Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A total of 78 Vikings received their high school diplomas last Tuesday, June 11, 2024 as the Fagaitua High School conducted its 56th Commencement Ceremony with the Class of 2024 at their gymnasium.

The graduation theme was, "Ia Maua'a i le Atua lou Fa'amoemoe mo le Lumana'i," (May your Hope for the Future be Rooted Firmly in God).

After the opening prayer by Rev. Feagaiga Misi of the Vatia Assembly of God Church, school Principal Suaese "Pooch" Ta'ase welcomed the parents, families and supporters of the graduates, invited guests which included Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga and First Lady Ella Mauga, Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata Radewagen, DOE Director Talauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli and senior government officials.

Before introducing Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga for his special remarks, Principal Ta'ase acknowledged DOE Director Talauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli's efforts to help his staff and students deal with mental health challenges and stress brought about by the loss of immediate relatives.

The Fagaitua HS principal was visibly emotional as he revealed the unfortunate predicament they faced this school year, where many students and staff members had to go through extreme emotional stress due to the sudden passing of immediate relatives.

It was supposed to be a momentous occasion to celebrate a significant milestone in their educational journey. Instead, they were faced with a heartbreaking loss, making it exceptionally difficult to focus on their schoolwork and exams, while trying to cope with their grief.

Ta'ase pointed out that the last death occurred just the day before graduation, and his heart went out to the bereaved graduates whose fathers, mothers, siblings and other close relatives were not present to celebrate their special day with them.

With tears in his eyes, his voice trembled with compassion as he requested all the graduates who had lost loved ones to stand, and more than ten stood up.

"Be strong," Principal Ta'ase said. "The good Book says, 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.'"

Governor Lemanu then delivered his special remarks and began by addressing the graduates saying, "Once a Viking," to which they responded proudly, "Always a Viking! Once a Viking, always a Viking!"

"You have selected a most fitting theme for your graduation," Governor Lemanu stated. "Because it reminds us of the importance of a life of service and faith in God. Yes indeed, not only for you but for us all because that is the essence of our existence.

"Our hopes should always be rooted firmly in God because He is the source of all blessings, the Creator of the Universe. Today, your theme has manifested allowing you to complete this stage of your educational journey. In other words, the fact that you are graduating today, means you paid attention in class and heeded the advice of your teachers and parents.

"You are graduating today because you persevered despite the many challenges and obstacles you encountered in this school year. Some of you went through the difficult and painful experience of losing loved ones, but your faith in God has given you peace and the strength to carry on.

"Your graduation theme says, 'May your Hope for the Future be Rooted Firmly in God.' The Bible further states, 'Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth that you were taught and then you will overflow with thankfulness.

"I encourage you to trust in God's promises and you can hope for a bright future, because God faithfully fulfills His plans for you. The Parable of the Talents tells of a master who was leaving his house to travel, and before leaving, entrusted his property to his servants. According to the abilities of each man, one servant received five talents, the second received two and the third received only one.

"Upon returning home, after a long absence, the master asks his three servants for an account of the talents he entrusted to them. The first and the second servants explain that they each put their talents to work and have doubled the value of the property with which they were entrusted; each servant was rewarded.

"His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of thy lord. The third servant, however, had merely hidden his talent, burying it in the ground, and was punished by his master.

"The Parable of the Talents emphasizes faithfulness to God. The servants who multiplied their talents were rewarded while the one who buried his talent was reprimanded. You learn that God expects you to use your abilities and resources wisely. It also reminds you that you are accountable for your actions, for you're given time and opportunity. You should actively invest in God's Kingdom and make a positive impact."

Lemanu pointed out that graduation ceremonies happen only once a year and urged parents to put aside their many obligations and use that one day to spend quality time with their child before they go off into the world, He said that the interaction between parents and their children must be revived because life is short.

"In conclusion, as you go out into the real world, remember your graduation theme, 'May Your Hopes for the Future be Firmly Rooted in God,'" he advised, "Trust in God because He has plans for each and every one of you and always remember that you are a Samoan.

"When you have accomplished your educational goals, remember your parents and family who will be praying for you, remember to return home and serve our government and especially the community with your acquired skills, and remember where you were educated, The Home of the Vikings. Once a Viking," he concluded, "Always a Viking!" the graduates shouted.

The introduction of the Salutatorian and four Co-Valedictorians followed with School Senior Counselor Afainisi Marlena Fa'auliuli-Mulitalo doing the honors.

SALUTATORIAN: NEVAEH LAUAGAIA SEUTENI

The Fagaitua High School Class of 2024 Salutatorian is Nevaeh Lauagaia Seuteni. She hails from the villages of Tula, Saoluafata, Leulumoega and Manono. She is a member of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS) in Tula, under the leadership of Rev. Felise Augafa and Faletua Avataeao Augafa.

Nevaeh is the daughter of the late Rev. Toelei'u Seuteni and Faletua Fuasami Mulipola-Seuteni. She dedicates this award to her father, her Guardian Angel up in Heaven. She also recognizes Tama Malolo Manumalo Rev. Dr. Leanavaotaua and Faletua Mo'otafao Seva'aetasi and Rev. Hector and Herema Pouono. She will be attending Highline College this Fall.

VALEDICTORIAN #1: NU'UTOFI ASOLELEI FA'AUILA

The first Valedictorian is Nu'utofi Asolelei Fa'auila.  She hails from the villages of Aoa, Apai, Manono, Safune and Salelologa, Savaii. She is a member of the Assembly of God Church in Aoa under the leadership of Rev. To'oto'o Anoa'i and Faletua Tali Anoa'i.

Nu'utofi is the daughter of Muagututi'a Piliki Seumanu Fa'auila and Fuatino Peni-Fa'auila. She dedicates this award to her dear parents, her five siblings and all her families. She extends her gratitude to her church, Aoa Assembly of God which played a pivotal role in her life, as well as the wonderful community of Aoa. She will be attending the New Mexico Military Institute this coming Fall.

VALEDICTORIAN #2: LEKA SERAFI SUIPI IORAMO

The second Valedictorian is Leka Serafi Suipi Ioramo. She comes from the villages of Amouli, Aua, Faleasiu and Samusu. She is a member of the CCCAS in Amouli under the Spiritual guidance of Rev. Elder Dr. Leatulagi Faalevao and Faletua Vagai Faalevao.

Leka is the daughter of the late Tumua Suipi Ioramo, who gained his angel wings yesterday morning, and Asoiva Talamoni-Ioramo.

She dedicates this huge milestone of her high school journey to her Spiritual parents Rev. Elder Dr. Leatulagi Faalevao and Faletua Vagai Faalevao, her dear mom Asoiva Talamoni-Ioramo, her dad, her Guardian angel Tumua Suipi Ioramo and her late grandparents, her namesake Mama Leka Talamoni, grandpapa Saili-ui Talamoni, grandpa Fetu'ua'i Ioramo and grandma Talaetau Ausage Ioramo, family and friends.

She plans to join the US Army as a Financial Technician and attend Washington State University this Summer.

VALEDICTORIAN #3: LEVALEFAIVA KAL-EL TURITURI MALALA

The third Valedictorian is Levalefaiva Kal-El Turituri Malala. He hails from the villages of Amouli and Aoloau. He is a member of the CCCAS in Amouli under the leadership of the Rev. Elder Dr. Leatulagi Faalevao and Faletua Vagai Faalevao.

Levalefaiva is the proud son of Kaylla Peolaina Turituri and was raised by his grandparents, the late Vaauli Turituri and Leota Falesoa Utu-Turituri. He dedicates this award to his dad, the late Vaauli Turituri, his mom and all his family.

He will be attending the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) this Fall.

VALEDICTORIAN #4: LEGNA FIAPAIPAILETUFANUAIMEAATAMALII SEUTENI

The fourth Valedictorian is Legna Fiapaipailetufanuaimeaatamalii Seuteni. She hails from the villages of Tula, Saoluafata, Leulumoega and Manono. She is a member of the CCCAS in Tula, under the leadership of Rev. Felise Augafa and Faletua Avataeao Augafa.

Legna is the daughter of the late Rev. Toelei'u Seuteni and Faletua Fuasami Mulipola-Seuteni. She dedicates this award to her parents and all her families here and abroad. Her sister is the Class Salutatorian Nevaeh Lauagaia Seuteni.

She also recognizes Tama Malolo Manumalo Rev. Dr. Leanavaotaua and Faletua Mo'otafao Seva'aetasi and Rev. Hector and Herema Pouono.

She will be attending Washington University this Fall season.

After the introduction, School Principal Suaese "Pooch" Ta'ase presented the 78 graduates to DOE Director Talauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli, who officially accepted them and confirmed that they had met all the requirements to receive their diplomas.

The Special Recognition Certificate of their graduation from FHS from Congresswoman Amata is also received by graduates with their diplomas.

The program for the ceremony listed ASG Scholarship award recipients, both for the American Samoa Community College and for colleges off-island:

Legna Seuteni — Civil Engineering, Washington State University

Leka Ioramo — Civil Engineering, Oregon State University

Nu'utofi Faauila — Accounting, Olivet Nazarene University

Saipale Vaouli — Criminal Justice, Olivet Nazarene University

Levalefaiva Malala — Music & Music Composition, ASCC

Nevaeh Seuteni — Liberal Arts, ASCC

Jadelynn Toma — Political Science, ASCC

Chrisan Isamaeli — Computer Science, ASCC

Ben Sagaga  — Criminal Justice, ASCC

Christian Tuia — Liberal Arts, ASCC

Fale Uele — Liberal Arts, ASCC

Scholarships Awards from off-island colleges/ universities:

Nu'utofi Faauila — Southern Utah University ($55,264 Founders Scholarship), Olivet Nazarene University ($85,000 Academic Scholarship), New Mexico Military Institute ($1,000 Yearly), ROTC Scholarship, and Valley Forge Military College

Tiresa Tupule — Southern Utah University ($55,264 Founders Scholarship), Saint Martin's University ($112,000 Chancellor's Scholarship) and the University of Colorado Springs

Chrisan Isamaeli — Concordia (19,000 Academic Scholarship}

Legna Seuteni — Saint Martin's University ($112,000 Chancellor's Scholarship, Southern Utah University ($55,264 - Founders Scholarship), Arizona University ($32,000 - Arizona Distinction Award) and Washington State University ($44,000 Western Undergraduate Exchange Award)

Jadelynn A. Toma — Suffolk University ($25,000 Dean's Scholarship)

Saipale Vaouli — Olivet Nazarene University ($19,000 per year- Academic Scholarship), Washington State University ($44,000 Western Undergraduate Exchange Award)

Sheree Pelenise — Saint Martin's University ($100,000 Dean's Scholarship), Southern Utah University ($55,264 - Founders Scholarship), Southern Oregon University ($3,500 yearly) and Olivet Nazarene University

Marley Taito — Southern Utah University ($43,252 4 years WUE Scholarship)

Benjamin Sagaga — Southern Utah University ($43,252 4-year WUE Scholarship)

Levalefaiva Turituri Malala — University of Oregon ($50,000 Summit Scholar) and Olivet Nazarene

Fuatino Peni —Southern Utah University ($55,264 - Founders Scholarship)

Two sports acceptances are also shown as being received by:

Nigel Ale — Olivet Nazarene University, Football

Grace Fouvale — Central Baptist College, Volleyball