NPIEN PARTICIPATES IN TEAM GOLF TOURNAMENT

NPIEN Board Members participated in the 4th ANNUAL NPIEN/TEAM REFERRAL NETWORK GOLF TOURNAMENT on October 16, 2008 at Sierra Lakes Golf Club in Fontana, CA. The tournament was a fundraiser for NPIEN and several other nonprofit organizations. One hundred golfers joined in the fun. Board and Staff members Lopaka Faria and Tino Andres ran the Marshmallow Drive and the Closest to the Pin competition. NPIEN thanks TEAM Whittier Lunch Chapter members who worked at the tournament, golfed, and attended the mixer: Teresa Molina, Lou and Christina Grimaldi, RosaLei Castaneda, Dr. John and Brenda Hunt, Rynette Labostrie Barr, and Suzanne Johnson.

Dannica Ofisa Christina Diaz Scholar

Lakewood High School graduate Dannica Ofisa received the Christina Diaz Scholarship at the National Pacific Islander Educator Network’s (NPIEN) 7th annual conference on November 15, 2008 at Paramount High School. Named after the late Native Hawaiian artist, Christina Diaz, the scholarship recognizes Pacific Islander students who have excelled academically. During her senior year, in addition to her rigorous academic schedule, Dannica participated in the Link Crew, as an American Red Cross volunteer, and basketball team manager. She also helped special education students to develop better social skills in the Best Buddies Club. Dannica is majoring in Criminal Justice at Cal State University, Fullerton. Ray Diaz, Christina’s husband, was present at the event with his Hawaiian Gourds display. This year’s scholarships were sponsored by Vemma, Wilson Financial Services, NT& Associates, and Guesthouse International Hotel, Long Beach. Since only one out of ten Pacific Islanders graduate from college, and many lack funding to pursue higher education, the scholarships are very significant to the Pacific Islander community.

NPIEN Annual Conference Attended by 270!

OVER 270 PARTICIPATE IN NPIEN’S 7TH ANNUAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE
Paramount High School, Los Angeles, CA.

Keynote Speaker, James Kawika Riley, from the Big Island, Hawaii, spoke of his experiences as a McNair Scholar. Originally denied the opportunity to apply for financial aid, because Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, “are not underrepresented minorities,” Riley helped to reform federal rules that formerly excluded Pacific Islanders from thousands of dollars to support their college dreams. Other presenters were Ukulele Instructor Uncle Henry Kamae, Cabrillo High School (Long Beach, CA) Teacher Zobeida Castillo, and Wilson Financial Services, “How to Fund for Education.” Performing groups included the presentation of the Island Nation Flags by Boy Scout Troop 120 of Bellflower, CA, and dance performances by Hughes Middle School of Long Beach and Paramount High School. Dannica Ofisa, former Lakewood High School student, and current California State University, Fullerton student, received the Christina Diaz Scholarship. NPIEN recognized 37 student scholars, and 4 teachers, and 4 community members for contributions to Pacific Islander education during the conference’s closing ceremony. A special thanks to Major Sponsors Majestic Realty Foundation, California Credit Union, Penske Toyota Scion, TEAM referral Network, Gateway Business Bank, and State Farm Insurance.