Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Science/Health Division of the Office of Curriculum and Instruction, American Samoa Department of Education has announced the top winners of the 31st annual High School Science Symposium - STEM related competition for high school students. The high school science symposium is a special project adopted and coordinated to inspire young scientists, engineers, and innovators who will solve the grand challenges of the future.

The Top 6 winners are eligible to represent American Samoa at the Pacific Science Symposium for Science and Sustainability (PS3) in Honolulu, Hawaii. The PS3 is an annual event coordinated by the Hawaii Academy of Science and funded by the Department of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to encourage high school students to pursue research and study in science, engineering and mathematics.

The regional competition is open to all high school students and provides a unique educational experience by bringing high school students from the Pacific Islands, including Hawaii, to share their studies. The symposium is also fashioned after professional conferences, and include field trips and social events.

The symposium was held on November 9 at the American Samoa Community College Multi-Purpose Center. A total of 22 student research papers were reviewed by off-island readers (scientists and university faculty), and the top 12 student finalists were selected to present on symposium day that was judged by locals.

The top 12 winning students are:

1st place - Da In Myung, South Pacific Academy

2nd place - Emily Kennach, Tafuna High School

3rd place - Sophie Young, South Pacific Academy

3rd place - Gloria Park, Pacific Horizon School

4th place - Geraldine Ofisa, Tafuna High School

5th place - Koneferenisi Purcell, Manumalo Academy.

Other student finalists in order of ranking are:

6th place - Heyao Yang, South Pacific Academy

7th place - Carl Daniel Balauro, Faasao Marist High School

7th place - Raquel Mamea, Manumalo Academy

8th place - Talofa Fea, Tafuna High School

9th place - Hewlett De Lara, Manumalo Academy

10th place - Taumafai Masunu, Manumalo Academy

We also wish to acknowledge our 10 semifinalists who submitted papers for review:

Honorable mention in alphabetical order:

Aitulagi Alofa, Manumalo Academy

Akenese Saleutogi, Tafuna High School

Ben Schuster, Manumalo Academy

Chanel Fatu, Fa’asao Marist High School

Isaia Gurr, Tafuna High School

Jaedyn Alefosia, Fagaitua High School

Komisi Suani, Manumalo Academy

Philip Liang, Manumalo Academy

Talalelei Auvaa, Manumalo Academy

Tooa Faalogo, Samoana High School.

In recognition of their achievements, Top 12 finalists received a prize package containing a certificate of merit; trophy; and a bag of school supplies. 

On approval, the top six finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to Honolulu, Hawaii from January 19-20, 2019 to showcase their science projects at the Hawaii Academy of Sciences during the two-day Pacific Symposium for Science and Sustainability (PS3) competition.