Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — One of the first schools to host their commencement ceremony for the closing of their school year was the Fa’asao Marist High School, who said their final farewell to 77 graduating Seniors on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the Catholic Diocese of Samoa Hall in Fatu-O-Aiga.

Lt. Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale was the keynote speaker at the commencement ceremony for FMHS, home the Crusaders and Cougars, offering his take on their theme, “When you leave here. Don’t forget why you came.”

He said, “…when I read your theme, I take away from it, two words, Don’t, Forget”. Pointing to a Samoan saying about conditions of forgetting, Talauega said “there is ‘Galo-nimo’ which is when you really forget something, there is also ‘Galo-si’o’ which is when you want to forget something because you don’t want to do it.”

The Lt. Governor concluded, “Don’t forget why you came to Fa’asao Marist, don’t forget the sacrifices that your family made to allow you to attend Marist Fa’asao, to allow you to go to Catholic Education – Don’t forget your parents” and the sacrifices they made for you.

Commencement speaker was the American Samoa Department of Education Director, Talauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli who pointed to the theme as an important message for today, “more than ever, as young people are starting to lose their identity to many distractions in life.”

“Whatever your journey, do not forget why you came, do not forget where you’re from, who helped you along the way, and the reason why you are here today – All of you have different identities developed through variant life experiences that define who you are today.”

He emphasized however not to “forget to thank your parents, your faifeaus, and especially your teachers for they are the main pillars that have helped shape, mold and influenced your identity.”

He concluded “Don’t change your identity because it defines you in the best ways as intended by your strong supporting squad.

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because they help us learn and grow – You will not only be defined by your achievements, but how you overcome hardships and survive them. This is how we learn, this is how we grow, and this is how we become resilient in life.”

The Class of 2021 for Fa’asao Marist on their feet to bid their final farewell to the school, faculty and staff with their farewell song at the conclusion of their commencement ceremony that was held on Saturday, June 5, 2021. [photo: Tony Gasu]

The class of 2021’s top three students this year are Co-Valedictorians – Avril L. Andales Regis and Maria M. Andales Lobetos and Salutatorian – Fa’afetai Irene Vimoto.

The top three students of from the Class of 2021 for Fa’asao Marist High School (left to right): Co Valedictorians, Avril L. Andales Regis and Maria M. Andales Lobetos, and Salutatorian, Fa’afetai Irene Vimoto. [photo: Tony Gasu]