Falanai Ala had heart surgery and is recovering in Long Beach, California and thanks everyone for your work.
We have visited many schools and students at Bethune Middle School, Chrisman High School, Bridger & Bingham Middle School, Lee’s Summit North High School, Truman High School, California State University Los Angeles, Del Amo Elementary School, Dr. Richard Vladovic Harbor Teacher Prep Academy, Hayward High School, Lakewood High School, Los Angeles County of Education, Morse High School, Paramount Unified School District, Poly High School,
Orange Coast College, Salt Lake Community College, St Anthony Padua, Taylorsville High School, University of Southern California, University of California Davis, University of Utah, Will Rogers Middle School, over 1,000 students! Total = 1,140 students
Through this program, students are being inspired to pursue learning new instruments, as they experienced handson learning during presentations. A student even recalls a peer saying that “she would maybe go ahead and give a stringed instrument a try at home”, and how it gave them confidence and courage to learn a new instrument. A student referred to it as “an incredible experience”. This goes to show how inspiring and patient the guest speakers were to the students. Students also enjoyed hearing about speakers’ Polynesian culture and backgrounds. They learned about the speakers’ career backgrounds as school administrators, principals, associate principals, social workers, teachers, campus minister, executive director, coach, community liaison, non-profit chapter president, and business owners. Students were really appreciative of hearing more about the guest speakers, their passions, backgrounds, and careers.
Speakers: Vaka Faletau, Social Work, Tongan American Youth Foundation; Alicia Megofna, High School Principal, Paramount USD/Odyssey STEM Academy; James Paul Gumataotao, Teacher and Campus Minister, Cristo Rey Boston; Raymond Ramirez, Associate Principal of Tiered Supports, Oak Grove High School; Dr. Victor Thompson, Executive Director, NPIEN; Delphine Fano-iA, WEO, Notary Public Services, Plus; Lupe Moe, NPIEN Board Secretary, Community Liaison and Dr. Jonathan Tovey, Past Midwest Chapter President; Wayne Manu, NPIEN President Elect, Teacher, Coach; Alyn Toalepai, Business Owner, Koko Creations Company, President, Utah Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce
