VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 2 • June 2026

Leading With Humility

As the first Shining Spirit Youth Award recipient, Jaimee Yokoyama reflects a quiet, service-driven model of leadership

BY DIANE SUEDA NAKO
MAKAWAO HONGWANJI MISSION

When students think about awards, they often imagine finally being recognized after years of hard work.

For one remarkable student, however, the news came as a complete surprise.

Recently chosen to receive the first Shining Spirit Youth Award, Jaimee Yokoyama, 20, responded not with pride but with humility when honored during the Living Treasures program.

When asked how she felt after hearing the news, her reaction was simple and sincere.

She was “surprised and truly grateful for the nomination” and said she didn’t think she deserved the award.

I had the privilege of knowing Jaimee, the daughter of Paul and Tanya Yokoyama, as a Dharma school student at Makawao Hongwanji since 2010.

From a young age, her vibrant personality and eagerness radiated within the temple and among sangha members, which led her to being asked to help with numerous temple activities.

She always participated in clean ups, manju and chow fun making, served as a mentor to Dharma school students and a coordinator for live streaming of temple services.

“Yes, I can help” was her unwavering response; her willingness to share her time and efforts without expecting anything in return.

As she grew older, I recalled thinking that Jaimee was a special person who embodied the teachings of Jodo Shinshu and her willingness to truly listen to the Dharma.

With this keen interest, she became a member of the Maui United Jr. YBA and took advantage of leadership roles of President, Treasurer and Councilor.

At the Federation level, she served as Treasurer and finally as President.

She also participated as a guest panel speaker for the Buddhist Study Center’s seminar, “Dharma Through the Eyes of Youth” and most recently, was involved in the BSC’s fellowship program as well as serving as a Y.E.S.S. camp counselor.

Although she’s busy as a full-time college student, at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Jaimee continues to share her time and talents with sincerity, compassion and Dana, or selfless giving.

When asked what it meant to be the first Shining Spirit Youth Award recipient, she spoke of being “truly grateful for all the hard work in the nomination and selection committee” process.

“I hope this will provide more opportunities for youth and leadership programs within the community.” she said, “and this will provide an incentive for youth to be more active within their temples and actively volunteer when there’s a call for help.”

Her modest response reflects the qualities that led others to nominate her in the first place.

Temple leaders often describe Jaimee as someone who works hard, supports others and approaches challenges with a positive attitude. Rather than focusing on recognition, she remains focused on learning, growing and helping those around her succeed.

Her story is a reminder that true leadership often comes from quiet dedication.

By staying humble and committed to her goals, she continues to inspire those around her, making the title of Shining Spirit Youth Award recipient a perfect fit.