First family welcomes Manu’a Islands students to Maugaoalii
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Lemanu P. S Mauga and First Lady Ella Mauga welcomed Manu’a students to the Governor’s Residence — known as Maugaoalii. AS-DOE director, Talauega Asaeli and faculty members from the Manu’a Islands escorted the students during the special visit on Dec 16, 2022.
The students were greeted by Governor Lemanu and First Lady Ella and were introduced to selected members of the Cabinet who were on site to assist with the tour: Director Petti Matila, Director Solialealofioletagaloa Mutini, and Director Faleosina Voigt.
Also present was Chaplain Reverend Mageo Patolo Mageo and Miss American Samoa Hani Fuimaono. First Lady Ella conducted a full tour of the mansion, and of former Governors who have passed through the halls, and mentioned a few highlights of the new renovations done in the previous year.
“This has been such a special treat for us because this is the first time we have hosted our students from Manu’a.
“I see future governors and first-ladies; one day you’ll be here showing the next generation what I have shown you today. Remember that this house belongs to the people. Thank you for visiting with us,” remarked First Lady Ella.
Maugaoalii has been the official residence of the governor of American Samoa since 1903 when it was built. It is known as a Tropical Victorian Military style house and was built on Togotogo Ridge in Utulei, Tutuila.
It was entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and made part of the U.S Naval Station Historic District in 1990 and was designated as a National Historic Land Mark the same year. A major renovation of the ‘government house’ took place in 2003, lasting over two years. Its driveway and the driveway mountainside were renovated last year to stop possible landslides and ease access to the building.
A total of 47 students and 15 faculty members from Faleasao, Fitiuta, and Olesega Elementary Schools along with Manu’a High School visited Governor Lemanu P. S Mauga and First Lady Ella Mauga at their official residence — Maugaoalii. [photo: AS-DOE]