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Manumalo Academy inducts 17 of its 'best and brightest' into Honor Society

Meet the 17 newest members of the NHS and NJHS of Manumalo Academy who were inducted last Friday during a special ceremony held in the school chapel.  [Photo: Blue Chen-Fruean]Paramount Builders CEO Papalii Laulii Alofa and his wife Wanda following the induction of new members for the National Honor Society of Manumalo Academy last Friday, one of whom was their eldest child Aitulagi Alofa. [Photo: Blue Chen-Fruean]Proud parents Mr. and Mrs. Danny and Jenny DeLara with their son Hewlitt, one of the newly inducted members of Manumalo Academy's National Honor Society. [Photo: Blue Chen-Fruean]Dr. Amy Blizzard, her husband Gary, and their sons Brodie and Zane were all smiles after Brodie was inducted as a member of the NHS at the Home of the Flames last Friday. [Photo: Blue Chen-Fruean]
blue@samoanews.com

One of the few moments in life when people can smile and cry at the same time is when a child reaches a milestone in his or her quest for success. Such was the scene at the Manumalo Academy chapel last Friday when the school inducted seventeen members — levels 7-12 — into its prestigious Honor Society clubs.

(National Junior Honor Society or NJHS for middle schoolers, and National Honor Society or NHS for the high school students).

Proud parents, family members, friends, and teachers gathered to witness the momentous occasion that included the traditional candle lighting ceremony.

Leading the program was NJHS advisor Puamemea Ifopo. 

One of the highlights for the evening was the special remarks offered by Tish Peau Folau of the American Samoa Historical Preservation Office, who is also a long time educator and member of the Manumalo school board.

Folau likened the four pillars of the honor society ideals to the ingredients necessary to produce the perfect cupcake.

She spoke of the need to incorporate all four criteria: scholarship, character, leadership, and service, into a recipe that can - and will - stand the test of time.

In other words, if one of the ingredients is flawed, insufficient, or even missing, the final product will not be complete. It will not be perfect.

She challenged the inductees to continue on with the good work and strive to be the best they can be.

Friday's ceremony was the first time that students have been inducted into the NHS since Manumalo reopened the doors of its high school two years ago, although the NJHS has been in full force, challenging the 7th and 8th graders to put their best foot forward in preparation for high school. 

The inductees were accepted by Li'omatua Hailey Ripley, chairman of the Manumalo school board.

The evening ended with remarks by school director Papalii Laulii Alofa who quoted the Bible verse: "a wise son brings joy to his father". He thanked all the parents, including the faculty, staff, the parent-teacher association, the school board and the NHS council for their continuous effort and contribution in molding the students to become accomplished individuals.

Manumalo Academy stands proud in the fact that it is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and continues to shine with top placements in various territorial competitions.

For the parents who were there to witness Friday's event, tears could never be sweeter than when they are shed in celebration of what is hopefully one of many achievements these young people will attain in their lifetime.

Congratulations to the new inductees and Malo Lava to those who continue to maintain their position in such a prestigious group.

The following are the names of the new inductees:

NJHS:

Apollonia Seva'aetasi

Janella Maribelle Musni

Lana Lei Fiaui

Elzira Noga

Kanoelani Satele

William Spitzenberg

NHS:

Aitulagi Alofa (Secretary)

Ben Schuster

Hewlitt De Lara

Komisi Suani

Raquel Mamea

Talalelei Auva'a

Aomaluoaiga Masunu (Historian)

Brodie Blizzard (Treasurer)

John Leulu

Alice Park (Vice President)

Seon Wong Ham (President)