SHO YAMADA DIVISION 30 
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

The award was created by Division 30 to honor former Cypress Kiwanis member and 1975-1976 Kiwanis Lt. Governor Sho Yamada. It is the most prestigious award in Division 30 and is presented at the installation of the incoming Lt. Governor by the previous year’s recipient.

 In addition, the previous year’s recipient organizes the election and only past recipients are allowed to vote.  The winner is presented with a personal plaque and his or her name is inscribed on a perpetual plaque.  The perpetual plaque is held by the current recipient then passed on to the following year's recipient. 

Sho was a member of the Cypress Kiwanis Club for over 23 years.  He served as president on three separate occasions.  He was lieutenant governor of Division 30 for the 1975-1976 term and served as a member of numerous district and division committees.  He was a Distinguished Club President, Distinguished Lt. Governor, and a Life Member of Kiwanis International.

Sho epitomized the ideals of Kiwanis.  It was his love and his hobby.  Although he was short in stature, he was ten feet tall to all who came in contact with him.  He was generous to his friends because he was a "people person".  He was always  happy to spend an afternoon or evening with friends sharing stories and thoughts about Kiwanis or any subject.  Sho had that certain charisma that attracted people to him.

Sho passed away on November 28, 1980 and the Sho Yamada Distinguished Service Award of Division 30 was established in 1981 in loving memory of Sho.