Takeko Wahl was born in Karatsu Japan on January 6, 1933. She grew up in difficult war-time Japan. After high school she attended secretarial school in Sasebo where she met Charles Wahl who was in the Navy and stationed in Sasebo. They fell in love and were married and had their children, Joe and Kim, while serving in Sasebo. Takeko would always say that Charles was the love of her life. After Charles passed away in 1959, Takeko moved the family to Gearhart to raise their children and be close to Charles’ mother and sister who lived in the area. Takeko worked for many years for Seaside High School where she touched generations of students who were inspired with her many Asian styled specialty dishes and where she later introduced and managed the “snack bar”. One of the high lights of her time there was assisting the world-renowned chef James Beard in his famous cooking school. During this time, she had the opportunity to meet and get to know many well-known chefs at this cooking school. After retiring from Seaside High School, Takeko volunteered at the community center and in the community by teaching knitting, cooking, Tai Chi and Xi Gong. She was a regular “host” to many Japanese exchange students.
- Graduating Senior from Seaside High School
- G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher
- Student of color/immigrant/refugee/or first in their family to attend college
- Demonstrated community service
- Preference for Female
- Must have been accepted at accredited 2-year, 4-year, or technical school