Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Paramount Builders is proud to sponsor coverage of all of the 2022 American Samoa High School Graduations, and wishes all graduates a successful journey into the future.Tafuna High School once again — as is its’ tradition — recorded the highest number of students that graduated for the year — for 2022 it’s a total of 248 graduates. The theme of the class of 2022, the home of the Warriors, "Ua a'e Manuia le Fa'atautaiga".

There were five Co-Valedictorians, all girls and one Salutatorian — a boy — this graduating year.

According to the THS graduation program the five Co-Valedictorians are as follows:

Co-Valedictorian Latoria Lafua is the daughter of Florida and Esera Lafua. She was born in Hawaii and raised in American Samoa.

"I was a student at Kanana Fou Elementary School until I graduated and at first I was frightened when I attended Tafuna High School.

"My perspective changed when I met peers and instructors that became family. I had developed tough skin and prioritized my studies. With the help of the Lord and guidance, I was able to reach my goal as Valedictorian. I dedicate my achievement to my parents who supported me throughout my years of high school."

Co-Valedictorian Elzira Noga says after four years at THS she can finally say "I am a warrior”.

“This feat was not without trial and tears, laughter and joy, endless support and amazing friendship, and more importantly God, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’ Philippians 4:13."

To Tafuna High School, Elzira said the last four years have passed by so quickly.

"You have made my high school experience one I will forever be grateful for, you have given me friendships and bonds that will last far beyond this time in my life."

Co-Valedictorian Filomena Afioa'e the daughter of S'iumalae Taupa'u and Malia Afioa'e thanks her parents for their support and for being her greatest inspiration.

"You have molded me into the person I am today for which I am grateful."

Co-Valedictorian Matavai Auapa'au’s parents are both from Samoa — her mother Irva Auapa'au is from Tuanai and her father Faapito Auapaau is from Manono.

"I am immeasurably grateful for this accomplishment, words could never express it. I owe it all to the Heavenly Father for his guidance.

"When I graduated from Pavaiai Elementary, I made a vow that I would do my absolute best in high school and I feel that I have just done that," she said.

Co-Valedictorian Marianive Tauave said she would like to dedicate her award to the men and women who battled rain and sun to get her to where she is.

The only male in the top tier lineup for Tafuna High School is Salutatorian William Ena Loi-On Spintzenberg II, the son of William and Sisi Spitzenberg from Laulii and Fagaima.

"I would like to give thanks to God for these past four years as a student and leader of Tafuna High School, home of the mighty Warriors."

Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga was the keynote speaker and pointed out that some of the graduates already have plans to pursue higher education; others would be looking for jobs, while others would be swearing into the US Armed Forces.

"But remember whatever you do, remember that your actions have consequences. What you decide today will be the fate of your future. Your future relies on you and from this day forward you will be in charge of your life in the decisions you make.

"We have all made mistakes and what you do afterward is what counts, as mistakes are a learning curve for us and you wouldn't want to repeat mistakes," the Governor stated.

He said that when you set goals, only you can achieve them. "Don't give up easily and don't be lazy.

“You will not always achieve your future goals, but if you are committed to achieving your future goals you will succeed.

"If an opportunity does not present itself, make one.

“If the door does not open, build one.

“If an idea does not exist, create one,"  Gov Lemanu said.