Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The pride of Leone High School roared once more as 113 graduates took center stage in a spectacular graduation ceremony held this morning at the school's gymnasium — the beloved Home of the Lions.

The LHS Class of 2025’s theme was “Todays accomplishments were yesterday’s impossibilities” — with the 113 graduates bearing witness to the fruits of their labor.

True to tradition, the venue was adorned in a dazzling display of green and gold, with a fresh coat of paint from the rafters to the floor setting the perfect tone for a momentous occasion. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and emotion as proud students, clad in their caps and gowns, stepped forward to receive their diplomas, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

Parents, family members, and loved ones filled the gymnasium, cheering and celebrating each graduate’s achievement. The ceremony featured inspiring speeches from faculty and student leaders, reflecting on the journey of this graduating class, their perseverance, and the bright futures that lie ahead.

The formalities commenced with the posting of the colors, a dignified presentation by the LHS Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC). Standing at attention before the stage, the cadets held the United States and American Samoa flags as the graduating Class of 2025 and the gathered audience united their voices in the singing of both anthems. With reverence, the JROTC posted the flags on each side of the stage, setting a tone of honor and respect for the ceremony.

LHS Principal Leo'o Dr. Patrick Danielson, who was also the Master of Ceremonies, warmly greeted the proud parents, relatives, and supporters of the graduates.

He also acknowledged the presence onstage of invited guests, which included Rev. Kautoa Moloti of the CCCAS Sulu o le Ola Parish at Nua ma Se'etaga, Governor Pulaalii N. Pula, Congresswoman Uifaatali Aumua Amata, Director of Education Maefau Lauagaia Dr. Mary Taufete'e, ASG Scholarship Committee member Fai'ivae Iuli A. Godinet, 2024- 2025 Miss American Samoa, Pauliana Angel Felise-Vitale, and current Miss American Samoa, Tofoipupu Unutoa.

After a beautiful hymn sung by the graduates, which showcased their high, melodious sopranos, Rev. Moloti addressed the graduates with an inspirational message for them from the Scriptures.

Referring to the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, he explained that “the main theme of this morning's message for the graduates from the Holy Scriptures is this: The prosperity of your family, village, church, and country depends on your actions.”

Rev. Moloti told the graduates “you are about to go out into a totally different environment where there is a lot immorality driven by ideologies that lead straight to hell. As you pursue your dreams of higher education, do not be distracted by the devil's traps but focus on your goals.

“Fight for your parents, your village, your church and your country.

“Do not bring  shame upon them by not doing what is right. Remember, their prosperity depends on your actions.

Let me hear you roar like a lion,” he exhorted the graduates.

But the graduating class just looked at each other and laughed.

"It looks like there are no brave lions here. Go with God.

“We will pray for you,” Rev. Moloti said.

Gov. Pulaalii was the first of the speakers of the day, and he delivered his brief special remarks with humor and spunk in Samoan and English. He commended the graduates for the beautiful singing that everyone had been privileged to hear.

He then repeated Rev. Moloti's request and asked the graduates to roar like a lion to which he got the same reaction.

The governor then roared into the microphone and asked the graduates to do the same. This time — there was a roar from the graduates.

"Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr," that's how you roar! Governor Pulaalii commended.

"You know, the lion does not seek attention. But when it roars, everyone takes notice and keeps their distance. Class of 2025, may you be alert at all times. May you be ready at all times and in times of decision-making, seek God's guidance.

"Today is not just a celebration of not just academic achievement, but of perseverance, unity in the spirit of the lion that lives within each and every one of you. Your theme, "Today's achievements were yesterday's impossibilities." That speaks volumes because it reminds us that what once seemed out of reach has now become a reality through long nights of study, determination, and belief in yourselves.

"You have transformed dreams into accomplishments, and it is something to be proud of. I commend each and every one of you for carrying the lion's spirit with honor, strength, and pride. Your school motto, "Unity is Our Strength," has shown true in your journey. Together, you have lifted one another, faced challenges as a team, and proven that when the community comes together."

The Governor also acknowledged with thanks the hard work and sacrifices of the parents, teachers, village elders, spiritual leaders, and everyone who helped to raise the LHS Class of 2025 members.

He concluded his heartfelt message with “the words of President Abraham Lincoln, ‘The best way to predict your future is to create it’. Let this quote be a call to action for you.

“Congratulations to the LHS Class of 2025."

Official recognition of the members of the National Honor Society, Co- Valedictorians  and Co- Salutatorians by LHS Senior Counselor Fiaola Elisara-Vaipae Ed.D followed.

Top honors went to 5 young ladies:  Valedictorian — was shared by Miss Atele Salave’a, Miss Princessvalentine Vaoga, and Miss Tamara Aifesili; and the Salutatorian award was shared by Renee Ajanay Dunson and Mouana Taala.

The day's keynote speaker, chosen by the Class of 2025, was the beautiful, outspoken, witty, and humorous 2024-2025 Miss American Samoa, the lovely Pauliana Angel Felise-Vitale. Fluent in eloquent Samoan, which she skillfully used to greet the gathering, her bubbly character manifested as she progressed, and soon, she had everyone in the palm of her hand.

A born public speaker, she effortlessly switched her tone of voice according to the issues she was expanding on. She thanked the LHS Class of 2025 for choosing her to be their keynote speaker. Incidentally, she revealed that she had just relinquished her Miss American Samoa crown to the 2025-2026 Miss American Samoa, the lovely Tofoe, but that her heart of service for the youth of American Samoa still remains.

"As I reflect on what this moment means, I am reminded of the theme of your ceremony today, "Today's achievements were yesterday's impossibilities." What a powerful truth that is!"

She reminded them that there will be obstacles that will spark insecurities about their abilities.

"The world you're about to step into is very complex," she stated. "It is fast, unpredictable, and it's imperfect. But it's also waiting for your ideas, your energy, your vision, your talents, your leadership, and also your courage to chase the impossible."

She shared her journey with her cap and gown experience and what she wished someone had told her when she was their age, just before being catapulted into the world. She finished her high school years at James Campbell High School in Hawaii and was very fortunate and blessed to receive a scholarship to attend Charminade University in Honolulu, where she managed to accomplish a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a minor in English.

"And what I wish someone had told me at that age was that I was going to be OK and that I was capable and enough. I come from families just like yours, blue-collared working families who did their best to make sure that you reach the end of your high school journey. I am a testament that you don't need everything to make it. I was not a straight A student, I was not top 10 of my class, I was a C student, I got a D for PE one time! I did not take education seriously until maybe my junior or senior year, and by the Lord's grace, I don't know how I made it to university.

"In the first semester of my freshman year at Charminade University, I managed to get straight A's and a 4.0, and I don't know how I did that. I believe that was all God.

“The point of my story is that you can do anything you put your mind and your heart to. Apply yourself, work hard. Remember, your family, community, and church members are praying for you.

"You are a gift from God to your parents, families, communities, and our country. Don't ever take your position in the community and the Samoan culture lightly because we need you. I need you. You are the future of this place. There will be no Samoan culture or identity without you, and I need you to believe that.

"Push boundaries, make mistakes, learn from them, try again, and make ridiculous dreams, dream big.

“I was never supposed to be Miss American Samoa, but I dared to dream and I dared to answer the call of God over my life. Because when the Lord goes before you, nothing can come against you.

“Repeat after me: If God is before me, nothing is against me. With God before me, who can be against me? You are strong, you are healed, you are capable. Never forget that! Be curious and be stubborn about your passions. Never stop believing, never stop dreaming.

“Because the world changes not because of people who play it safe, but people like you and I. People who dare to make the impossible possible!

“Graduating Class of Leone High School 2025, God bless you, and I love you!