Press Release
Shinoda Foundation Awards New Scholarships
for Community College Floral Design Students
Shinoda Design Center, Jimmy Shinoda Memorial Scholarships Established
San Luis Obispo, Calif., June 24, 2010 – Community college floral design students now have new support from the floriculture industry, as the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation announced winners of the first-ever Shinoda Design Center Scholarship and the Jimmy Shinoda Memorial Scholarship.
The new scholarships dedicate educational funding to the floral design segment and support California community colleges in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties.
“My family and I realize the future of the industry lies within our ability to properly present and display the product,” said James Kusuda, a fifth-generation Shinoda family member and vice president of the Shinoda Design Center. “We need floral designers properly trained, and these awards support that effort.”
The Jimmy Shinoda Memorial Scholarship also goes toward that goal of recognizing and supporting excellence in floral design. Jimmy, one of Joseph Shinoda’s nephews, started in the industry at San Lorenzo Nursery Company’s floral supply and fresh flower operations before leaving to help his family make Shinoda Design Center one of the largest in-stock wholesale floral supply companies in the U.S.
“The Shinoda family would like to thank everyone who contributed in my grandfather’s name to the Foundation,” said James. “That enabled us to establish this award honoring my grandfather’s many contributions to the industry.”
2010-11 Winners
Two students were awarded the first Shinoda Design Center Scholarships:
$1,000 to Suzanne Carr, sophomore from Oceanside, CA, horticulture major, MiraCosta College, North San Diego County
$1,000 to Deborah Fehlberg, sophomore from Spring Valley, CA, floral design major, Cuyamaca College, El Cajon
One student was named as the recipient of the Jimmy Shinoda Memorial Scholarship:
$1,000 to Christina Saavedra, sophomore from Orange, CA, floral design and shop management major, Golden West College, Huntington Beach
To see Jimmy’s obituary, click here.