. This perspective gives me the strength to persevere through challenges, especially as I prepare to begin the newest chapter of my life away from everything I am familiar with. 

“In realizing how others affect our lives, we must also reflect on how we affect others’ lives. For the past two years, I have been a Toban leader at the “Camping in the Sierras” summer camp. Many of the campers were new, so I needed to be mindful of how my actions would influence their experiences at camp. I worked hard to be a role model for them, transforming me into a more productive and active camper. Thus, recognizing our impact on others can encourage us to improve our own lives along with theirs. 

“Ultimately, the theme ‘Realizing Our Interconnectedness’ teaches me that we all influence one another’s lives, often in ways we might not immediately recognize. It highlights how life is inherently interdependent, encouraging me to consider how my actions affect others. As our society is slowly becoming more individualistic, this message is especially meaningful.  It promotes compassion and a more holistic way of thinking. By realizing our interconnectedness, we can live more mindfully and compassionately — enriching both our own lives and the lives of others.”