Victor earned a medical degree from the Central Medical School in Suva, Fiji. However, his degree to becoming a practicing Medical Doctor in the United States was not accepted.
Upon arrival in the United States, he took adult education classes, college courses, many of them for the second time since he already took them in Fiji, and at age 40 earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology from California State University, Long Beach. He was working as a Laboratory Technician rather than as a medical doctor at St. Mary Hospital and the VA Hospital in Long Beach, California, plus attending school. He also worked part-time at other clinical laboratories.
Desma also returned to take adult education classes to complete her high school diploma and worked as a Nurse’s Assistant at the Pacific Hospital and the VA Hospital in Long Beach, and she was never able to complete a Registered Nurse certification.
Both worked together at the VA Hospital, and Victor worked in the Blood Bank as a Phlebotomist, and decided to earn a Master's of Science Degree in Microbiology to increase his opportunities for leadership. He completed his degree at age 50 from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and was promoted to Supervisor of the Blood Bank.
The tenacity, strength of character and work ethic of Dad influenced Mom and all us us to always achieve our very best in all that we do, even when faced with obstacles such as age, family responsibilities, and lack of recognition by the Medical Board causing us to go back to school a second time. We hope all students will do the same, Never Give Up!
Sincerely, Victor C. Thompson and Ann Butler, Victor and Desma’s Proud Children
Scholarship Information from Nona Palmer : Financial Aid, Grants and Scholarships
- Best Colleges: Scholarships for Asian and Pacific Islander Students
- Asian Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
- Alofaituli Family Scholarship
- California Credit Union Scholarships - Gloria Rogers (800) 334-8788
- University of Maryland Scholarship Directory
- Sallie Mae Scholarships
- Sisters Alumni of the South Pacific Scholarships
- Gates Millennium Scholars Program
- Scholarships.com
- Fast Web
- Scholarship Resource List
- The College Board
- Go College!
Christina and Ray Diaz Scholars, Attendance, Educator, Counselor,
School Administrator, and Community Awards 2026
NPIEN is happy to continue its tradition of honoring students, educators, and community members who have made significant contributions to the Pacific Islander community. The Christina and Ray Diaz Scholars, Attendance, Administrator, Educator, Counselor, and Community Awards 2026 recognize excellence in academics, leadership, and service. The Christina and Ray Diaz Student Scholar Awards celebrate Pacific Islander students in grades 6-12 who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to their communities. Named in memory of Christina Diaz and Ray Diaz, longtime NPIEN supporters, this award honors students nominated by their teachers or counselors for maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA, improving in academics or attendance, participating in extracurricular activities, or showing leadership in school, church, or community organizations. Each honoree will get a medallion, plaque, and proclamation from their respective legislators, recognizing their outstanding efforts. Nominations are now open on Google Forms.
NPIEN annually recognizes students, educators, and community members for their academic achievements and service to the Pacific Islander community. Each honoree receives a medallion, plaque, and proclamation from their respective legislators.
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Christina and Ray Diaz Student Scholar Awards
The Christina and Ray Diaz Student Scholar Awards named after the late Christina and Ray Diaz, long-time NPIEN supporters and conference vendors, Ray’s Silvercrafts, Gourds, and Christina’s Hawaiian Soaps recognize Pacific Islander students, grades 6-12, who were nominated by their teacher or counselor for achieving a minimum 2.5 GPA, outstanding or improved attendance, outstanding or improved grades, academic honors, participation in extracurricular activities, leadership ability, or service in school clubs, church, or the community.
Christina and Ray Diaz Student Scholar Awards Nomination Form
Award Nomination Deadline June 12, 2026
2021 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2020 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2019 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2018 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2017 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2016 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2015 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2014 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2013 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2012 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2011 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2010 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2009 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2008 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2007 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
2006 AWARDS RECIPIENTS
The Kiona Taiese Fesili & Fuatapu Faoa Leatapo Salanoa Memorial College Scholarship for the Performing Arts
The Kiona Taiese Fesili & Fuatapu Faoa Leatapo Salanoa Memorial College Scholarship for the Performing Arts is designed to support a graduating high school senior planning to major in the Performing Arts in a college, or a student already enrolled in a college Performing Arts program. Award winners will also be recognized as Christina and Ray Diaz Scholars.
The Victor and Desma Medical Profession Scholar Award
The Medical Profession Scholar Award, named after the late Victor and Desma Thompson, aka. Nanny and Pop is designed to support a graduating high school senior planning to major in the medical profession in a college, or a student already enrolled in a college.
Click here for the Story of Victor and Desma Thompson: They Never Gave Up
NPIEN's Sevia Ma'ae Educator Award
The late Sevia Ma’ae was a gifted and talented education (GATE) program teacher in the Lynwood Unified School District and founding NPIEN Board Member. Educators selected for this award have shown outstanding dedication and service to Pacific Islander students and the community.
Sevia Ma'ae Educator Award Nomination Form
Award Nomination Deadline June 12, 2026
2022 Educator Award Winners
2021 Educator Award Winners
2020 Educator Award Winners
2019 Educator Award Winners
NPIEN's Dr. Alofa and Freda Tanuvasa Community Award
Named after the late Dr. Alofa Tanuvasa, founding NPIEN board member and a teacher in the Compton Unified School District and the late Freda Tanuvasa, Speech and Language Pathologist, Los Angeles Unified School District, promoter of the education in the Pacific Islander community, and Founding NPIEN Board Members. These awards are given to organizations or individuals who have shown exemplary support for NPIEN and its programs. Dr. Alofa Tanuvasa graduated in 1984 with a Doctorate from Brigham Young University the same day Dr. Thompson earned his B.A. and provided his inspiration to earn two more degrees.
2022 Community Award Winners
2021 Community Award Winners
2020 Community Award Winners
2019 Community Award Winners
Service Internship Opportunity Grants for High School and College Students
NPIEN's Sala Auelua Counselor Award
Sala Auelua Counselor Award Nomination Form
Award Nomination Deadline June 12, 2026
NPIEN's Ruth Perez Ashley School Administrator Award
The Ruth Perez Ashley School Administrator Award is named in Honor of Ruth, retired Deputy Superintendent, Long Beach Unified School District, former Spanish Bilingual Teacher, Elementary School Principal and Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources. Ruth is CHamoru with both parents from Guam, Micronesia.
NPIEN's Henry Kamae Attendance Award
The Henry Kamae Attendance Award named after the late Henry Kamae, Native Hawaiian Ukulele musician and NPIEN sponsor and supporter who played and taught Ukulele music to many students to encourage their school participation and attendance. Pacific Islanders have one of the highest chronic absenteeism rates in the nation and this award will recognize the importance of student attendance and academic achievement.
Henry Kamae Attendance Award Nomination Form
Award Nomination Deadline June 12, 2026