Pacific Islander High School Graduation Recognition Ceremony Celebrates Seniors from Across Southern California
Celebrating its second year, the Pacific Islander High School Graduation Recognition Ceremony (PIGRC) was a fun evening filled with live music, dancing, and spoken word. Held May 10 at SBVC's Greek Theatre, the goal of the PIGRC is to unify and celebrate Pacific Islander students who identify as Polynesian, Micronesian, Melanesian, and Filipino. Students from across the region were invited to attend, and received certificates and sashes to wear to their graduations.
This year's keynote speaker was Siaosi Veimau. Veimau and his wife, Ida Veimau, started the cultural group Kaliloa o Kaleo'onalani with the San Diego State University Pacific Islander Student Association. Veimau immigrated to the United States from Tonga when he was 10, and said that his vision "for every student is to discover who they are and to be intentional about their dreams and passions. Our Pacific Islander roots keep us grounded. It's important to remember who you are, where you grew up, and to give back to the next generation."