Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Tafuna High School's (THS) Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) air rifle team clinched the first place in the annual local Air Rifle Competition held on December 8, 2023 — a highlight in the JROTC calendar where Manu'a High School made its debut participation.

According to a press release from the Tafuna High School JROTC, the competition saw a total of 80 sharpshooters (16 from each participating school). The teams competed vigorously, with the winner determined by the cumulative points of all 16 shooters from each school. Tafuna High School's JROTC team emerged victorious with an impressive collective score of 3214 points.

Adding to the list of accolades, THS JROTC celebrated the achievement of Cadet Major Acania Jr. Puletasi, who was honored as the top sharpshooter of the event.

Puletasi's outstanding performance — scoring 234 out of a possible 300 — was a testament to his dedication and skill, contributing significantly to the team's overall success.

The names of the other 15 winning THS JROTC team members are Cadets: Charles Tauiliili, Gwenavere Felise-Ioka, Joyce Nunu, Faamamata Ripley, Fofoa Kirisome, Taipo Sia, Grace Sipa, Francis Ah Vui, Paulo Feliciano, Leilani Moananu, Nicole Malele, Audrey Valaau, Lafaele Leulu, Grace Ma Wong, and John Setu.

The final scores of the high schools were as follows:

                        ●  Tafuna High School (THS): 3214 


                        ●  Samoana High School (SHS): 2999 


                        ●  Leone High School (LHS): 2981 


                        ●  Fagaitua High School (FHS): 2901 


                        ●  Manu'a High School (MHS): 2802 


This year's competition was hosted by Leone High School under the leadership of Senior Army Instructor Sergeant Major Rimoni Mapu. The event took place at the Tafuna Elementary School, which provided a well-equipped venue for the competition. 


Special recognition was given to the Manu'a High School JROTC program and its cadets, led by Master Sergeant Kit Moliga, for their participation. Their involvement, especially considering the distance traveled to Tutuila, added a valuable dimension to the competition. 


The event was also made possible thanks to the support of Principal Mine Taufete'e of Tafuna Elementary School, who graciously permitted the use of the school's facilities for this significant event. This gesture of community collaboration underscores the importance of such events in fostering skills, discipline, and camaraderie among the youth of American Samoa.

As the JROTC programs across the island continue to nurture young talents, events like the Air Rifle Competition provide a platform for showcasing the discipline, teamwork, and competitive spirit that are the hallmarks of these programs. The success of the Tafuna High School JROTC team in this year's competition not only brings honor to their school but also serves as an inspiration to their peers across the region.