Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy graduated 65 cadets on Thursday, June 15, 2023 and among them were students from American Samoa who departed the territory this past January to take part in the Academy.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green, delivered special remarks and expressed his appreciation for the cadets from American Samoa, “Another reason why I chose to be here today, and why I am so honored, is because of the number of students here from American Samoa,” remarked Governor Green.

“My team and our State have a special relationship with [American] Samoa. They are an extension of us and they have gone through struggles as well: They have undergone the Measles pandemic in which we endured with them; and they bravely faced the COVID crisis. Now these young individuals that have come here to grow with our young people in Hawaii, it was important for me to see this,” Green said.

A press release from Gov. Lamanu P.S. Mauga’s office noted that Cadet Commander of Troops August Tasi, from the village of Lauli’i, represented Class 58 during the ceremony, and shared about the arduous journey of the 24 students who departed American Samoa to join the academy program.

He also conveyed his deepest appreciation to Governor Green for allowing American Samoa to participate in the program, and requested an inclusive opportunity for more youth of our territory to join the Challenge Academy.

AMERICAN SAMOA CADET HONORS

•           The Senator Gabbard Scholarship Program for Leadership and Community Building Studies Award was presented to Cadet Posiano Penitito, who will be attending Leeward Community College to pursue a degree in Teaching.

•           The Military Order of Foreign Wars Bronze Medal for Leadership was presented to Cadet Usugafono Simiti.

•           The Commandant's Presidential Male Physical Fitness Award was presented to Cadet August Tasi.

•           The Adjutant General’s Leadership Award was presented to Charles Satele, who achieved four awards of recognition for good conduct, academic achievement, and discipline. Following graduation, Mr. Satele will enlist in the United States Army.

One of the American Samoa graduates with her many candy and flower ulas, a graduation tradition in the islands. [courtesy photo]

The press release did not mention the number of American Samoa graduates in the class.

The Hawaii Youth Challenge Academy is a voluntary, residential, military-style program aimed at providing youth between the ages of 16 to 18, who have dropped out of high school or are at risk with a second chance to complete their education. The program provides a structured, disciplined, and peer-oriented environment that encourages positive behavior and includes academic classes, physical training, counseling, and community service projects. The Academy was founded in August 1994 and is administered by the Hawai‘i Army National Guard, with campuses in Kalaeloa on O’ahu and in Hilo on the Big Island.

The 65 graduates of the Hawaii Army National Guard Youth Challenge Academy’s Class # 58, which includes a large contingent of students from American Samoa. [courtesy photo]

BACKGROUND

Earlier this year, on February 16, 2023, Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga appealed to the United States Department of Defense (DoD) for the recruiters’ decision to reject the students who were U. S. Nationals from the program. The Governor’s request was approved and a memorandum was later issued by the DoD to overturn their decision regarding U.S. Nationals and changing the eligibility requirements for the program.  It was finally arranged for the 13 students who were forced to travel home to the academy to continue the program.