Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Last month a local student and teacher pair —  Jaceyline Foketi Siliva and Ms. Grace Alesana from Manumalo Academy — represented American Samoa as one of 27 teams from across the US and the world to participate in the third annual Young People's Continental Congress, a joint program during National History Day (NHD).  The event appropriately took place in Philadelphia from July 19 to 25, at Carpenters’ Hall, the home of the nation’s First Continental Congress in 1774.

The Young People’s Continental Congress brought together 27 student-teacher teams from across the country in a study of America’s founding era and democratic ideals and to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This year’s delegates represent diverse communities across the United States, including American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Department of Defense (DoDEA) schools in the Netherlands and Puerto Rico. 

In preparation for the summer institute, student-teacher teams completed online learning modules throughout spring 2026 on the First Continental Congress and how our founding ideals evolved throughout U.S. history. Once in Philadelphia, teams experienced a week of special programming, including field learning opportunities at Carpenters’ Hall, Independence National Historical Park, the National Constitution Center, the Museum of the American Revolution, and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. During sessions with lead historians and museum professionals, students and teachers participated in discussions about how the ideals of the founding era have continued to be debated and refined over the last 250 years. 

Delegates then co-created and signed a joint declaration of their aspirations for American democracy, just as their historical counterparts issued the Declaration of Colonial Rights and the Declaration of Independence.

“Programs like the Young People’s Continental Congress are fundamental to fostering intergenerational dialogue and much-needed discussions of democratic aspirations from diverse perspectives,” said NHD Executive Director, Dr. Cathy Gorn. “This fantastic group of students and teachers is a reminder of hope for the future, that the next generation is eager to learn about our revolutionary history, reflect on its legacy, and become thoughtful, engaged citizens in the process.”

“It’s so inspiring to watch our young delegates step up to embrace their role as citizens and find their voices,” said Carpenters’ Hall Executive Director, Michael Norris. “This Declaration of Aspirations is also a powerful way for us to remind policymakers and elected officials that young people care deeply about this country and want to be involved in strengthening our democracy.”

Congratulations to all the students and teacher teams who participated in the 2026 Young People’s Continental Congress.