Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Faga’itua High School held their 57th Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2025, last Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025 at their gymnasium.

Their theme: “Honoring the Journey and Embracing the Future”

The just under 2-hour ceremony, opened with Gov. Pulaalii N. Pula receiving the JROTC Color Guard, after the Viking graduates had filed in. The seventy-four (74) graduates began their program, welcoming their audience of families, friends, special guests and FHS staff with a song.

Special guests included Gov. Pulaalii, Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata, ASDOE Director Maefau Dr. Mary L. Taufete’e, Reverend Aneli Fa’akaofo of the CCAS- Afono, and Dr. Robin Faumuina Vasai- ASG Scholarship Board Member.

Rev. Fa’akaofo delivered his spiritual message and prayer in Samoan. Using passages from the Bible he called for the graduates to find their strength in God and not to lean only on themselves. To God all things are blessed to the end of time.

Offering his fa’amalo to the graduates and staff of FHS, Rev. Fa’akaofo spoke of the continuity of a successful life by ‘leaning’ to God — that is true meaning of being smart, of attaining knowledge — and gave as an example the wisdom of Solomon. Don’t forget the knowledge that has been imparted to you by your teachers and parents, he told graduates; adding to remember God as you go forward, and don’t forget the respect that is due parents, family, your elders, and even your school. Be strong, he said, and don’t forget from where you have come.

FHS principal Alititalolemoana Sagapoutele-Farani was the Master of Ceremonies for the Commencement Ceremony. She exhorted graduates to always put God first and that ‘once a Viking, always a Viking’.

Governor Pulaali’i followed with special remarks. Looking out among the graduates, he remarked on their ‘beauty’ — “Le Toa o le Vasa”. He touched briefly on their theme with the two words of note: Journey and Future — explaining that the journey must embrace Christ to take advantage of opportunities for the future.

He then focused on the word “Remember”: You are members of the Good Word of Jesus Christ — you are gifts from God, he stated in Samoan.

Top students were introduced with their parents.

Co-Valedictorians are Tafa’ilagi Temukisa Liuileafaga Toelupe, Blessing Annamarie Lemalu, Jahderick Vila Atulu Tuiolemotu, and Paulina Doriana Uso.

There are three (3) Salutatorians sharing honors — Matlyn Charissa Grey, Andrew Maugututi’a, and PJ Issako.

74 students were presented to the ASDOE director who asked for “V ups” from the graduates to celebrate her acceptance and confirmation of the 2025 graduates of Fagaitua High School.

Dr. Faumuina Vasai, representing the ASG Scholarship Board, announced recipients of scholarships and financial aid to students who must be US citizens or US nationals.

An emotion- filled Class of 2025 Dedication Song sung by the graduates followed, with closing remarks and prayer from Rev. Fa’akaofo, who offered final words from the Bible: “I told you to be strong… because God is with you wherever you go, whatever you do, have no fear the Lord is with you…”

Retiring of Colors completed the Commencement Exercises.