Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In honor of the beautiful Brianna Lina Wilson, qualifications for this year's Memorial Scholarships for Class of 2024 are announced. Thanks to our community partners, CSBG Grant, and private donors, we can offer four scholarships for the Class of 2024, with a total scholarship fund of $10,000.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must attend high school in Am Samoa; Minimum GPA 3.5; Demonstrate financial need; Brief 500-word essay; Two letters of recommendation; Photo ID; Acceptance letter from accredited U.S. College or University.

Brianna was a poet and a talented young mind. She especially loved STEM subjects. This scholarship is a gateway to innovative ways to build new opportunities for the Youth of American Samoa. We envision a future where more of our young people major in STEM fields and one day return to serve our home island, equipped with the knowledge and skills they gained through this scholarship.

Application deadline is June 03, 2024. Apply today: www.foeoletini.org/brianna

CONGRESSWOMAN AMATA RECOGNIZES VARIOUS GROUPS

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting Public Service Recognition Week, which is a week-long national recognition of public servants across the United States. Public Service Recognition Week has been celebrated annually in early May since 1985.

“This week follows a theme of public service, as it coincides with special weeks for our nurses and teachers. Public Service Recognition Week honors those in public service at every level of government nationwide, and the ideals of public service are important to us in American Samoa. Thank you to our public servants in ASG departments, to name a few, the first responders in the police and fire departments, the nurses and doctors at LBJ, the educators, those who serve and protect our elderly, and those who make sure our public utilities are there for us. Thank you for all you do to make life better in the community all around us.”

She also thanked nurses during National Nurses Week, celebrated every May 6th- 12th.

“Every one of us needs a professional nurse at some point in our life, and they are known for bringing comfort and help in times of need,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. A caring, knowledgeable nurse is very meaningful to families in a health crisis, or during  hospitalization. Nurses are known for patience, hard work, and serving others to make a difference. May God bless our nurses, and may we show them our love this National Nurses Week!”

Uniquely, National Nurses Week is always May 6-12 to honor the legacy of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), an innovative and determined British nurse, who became a trailblazer in the profession.

Thanking teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, which started May 6 and concludes on the 10, Congresswoman Amata said, “One good teacher can change a child’s life.”

“A special thank you to all our teachers, past and present, for caring about our youth, and often making teaching your life’s work or calling. I support ongoing federal investment in education and infrastructure so we can provide the best possible start in life to these young lives that God has entrusted to our parents, teachers, and various leaders. This is a wonderful week to let a teacher know they are needed, respected, and appreciated.

FY2024 NONPROFIT SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM

The American Samoa Department of Homeland Security (ASDHS) application period is open for FY2024 for the grant program.  ASDHS will be hosting webinars for organizations that are interested in applying. The webinars will cover the grant program, application process and requirements.

SAA Webinar 1 - May 14, 2024 at 10:00 AM

SAA Webinar 2 - May 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM

SAA Application Deadline - May 28, 2024 at 4:00 PM

Nonprofit or eligible organizations that are interested in applying are encouraged to participate in one of the SAA webinars offered; however, participation in the webinars is not required. The webinars will cover the application process, application requirements, and provide an opportunity to answer any questions applicants might have.

To register for a webinar, please email OHS@asdhs.as.gov with the following information: Name and contact information; Organization you are representing; Date of webinar for which you are registering.

ASDHS-OHS will send you an email with the webinar link and confirmation of your registration.

MAY IS WETLANDS MONTH

Wetlands Month events include: Art & Tide Calendar competition; Wetland tours and outreach; IWCC Clean up slated for May 24;  concluding with a Wetlands Workshop on May 29.

For more info visit czm@doc.as.gov or call: 684-633-5155 and as for Wetlands Specialists John Isaako & Sabastian Briski

FREE HEART SCREENINGS STILL GOING ON

Monday through Friday through May 16, The American Samoa Department of Health and the Department of Education are conducting RHD screenings for students aged 5-18. RHD is a heart disease commonly acquired under the age of 25 from strep throat. The screening aims to identify exposure to RHD at its earliest stages for prompt treatment. Parents can opt out if they choose.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the DOH office at 633-4008, 633-7733, or 219.

FIFTH ATOA O SAMOA EXECUTIVE MEETING CONVENES

The Fifth Atoa o Samoa Executive Meeting is taking place from May 7th to May 9th, 2024. On Tuesday, May 7th, 2024, representatives from various sectors will participate in site visits and engage in discussions focused on assessing the outcomes of previous meetings and outlining strategies for future initiatives.

The official opening of the Atoa O Samoa was Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at the American Samoa Community College Multipurpose Center in Malaeimi. The event will wrap up today, Thursday, May 9, 2024.