Yokota West Elementary student recognized for outstanding advocacy and leadership
TOKYO, Japan – Yokota West Elementary School fifth grade student Nii Borketey Ann was recognized for his outstanding advocacy and leadership in championing improvements on Jan. 5, 2026.
Ms. Lois Rapp, DoDEA Pacific Region Director for Student Excellence, presented Borketey with a certificate and coined him in recognition of his outstanding advocacy and leadership. It was a proud moment for everyone present, witnessing a young student being celebrated for making a meaningful impact. Joining Ms. Rapp were Dr. Jacqueline Ferguson, DoDEA Pacific East Superintendent; Mr. Joshua Adams, DoDEA Pacific East Community Superintendent; Dr. Rebecca Villagomez, Principal of Yokota West Elementary School; and Borketey’s mother, Ms. Francisca Koduah, a Project Management Team Chief with Yokota’s 374th Civil Engineer Squadron.
Borketey’s journey began last summer, when he noticed classmates discarding much of their cafeteria lunches. Determined to make a difference, he researched nutritional standards, gathered peer feedback, and wrote a detailed letter to leadership advocating for healthier, fresher meal options. His efforts were recently featured in a Stars and Stripes article, which highlighted how his advocacy sparked meaningful dialogue between DoDEA and AAFES leadership and encouraged improvements to school lunch programs. In addition to addressing nutrition, his letter expressed enthusiasm for STEM and encouraged finding ways to offer students even more opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math within the Yokota community.
“This was truly a proud moment for our school community,” Dr. Villagomez said. “Borketey’s initiative shows the power of student voice and leadership. His advocacy reminds us that even at a young age, students can influence positive change.”
This recognition highlights not only Borketey’s accomplishments but also the collaborative spirit between students, families, and educational leaders to create positive change in both nutrition and STEM education across the Yokota community.
