In Memory of Mr. Kikunaga by Erin Riley https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6 Memories and kind words about Mr. K en-us 2020-07-23 18:49:58 UTC 2024-05-16 21:50:01 UTC hello@padlet.com Mr. K was an amazing educator, coach, mentor and friend. He was caring, selfless, genuine and loved our CHS family. We will truly miss him! eriley37 https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6/wish/661260140 Peace & Love, Mrs. Riley & ASB

]]> 2020-07-23 18:52:03 UTC https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6/wish/661260140 Hearing the news about Coach Kikunaga’s passing was heartbreaking. I was just an eighth grader when I joined a few friends on the Covina High School tennis courts and got to know him. I was so nervous hitting tennis balls in front of him, but in time I learned that he only guided me into becoming a better player in a calm manner. He was always so kind and patient with me, which I had and always will be appreciative of. Coach K was the person who taught me how to hit a tennis ball and from there helped my love for tennis grow. Although I didn’t work as closely with him as a freshman and sophomore, he always made me want to push myself whilst providing motivational words. I’m so grateful to have known such a sweet, passionate, and driven person. He has positively impacted so many people’s lives, including myself, and will always have a place in many of our hearts. Rest in Peace Coach Kikunaga. Sending love to his family.” eriley37 https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6/wish/661345413 -Sarah Phan

]]> 2020-07-23 21:19:24 UTC https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6/wish/661345413 Hearing the news about Coach Kikunaga’s passing was heartbreaking. I was just an eighth grader when I joined a few friends on the Covina High School tennis courts and got to know him. I was so nervous hitting tennis balls in front of him, but in time I learned that he only guided me into becoming a better player in a calm manner. He was always so kind and patient with me, which I had and always will be appreciative of. Coach K was the person who taught me how to hit a tennis ball and from there helped my love for tennis grow. Although I didn’t work as closely with him as a freshman and sophomore, he always made me want to push myself whilst providing motivational words. I’m so grateful to have known such a sweet, passionate, and driven person. He has positively impacted so many people’s lives, including myself, and will always have a place in many of our hearts. Rest in Peace Coach Kikunaga. Sending love to his family.” eriley37 https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6/wish/661345755 -Megan Do

]]> 2020-07-23 21:20:06 UTC https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6/wish/661345755 NEW MESSAGESophia Estevez:“Mr. K was such a kind, gentle, and generous human. He made sure that every student was taken care of. Whether that be supporting a fundraiser for a sport or club or buying from the snack bars at sports events. He made sure that his students were able to participate in any activity that was home to them, while also giving a home to the students that didn't feel as though they had one. He was so patient with all of his students which allowed them to fully understand what he was teaching whether that be with math or the life lessons ingrained in his teachings. His beautiful soul will be so deeply missed by all of us. Sending love and prayers to his family and those who have also been impacted by the amazing Mr. K.” eriley37 https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6/wish/661349313 -Sophia Estevez]]> 2020-07-23 21:27:00 UTC https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6/wish/661349313 “Rest in Peace Mr.K, although you weren’t my teacher, I’ve heard among my peers of the positive impacts you’ve brought to their lives. May your memory live on.” eriley37 https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6/wish/661350963 -Brandon Lam]]> 2020-07-23 21:29:48 UTC https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6/wish/661350963 Although I never had Mr. Kikunaga personally, I knew how much he impacted his students as a teacher. From what I've heard, he was loving, humorous, and cared about each and every-one of his students. Condolences from me and from class of 2023 to his family and one's affected. Rest In Peace Coach K. You will be missed, but your legacy will continue on. - Kevin Nguyen” eriley37 https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6/wish/661353623 2020-07-23 21:35:31 UTC https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6/wish/661353623 I am deeply heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of Mr. K. I, along with many others, are devastated and shocked. He was an amazing tennis coach and teacher who had devoted his life to serving the students of Covina High. I remember the first time I met him. I was fresh out of 8th grade, going into high school and interested in joining tennis, even though I had no idea how to play at all. I decided to attend the summer tennis program held at Covina High School. I was so nervous and shy, but Mr. K greeted me with a warm smile and said he saw great potential. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He trained me for three amazing years and constantly wanted me, along with every other tennis player, to compete to the best of our ability. During tennis competitions, he never yelled at us; knowing that taking out his anger on us did not accomplish anything. He would always wait for every tennis player to get home safely after every single game, which was extremely thoughtful and kind of him. I am so thankful that I got to work alongside him as varsity captain last year in leading the girls tennis team. On the occasion in which I would make a mistake, he would not scold me, but rather, helped me understand my error and would build me up to become a greater leader. Off the court, he helped me with math and pushed all of his players to have outstanding grades, stating that when it comes to student athletes, grades always come first. He was a true role model on campus and respected everyone. I wish he could have seen me become tennis captain for my senior year and lead the team even better than I did last year. I wish he could have seen another Covina High tennis team go to, and possibly win CIF, because he wholeheartedly believed in all of the tennis players and their abilities.I wish he could have seen me graduate. It is incredible that he has influenced so many young lives. His legacy will impact me, and so many other Covina High students forever. Thank you Mr. K for being such an inspiration to everyone. I will miss you, and I promise to keep playing tennis for you. With love, Karla Moreno eriley37 https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6/wish/661976254 2020-07-24 16:55:28 UTC https://padlet.com/eriley37/oi2npcrn6be0lff6/wish/661976254