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ASCC honors academic excellence

As an added event to celebrate the week of graduation, the Graduate Banquet has now become a tradition for students at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC). This semester’s Graduate Banquet took place on Wednesday, May 16, two days prior to the regular graduation ceremony, and provided a relaxed social setting for the recognition of outstanding academic achievement from members of the spring 2012 graduating class.

Master of Ceremonies Nunuimalo Apisaloma Toleafoa began the evening’s proceedings by introducing the College’s Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Kathleen Kolhoff-Belle, whose welcoming remarks set the celebratory tone for the event. ASCC Matai Alumni Association President Mrs. Amio Mavaega-Luvu next took the stage to present the Association’s awards for academic excellence. Science Department instructor Dr. Kenneth Belle joined Mrs. Luvu to present Joy Taala with the awards for her achievements in science. Other awardees included Teuilafestival Lemisio in English and both Toetu Lauina and Belinda Lam Yuen in Samoan Studies.

Business Department chairperson Dr. Faofua Fa’atoafe recognized Ruby Afamasaga, Vaepa Letufuga, Faatumu Enele, Levaula Faalogo, Tapuva Siva, Michael Ah Futu, Millie Hunkin and Saipele Tofiga as this semester’s Outstanding Business Ambassadors of ASCC (BAOA) Graduates. Fine Arts Department instructor Mr. Kuki Tuiasosopo presented the music award to Sophia A’asa, and shortly thereafter Miss A’asa received her second award of the evening when Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society advisor Mr. Evile Feleti presented the PTK Award to her, Roseanne Felise and Krissy Vailolo.

Representing the Trades & Technology Division, instructor Mrs. Evelyn Fruean presented the Trades & Technology award to Misitana Fosi.For the last awards of the evening, reigning Miss ASCC called upon Dr. Kolhoff-Belle and counselor Annie Panama to help her present the Student Government Association (SGA) awards to outgoing SGA President Dona Maifala, Vice President Teuilafestival Lemisio, Secretary Miracle Sene, Board of Higher Education Student Representative Tofi Coffin and Parliamentarian Lila Tuilagi. Honorary Members Ioane Amituanai, Sala Ta’ase and Jennifer Relelukag, along with Sophomore Representatives Victoria Fano and Norleen Fuimaono also received awards for one year of service to the SGA. 

On behalf of President Dr. Seth Galea’i and the Board of Higher Education, Vice President Dr. Kolhoff Belle thanked Annie Panama of the Student Services Division for organizing the banquet, as well as the many faculty and administration members who also took part.