Assemblymember Furutani Honors NPIEN

On June 10, 2011 at Veterans' Park in Carson. CA, Assemblymember Warren Furutani commenced the First Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Day, as established in proclamation by the California State Assembly. Recognized for community service were Tana Lepule, Executive Director, EPIC, Victor Kaiwi and Jane Ka'ala Pang, Paclfic Islander Community Council, Tommy Fa'avae, Union Leader, and Dr. Victor Thompson, NPIEN Executive Director. Each awardee received the Hands Across the 55th District medallion from the Assemblymember, and a Congressional Certificate from Congressmember Laura Richardson. Dr. Thompson said "It was an honor to stand with individuals who have made a difference in our community. NPIEN continues in its mission to reach out to children, and help them realize that they can achieve greatness." Thanks to all of our supporters, to Joy Janes, and to Lakewood City Councilman Steve Croft for attending the event.

CAMS Graduates of 2011

Elixabeth To'omalatai and Andrew Thompson graduated from the California Academy of Math and Science (CAMS) On June 10, 2011. CAMS is located on the California State University, Dominguez Hills campus in Carson, CA, and affords students the opportunity to take college classes, along with a rigorous math and science curriculum. Elizabeth and Andrew were the two graduates of Pacific Islander ancestry of over 140 total graduates. The Class of 2011 earned over 12 million dollars in scholarships, and 100% will be attending a college or university, including some of the most prestigious universities in the country. CAMS has consistently been ranked as one of the top 20 high schools in America, and was featured this year on CBS News. Congratulations to all of the graduates, Dr. Janice Filer, principal, and the faculty and staff.

NPIEN Celebrates Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The National Pacific Islander Educator Network (NPIEN), in recognition of the Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and NPIEN's 10th Anniversary, embarked on a most ambitious tour of schools, featuring a variety of Guest Speakers and Mentors from the Pacific Islander Community. Due to underrepresentation of Pacific Islanders in many professional fields, the speakers often represented one of the only individuals in their respective fields of choice. The speakers included Brittany Noelani Valdez, USC Graduate student, Falanai Ala, Project Manager and Architect, Long Beach Unified School District,
Dr. Tagaloa-Tulifau, Podiatrist, Diana Faatai, Dean of Students, Carson High School, Meghan Blanco, Attorney, Renay Laguana, Counselor, Cypress College, Dr. Michael Perez, Professor, Cal State University, Fullerton, Mahonri Sapiga, Professor of Social Work, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Dr. Kalani Beyer, Dean, Pacific Oaks College, Pua Palei, Researcher, Long Beach Memorial Hospital, Maleine Manumaleuga, Hitachi Corporation, and Dr. Keith Camacho, Professor, UCLA. NPIEN Executive Director Dr. Victor Thompson and Board Member Falanai Ala also provided ukulele instruction. The schools served were Will Rogers Middle School, Lawndale, Lakewood High School, Davis Middle School, Roosevelt Middle School, and Dominguez High School, Compton, Stanford Middle School, Long Beach, California Academy of Math and Science, Carson, Paramount High School, Artesia High School, Prarie Vista Middle School, Hawthorne, Jordan High School, Long Beach, and Costa Mesa High School, Orange County, California, and Riley Elementary School, Lakewood. NPIEN thanks all of the mentors and schools for their participation.