The easternmost high school in the territory held its 45th Commencement Exercise yesterday morning in the school gymnasium.

Faga’itua High School played host to hundreds of proud parents, supporters, and friends who came out to witness the graduation of 131 Vikings.

The ceremony was led by vice principal Suaese “Pooch” Taase who offered the welcoming remarks and announced the names of the top two graduates: the valedictorian and salutatorian.

The invocation and benediction were offered by Bishop Su’e Brown of the Aua 1st Ward, Pago Samoa Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The ceremony lasted a little over an hour and the weather was just right. The sun came up just like it always does— in the east, and a few gusts of wind didn’t blow away any of the positive vibes that were felt by both the graduates and spectators.

The school gymnasium was packed to maximum capacity as everyone tried to get a good view of the event, whose theme was “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

During his special remarks, Acting Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to keep striving for the best.

Director of Education Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau confirmed the graduates before the diplomas were handed out.

Just like Nuuuli Vocational Technical High School, whose graduation was held this past Monday, the top two students for the Vikings Class of 2014 were both female.

This year’s valedictorian honor went to Ruth Siveria Mapuolesega Togiola Farani. The young lady from Aoa finished her high school years with a perfect grade point average (GPA) of 4.0

Right behind her was Antonina Keka Lilomaiava, who was recognized as the Class of 2014 salutatorian.

This year, according to staff members of the Faga’itua High School JROTC program, a total of five graduates have been awarded ‘full ride’ scholarships to attend Wentworth Military Academy where a number of local high school graduates are currently enrolled. Some from the territory have already graduated from Wentworth.

A few of yesterday’s graduates have already sworn in to the US Army (both active and reserve) and are in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), now awaiting set dates to ship out to basic military training, commonly known as boot camp.

Yesterday’s special ceremony concluded with a beautiful musical selection, an original number created and performed by the graduating class for the occasion.