KEY PEOPLE
Pure Professionalism & Enthusiasm
Our dedicated team are always on the ball, utilizing their unique skills and passion to move JNHS forward. Meet some of our incredible leaders below!
SARAH ACEVES
Co-Chair
Hello! My name is Sarah Aceves and I've been interested in Japan and its culture and language since I was in elementary school. I knew I would take it once I went to high school and I've been studying Japanese for about three years. Over these years, I've learned so much in my classes and it has triggered even bigger interets for japan. The learning environment is so fun and I always collect happy memories each year. I hope to build a new and larger community of those with similar interests as me and I wish that we'll have a great year!
CALLUM FALLSIDE
Co-chair
Hello my name is Callum Fallside, I'm a senior at high school, and have been in the JNHS program since my Sophomore year, I also swim on our Los Gatos team, and am an active safe rides volunteer. I'm looking forward to being more involved in JNHS as I've always been interested in Japan, and community groups. I can’t wait to eventually visit Japan when travel restrictions lift as it seems to be such a unique nation.
REBECCA, AN
Secretary
I’m a senior this year at Los Gatos High School, and I’ve been taking Japanese since freshman year. I love to create art and perform on stage, either in an orchestra or a musical production. I hope to travel and study abroad in Japan someday!
NICOLE SHIMAMOTO
Treasurer
Hello! My name is Nicole Shimamoto and I am a junior this year at Los Gatos High School. I started learning Japanese when I was in elementary school and ever since then, I have been very passionate towards learning the culture and language.
During my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, taking photos, and learning about computer science. I am looking forward to a great year with you all!
TEODOR LANGAN
Media & Communications
Hi! I'm Teodor Langan and I am happy to be the Media and Communications officer for JNHS through 2022 to 2023. This is my fourth year in the Japanese Program and my third year as a member of JNHS.
When I have free time, I usually enjoy playing the piano, being a gamer, watching anime, and nerding over space. I look forward to helping JNHS reach even greater heights over the coming year!
AARAV SINGH
Event Planning Chair
Hello my name is Aarav Singh. I am the Event Planning Chair of the Japanese National Honor Society, and I am a senior taking AP Japanese at Los Gatos Highschool.
KOBAYASHI SENSEI
Co-Advisor
Welcome to our JNHS website! Our JNHS is a student-led organization where everyone engages in getting to know each other through organizing activities and events to promote the joy of learning Japanese language and culture. I am a proud Co-Advisor of this amazing club!
HARA SENSEI
Co-Advisor
Hi! I teach Japanese 2 & 3H, and I am embracing every moment. I enjoy watching Anime and reading manga. I love to collect miniatures and tell silly jokes (おじさんギャグ） to Kobayashi sensei! どうぞよろしく！
.jpg)
JORDAN SENSEI
Founder of LGHS Chapter, Past Advisor, Supporter Forever
I was born in Oklahoma, raised bilingually and bi-culturally in Japan and the U.S. After graduating from Sophia University in Tokyo, I returned to California and began teaching in the Salinas Valley, where I spent the first half of my career before coming to LGHS. The two communities were different in so many ways, but the students in both places had one key thing in common-their enthusiasm for learning and experiencing Japanese language and culture!
One source of great pride and joy was to start the Japanese program at Los Gatos High School in 2001 and to see it thrive and grow in wonderful new ways under the guidance of Hara sensei and Kobayashi sensei. After retirement, I continue to stay involved in Japanese language education as president of the American Association of Teachers of Japanese and as a coach and advisor for the J-LEAP program. I love visiting Japanese classrooms all over the U.S. and using the experience and skills I gained teaching high school students to help teachers. And I especially love coming back to LG and helping out as “team mom” for the Japanese classes!