20^th Anniversary Celebration 

On July 24^th, 2006 we celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the Yokkaichi English Fellow Program with a reception at dinner at the very lovely EarlBurnsMillerJapaneseGarden at CaliforniaStateUniversity,Long Beach.

 In attendance were  35 former YEF fellows who entertained everyone with fond memories of their time inYokkaichi.  We were especially happy to have in attendance Yoko Kimura, San who has been responsible for the YEF program with the Yokkaichi Board of Education.  

Four new YEF fellows were also in attendance.  For 2006/2008 the YEF fellows are:

Jon David Friedberg

Vutha Leang

Marie Raz

Eric Wurdinger

 Also in attendance were association members and guest including local press.  A wonderful evening was enjoyed by everyone.  The JapaneseGarden setting was the most beautiful background with its Coi pond and beautiful plants.  This was an evening that all members of the association will remember for years to come.

 The Honorable Tetsuo Inoue, Mayor of Yokkaichi, sent congratulations by letter which was read to the audience. (Read Mayor Inoue’s letter)  Also Kinya Kawakita, San, Superintendent, Yokkaichi City Board of Education also sent a letter of congratulations which indicates that much of the reason for the very high scores his students make on the national English test is attributable to the YEF program. (Read his letter)