Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Pacific Horizons School, home of the Navigators, graduated 16 during their 19th Annual Commencement Ceremony, on Saturday morning, May 25 at Kanana Fou Hall in Ottoville.

The 2024 PHS Graduating Class was welcomed by Principal Caroline Tuiolosega, with the Commencement Address given by Keynote Speaker Mapu Saei Jamias. Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga offered Special Remarks.

Valedictorian honors were awarded to Gabrielle Guyana and the Salutatorian was Erin Gebauer — both also graduated with honors.

Valedictorian Gabrielle Gayapa of the 2024 Pacific Horizons School. [Courtesy photo]

Salutatorian Erin Gebauer of 2024 Pacific Horizons School. [Courtesy photo]

In addition, graduating with honors were Sydney Clemens, Jalen Rayn Combalicer, Fuatiamaivailelei Rachel Cummings, Nicholas Gaisoa, Gavin Homsany, Virginia Malielegaoi and Jackie Ibao Zhang.

The following is a brief summary of graduates future goals:

Sydney Clemens

She was Vice President of the Student Government Association, and among her accomplishments is also a talented dancer for "Taupou Manaia" as well as a dedicated student athlete. She will be attending California State University, Fullerton in the fall.

Jalen Combalicer

She served as Vice President of the school’s National Honors Society this year. She will be attending Southern Utah University in the fall where she will pursue a degree in marketing.

Brady Corry

His participation in the school’s growing sports program is notable, according to PHS. This graduate will be serving a two-year mission with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then plans to attend Southern Utah University in 2026.

 Fuatiamaivailelei Nash-Cummings

She has proudly represented American Samoa on the Territory’s national women’s soccer team and on American Samoa’s national handball team. She will be taking a gap year to gain work experience and intends to apply to Mississippi State University to major in Speech Pathology in the fall of 2025.

Nicholas Gaisoa

He served as secretary of PHS’s National Honor Society his senior year and whose participation in sports is also notable. He will be attending Southern Utah University in the fall and will be majoring in Computer Science.

 Gabrielle Gayapa - Valedictorian

This year, she was elected and served as her senior class’ treasurer. She is also a driven student athlete and a “Taupou Manaia” dancer. Ms Gayapa is the recipient of the University of Portland’s President Scholarship and UP Venture Award, which together will cover 44% of her cost of attendance. She will be attending Portland University in the fall where she plans to major in Nursing.

Erin Gebauer - Salutorian

She is known as as an athlete, and as a “Taupou Manaia” dancer. This year, she served as the president of PHS’ National Honors Society. She is the recipient of the Director’s Scholarship from the University of California Irvine covering 26% of the cost of her attendance. She will be pursuing Engineering at UC Irvine in the fall.  

Gavin Homsany

Known as PHS’ youngest graduating senior, who has a passion for writing, evident in his work as a freelance writer for the local Samoa News, he is also a member of PHS’s Navitechers whose ROV submission will be competing at the 2024 World MATE ROV Competition this June. He will be attending Bucknell University as a creative writing major, supported by a university institutional grant which will cover 56% of his cost of attendance. 

Charles Laulu

This year, he served as the Vice President of PHS’s newly-formed HOSA chapter. His participation in and support of PHS sports is also notable. He will be attending Southern Utah University in the fall.

Jiang Yuan Liu

He will be the first in his family to attend a four-year college. In the fall, he will be attending Southern Utah University majoring in Computer Science.

Virginia Malielegaoi

She served as Treasurer of the school’s Student Government Association and was selected by her peers to receive the Rotary’s 4-Way Test Award, an award based on high ethical standards. She is also the recipient of merit scholarships from St. John’s University totaling 50% of the cost of attendance. She will be attending St. John’s University as an Accounting major in the fall.

 Jayden Milford

His support of PHS sports is noteworthy. He has committed to attend the BYU Pathway- Worldwide program and upon completion has plans to transfer to the BYU-Provo campus.

Wayne Sola

He will be attending ASCC in the fall where he will begin his studies in civil engineering. 

Maurice Moeiletuasivi Tea-Cartier

He served as a JSA officer this year, and has committed to joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers as an Electrical Engineer apprentice in northern California beginning in January of 2025. 

Leia Zemby

She will be attending the University of North Alabama as a Nursing major in the fall.

Jackie Ibao Zhang 

He is known to be passionate about photography; and is the recipient of Southern Utah Universities Founders Scholarship which will cover 70% of his costs of attendance.  He will be attending Southern Utah University in the spring of 2025 as a Nursing major while simultaneously serving in the Army National Guard Reserve throughout his studies.