Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Samoana High School, home of the Sharks, held its Commencement Ceremony last week celebrating the graduation of 179 students. Leading the ceremony was Master of Ceremonies, Principal Jemaima Nafatali, calling it the day that the Lord has made. The Commencement theme was “Equip today, to empower tomorrow”.

Top student awards were shared by three (3) Co-Valedictorians: Jesthel Dela Cruz, Asalemo Jr. Moananu, and Ariel Villanueva Jr.; and, two (2) Salutatorians: Blessing Maiava and Hans Malala II.

The ceremony began with Invocation delivered by Rev. Elder Faalau Umaga - Voice of Christ Full Gospel, Vatia, followed by special remarks from Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula.

During his remarks, the governor spoke of the special value of their diplomas by taking out a US $50 bill and tearing it three times to illustrate his point about the value of their education.

“Think of your diploma, a piece of paper that has its value,” he told students. “If I take out a piece of paper and I tear it apart, none of you would worry about it.”

Taking out of his pocket a $50 dollar bill, he said,“But if I take this $50 dollar bill and I tear it apart,” which he proceeded to do, “there is value!”

(Following the demonstration, some members of the public raised concerns about the demonstration, as US law makes it illegal to destroy US currency with the intent to render it unfit for reissue.)

“You have graduated, now you have diplomas…” The governor told the graduates to use the value of their diplomas they have obtained in your future endeavors. He went on to explain the historical and cultural ties the school has to the territory, highlighting that Samoana High School is a special place.

He concluded, telling the graduates, “God knows who you are, He knows your name… go forth… make yourself count!”

Blessing Olaivavega Misi Maiava (left) and Hans Malala II, the Co‑Salutatorians of the SHS Class of 2026, flash “hang loose” signs during their graduation ceremony last Friday. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau]

Serving Faipule Malaeoletalu Meleisio Gurr of District No. 2 of Ma’oputasi County- Fagatogo was selected by the graduation class as keynote speaker. He spoke of his own life’s experience where “your journey is not defined by where you begin, but by your determination moving forward.” And “when success comes, remain humble don’t forget where you began…”

Reminding the graduating class of the drug epidemic in the territory, and about the hard choices that they will be facing, he concluded, always remember “God will guide you if you ask Him.”

DOE director Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufete’e formally accepted and confirmed the 179 graduates of Samoana High School, noting that the SHS graduation was the last one to be held of the territory’s high schools.

Asalemo Jr. Moananu one of the three SHSl Class of 2026 Co‑Valedictorians during his graduation ceremony last Friday.  [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau]

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen was also on hand to congratulate graduates as they received their diplomas and awards, which included the Congressional Award.