Uncle Henry Kamae Visits CAMS

The California Academy of Math and Science (CAMS)is one of the top 25 high schools in the United States. Located in Carson, CA on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills, 95% of its students go to four year universities, the remaining 5% to community colleges. Students take college courses in their junior and senior years. Nearly 1000 students apply for 165 spots at this outstanding academic high school of 600. NPIEN was pleased to host the first Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month event at CAMS on March 14, 2009. Uncle Henry Kamae, renown ukulele player, taught the schools's Pacific Islander students and their guests the finer points of ukulele playing. Uncle Henry commented on what an honor it was to be in the same room as so many top Pacific Islander scholars. This is what our elders always envisoned, academic excellence, and now it is a reality. Principal Dr. Janice Filer also joined in on the strumming. The students hope that Uncle Henry will return on a regular basis. As we pursue academia, it is easy to become disconnected and forget about our roots. Uncle Henry helped the students to reconnect that day.