He arrived in the United States from Japan nine years ago, a third grade student whose English vocabulary consisted of “one, two, three, hello and thank you.”
There were no people at Silver Gate School who could speak to him in his native language although he recalls the principal setting him up with special English lessons.
From Silver Gate, he went to Dana Middle School, and it wasn’t until his sixth-grade year, after “a long struggle,” that he became comfortable reading, writing and speaking his new language of English
And earlier this week he stood at the podium to speak as the valedictorian of the Point Loma High School Class of 2016.
For Kei (pronounced Kay) Takanami, it’s been a long journey from the time his family learned his father’s company was transferring him to San Diego. Both he and his brother Taku, who is two years older, worked to master an unfamiliar language before beginning to excel among their new peers.
Like some other valedictorians in PLHS’ illustrious 91-year history, Takanami earned A’s in every course he took over the four-year period from grades 9-12.
Takanami noted classes with heavy reading requirements took up more of his study time, but revealed that math, for him, came quite easily. He calls himself a “math nerd,” and took part in a math competition against other schools.
After scoring 2310 on the SAT test (2400 is perfect), Takanami will join Taku, who is majoring in applied mathematics at UC Berkeley, a school Taku has enjoyed so much it changed family plans to have them return to Japan for university.
Takanami plans to study architecture at Cal in the College of Environmental Design.
“I was heavily science-focused in high school and decided to try something new,” Takanami noted. “Architecture is a more artistic approach to the building process, and I really liked the program and the hands-on approach there.”
An art history class at PLHS with teacher Glenn Richard also influenced Takanami. “I really enjoyed this class,” he recalls, “and it’s one of the reasons I chose architecture as my major because we studied a lot of buildings throughout history.”
Takanami’s father, Toru, whose Japanese company transferred him here nine years ago, was transferred back to Japan two years ago. His mother, Noriko, chose to stay with her sons until they completed high school. With both sons studying at Cal, she will move back to Japan this summer.
His most challenging class?
“AP (Advanced Placement) biology with teacher Silvia Maas,” Takanami answered without hesitation. “We had this huge book, and I was reading almost every night” during my junior year.
Takanami added he and his friends still eat lunch frequently in her open classroom.
Takanami observed “a friendly competition” in his academic classes, noting many top students have the same daily class schedule.
He also began playing trumpet in fourth grade and played in the PLHS marching band, wind ensemble and jazz band, another source of friendships.
Other teachers Takanami cited as influential in his accomplishments were track and cross country coach Keith DeLong.
“I spent a lot of time with him running, even during the summer, so he’s a very close person to me,” Takanami said, noting he has run the 800, 1600 and 3200 meter track events and cross country for the Pointers all four years. “That’s where many of my friends were.”
What would Takanami tell future Pointers?
“The strength of the school is it’s somewhat laid back in comparison to other schools, and the more relaxed feel to the campus makes it open to academic interests and allows you to be the person you want to be” citing the many clubs and activities.
“Read,” he advised, “and keep an active mind at all times.”
From Silver Gate School to UC Berkeley – it’s been an amazing journey for Kei Takanami.
