It was a beautiful sunny day for a graduation in Tafuna for the mighty warriors of Tafuna High School at their school gymnasium.

This year, Tafuna High had the highest number of graduates on island — 267 graduates — 55 who were part of the National Honor Society, which included 3 Valedictorians and 1 Salutatorian.

This year’s coverage of the 2017 high school graduation season — for Valedictorian and Salutatorian — is brought to you by Paramount Builders, a local company that prides itself in promoting education and investing in the territory’s children and students.

Principal of Tafuna High School, Ms. Beauty Tuiasosopo gave the welcoming remarks saying how proud she is for the 267 graduates, advising them to keep going and to never give up.

Vice Principal Mrs. Tutuila N. Togilau introduced the top honors students, with the highest honors going to three Class Valedictorians: John Ah Ching-Iosefo GPA 4.0, Deborah Meleisea GPA 4.0, and Kiso Skelton GPA 4.0; and the second highest honor going to Class Salutatorian Willie Peter Uhrle with a GPA 3.989.

Uhrle also received a distinguished athlete’s award with couple of acceptances to universities as well as scholarship offers — Harrisburg University of Science and Technology with a $20,000 Trustee Scholarship, Carroll College- $5,000 Bishop George Leo Thomas Scholarship and a $56,000 All Saints Award.

Valedictorian Ah Ching-Iosefo is sixteen years, and is the son of Tauiliili Silivelio and Juliana Ah Ching –Iosefo of Laulii, Tafuna and Leulumoega. He is the youngest of eight children and attended Tafuna High School all four years. He has THS’ highest SAT score of 1200 and ACT score of 25 and will be attending the University of San Francisco in August. He aspires to become a lawyer.

Some of his achievements, include freshman class representative, team captain of JLAB, the JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl, baseball team member during all four years, in 2016, he was the only student from American Samoa to attend the 2016 Republican National Convention, he placed first in National History Day in his freshman, sophomore and senior years, he has participated in the Island Wide Young Writers competition and Speech Festival during his senior year, and he was a member of the” Close Up” contingent that traveled to Washington DC in his junior year.

Deborah Meleisea, one of the three Vals, says her favorite quote is “education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” She is the daughter of Faauliuli Ia Ale Meleisea and Peniamina Meafou Meleisea. She told Samoa News her parents value education more than anything and would tell her and her siblings, “School First and you will get a good job and be able to do anything you want.”

At age 5 she started her schooling at Manulele kindergarten where she had her first experience of “fun” in learning. “Kindergarten was the starting keystone of my educational journey that was filled with positivity and joy,” she said.

Kiso Skelton, who is the third Valedictorian for Tafuna High School, is the son of Paepaefoa Alex Skelton and Patisepa Skelton of Pago Pago, Iliili and Tafuna. He is the youngest of six children. Skelton is a very religious person and has a great passion for his church.

Skeleton will be studying at the University of Chaminade in Hawai’i — for a major in Economics, with a minor in Political Science, and has a full ride Regents scholarship of $34,000. He was also accepted at Northern Arizona University, Pacific Lutheran University, and University of Portland. His goal is to return home and work for the government.

 “IA MANU MAI LAGI OU ALA”

The “Home of the Warriors” Tafuna High School bid farewell to 267 seniors yesterday morning — with their commencement ceremony jammed packed with proud families and close friends who came to support the largest graduating class on island for 2017.

Bluesky Communications is a proud sponsor of this year’s graduation season and would like to congratulate all graduates and best wishes in your future endeavors.

The Commencement speaker was a scientist, Dr. Andrew Ah Young, who is a young Samoan investigator at the biotechnology company Genentech, where he studies and develops treatments for diseases such as cancer and arthritis. He is a graduate of Tafuna High School, some 12 years ago.

In an energized address, Ah Young shared stories and life experiences with the graduating seniors focusing on the one word he said describes it all — “I want to share with you one word and that is the golden word ‘Education’.”

“Not all of you will go to college, not all of you will go to ASCC, in fact most of you don’t even know what you’re doing tomorrow. But regardless of what plans we have and don’t have, you and I make the future of this island and we have our work cut out,” he said. “Personal education will fulfill and ground you and only when your feet are fully planted will you begin to grow..”

Ah Young concluded by sharing a quote that inspired him by Dr.Ruth Matagi-Tofiga who spoke at his graduation 12 years ago, “Whatever passion you choose to pursue be the very best at it, if you want to be a teacher be the best teacher, if you want to be the janitor be the best janitor…” He added, “… and while you’re becoming the best in your profession, I challenge you and encourage you to be the best human being that you can be…”

Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga offered special remarks, noting it was now time for … children of American Samoa … this is all in your hands now … go on and “ia manu mai lagi ou ala”.

In addition to the high honors received by the three Valedictorians and one Salutatorian, there were others accepted to various colleges and received scholarship offers, as well some who joined the US Armed Forces.

Brigham Young University (Hawaii) – Margaret Tuna, Chaminade University – Frantacia Mauigoa [$34,000 Regents Scholarship], Adrienne Sa’u, Josiah Siliva [$34,000 Regents Scholarship], Kiso Skelton [$34,000 Regents Scholarship, National Society of High School Honors – Kevin Galoia, Michael Hunter, Josiah Siliva, Tiapepeloutofi Uiagalelei, Willie Uhrle, Northern Arizona University – Michael Hunter, Adrienne Sa’u, Julia Faaiu, [$36,000 Presidents Excellence Scholarship], Emla Solaita, Kiso Skelton, Rattea Tagoa’I, Oregon State University – Shania Wilson, Pacific Lutheran University – Kiso Skelton [$25,000 Academic Scholarship], Saint Martin University – Richaline Puni [$48,000 Faculty Scholarship], Josiah Siliva [$60,000 Deans Scholarship], Emla Solaita [$64,000 Presidents Scholarship], Simpson University – Frantacia Mauigoa.

 University of Hawaii (Hilo) – Frantacia Mauigoa, Rattea Tagoa’I, University of Hawaii (Manoa) – Rattea Tagoa’I, Adelene Talaeai, Tatianna Kelly, Penei Pavihi with a Football Full Scholarship.  University of Idaho – Shania Wilson, University of Iowa – Shania Wilson, University of Portland – Kiso Skelton [$84,000 Presidents Scholarship], Wentworth Military Academy – Moana Faifeau, Austin Potoa’e, Richaline Puni, Frantacia Mauigoa, Shania Wilson, Western New Mexico University – Alapeti Seui, Inu Young, Christopher Soliai, Austin Potoa’e, Kansas Collegiate Athletic Scholarship – Alex Ieremia, New Mexico Institute Football NJCAA Scholarship – Michael Gauta.

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology – Willie Uhrle [$20,000 Trustee Scholarship], Carroll College – Willie Uhrle [$56,000 All Saints Award and $56,000 Bishop George Leo Thomas Scholarship], Greer River College – Baldwin Wilson

ACT Composite Scores 19+ - Ruth Epati, Julia Faaiu, John Iosefo, Austin Potoa’e, Adrienne Sa’u, Emla Solaita, Adelene Talaeai, Farrah Young,

SAT Scores 1000+ — Adelene Talaeai, John Iosefo, Rattea Tagoa’I, Ruth Epati, Tanu Peleti

Citizenship Award – Evielynn Fetuao

Leadership Award – Austin Potoa’e

Rotary 4-Way Test Award – Emla Solaita

Female Scholar of the Year Award – Frantacia Mauigoa

Male Scholar of the Year Award – Penei Pavihi

Female Athlete of the Year Award – Devine Tautunuafatasi

Male Athlete of the Year Award – Andrew Toilolo

Principal’s Athlete Award – Alisha Sila [Female], Jerichson Sipa [Male].

U.S Army:         Mcnair Afioae, Elizabeth Faoasau, Derek Fuimaono, Iva Maiava, Pauline Mulitalo, Damien Sua

US Marines:     Sheldon Auvaa, Christopher Rose, Daniel Tuula.

Distinguished Athlete Awards:  Iva Maiava (female) and Willie Uhrle (male)

Marine Scholastic Excellence Award:     Farrah Young

Semper Fidelis Award For Musical Excellence:   Charis Sao

Most Improved Student from Representative Samuel Meleisea Award:  McNair Afioa’e

 Dave Albert Meredith Memorial Scholarship Class of 1996:      Fetaomi Mailo

Roy Junior Eteuati Memorial Scholarship:         Rattea Tagoa’i

McDonald’s Scholarship:         Taavili Amosa

Public Health Scholarship:        Emla Solaita

TAFUNA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION LIST

Abel Sipa

Abigail Tafiga Moleli

Adelene Anuhealani Talaeai

Adrienne Makereta Sa’u

Ailini Ianeta Tanielu

Aiomalaga Siaosi

Aitulagi Laulu

Al A. Auaumamana

Alapeti Vaealuga Seui

Alex Jamahl Ieremia

Alexander Afitoto Vaimasanu’u

Aliitai Lagoele Lilio

Alisha Sila

Amelia Lemi

Anapogi Fonoti

Andrew Filipo Toilolo

Aofagaimanu Desirenee Taafua

Austin Johnny Tolovae Potoa’e

Baldwin Sonny Wilsom

Beverly Skelton

Blessing Faalata

Bonita Toailoa

Brenda Luisa Misi

Brigham Takashi Ah Loo

Byron Aliielua Louis Crawley

Caroline Fale Faleulu

Charis Suesue Junior Sao

Charles Jason S. Uele

Charmaine Efa So’oa’emalelagi

Chinasiefon Taua’i

Christian Ioane Kapisi

Christopher Hendrick Rose

Christopher Jay-Kema Soliai

Clarence Sala Crichton

Cleopatra Vaoita Iliili

Corabell Penelope Tulouna

Damien Sua

Daniel Tu’ula

Danielle Rose Dunham

Darrius Tala Seagai

Daryl Soon Fuimaono

David Lotomaulalo Tulemau

Deborah Shadday Meleisea

Deoro Faresa Talataina

Derek William Fuimaono

Derek Thadius Duterte

Destiny Tamalii Faleomavaega Lauvao

Devaughn Lucrae John William Faaitiiti Tusifolau Vaouli

Devine Sinaleu’unu Tautunuafatasi

Dora Ina Barnes

Easter Fogavai

EJ Joseph Kelemete

Elizabeth Sonya Faoasau

Emia Ella Solaita

Emma Jacinta Lalau

Emmy Etimani Talu

Enoka Feula Jr.

Ernie Lefe’e

Eveline Va’a

Evelynn-Deidra Siiloto Fetuao

Faafetai Shallhout

Faafetai Wells Jr.

Faalogoifo Alatu’i

Faaolaina Faafetai Ufuti Ieremia

Faavaoa Christina Fuimaono

Farrah Leleioaiga Young

Faumanogi Teikale

Faye Vaili

Feagaigaoleola Amataga Naea

Fetaomi-Elizabeth Uluvalu Miracle Mailo

Fiailoa Pati

Filiga Vaolele Resa McFall

Filiki Tiaua

Florence Maligi

Frantacia Punipuao Mauigoa

Fuaau Mauga

Gillboy Junior I’uvale Papali’i

Gloria Passi

Glory Hallelujah Tumua Levi

Grace Joy Malauulu

Grace Tuivaelagi-Lagai

Helen Jeannie Leilua

Henrietta Tauilo Titi

Iafeta Vaifanua Aufaga

Inumaleao Arthur Young

Iva Maiava

Iyvalissa Sarina Ioane

J.R. Siaki

Jack J.J. Kite

Jaden Maupati Maga

Jared William Tepa Faitau

Jeanvanja Aumua

Jennifer Thelma Iosefo

Jerichson Filoasoleu Sipa

Jimmy Leo Jr.

Jocelynasarina Olive

Johana Loreene Cramer

John Solomona Taalafa’aluaiaiaga

John Xavier Anesi Iosefo

Jonathan Paul Utu

Jonathan Savali Nusi

Jonmark Lio Maeva

Jordan Reagan Nofoagatoto’a

Joshua Mackenzie Sousou

Joshua Obedient Taliauli

Josiah Silimeaseu Afamiliona Siliva

Jotham Fepuali

Joyce Mele Isileli

Julia Akenese Faai’u

Juline Rodiana Tarray

June Teugata Aiomalaga Okalani Masima

Junila Ezra Savaiinaea

Justin Saumalu

Karadeen Sophie Kava

Karen Tominiko

Karolaine Tagoa’i

Kendra Wilimina Seui-NIX

Kevin Maluolefale-Aigalelei Galoia

Kiso Skelton

Koloi Travis Ioane Jr.

Lafaele Sioka-Kovo

Lagomeli Darlene Nielson

Larry Poutoa Ah Chong

Latahemooni Ofiaola Omani

Latanuu Alosio

Laupama Asiata

Lealofi Milo

Lester Solomua Faalata

Leumalealofa Katie Lakisa

Levanimonimo Leutu Taula

Levi Robin Toloafa

Lima Bradly Tulolo

Loimata Lafo Savea

Loilani Iafeta

Luavalu Tafa Iosua

Lucianna Faleono Gagau

Luisa Rachelle-Ann Ho Ching

Luti Manoa

Madison Amos Agustin Amosa

Maggie Agnes Tupufia

Malae Judy Vaimoli

Malaefou Christopher Tausaga

Malaefou Francis Lepou

Malaetoto’a Chesmeralda Sualoa

Malu Olivia Vaeono

Manase James Jr. Bryce

Manuita Faaitu Leui

Manutau Dwayne Mase

Margaret Pa’ileulu Tuna

Marissa-Jecoliah Mary Mua

Mataali May Falevai

Maytannarose Angelirisada Nauma

Mcnair Faoa Reno Afioa’e

Mele Tuipulotu Loumoli

Meleane Easter Tauta

Mena Mulitalo

Meripa Migi

Michael Hector Hunter

Michael Rudy Gauta

Milika Hema

Milovale Taumiloga

Milton Falaniko Alphonso Jr. Atuata

Miracle Eneliko Ioane

MJ Ghmond Duane Asuao

Moana Faifeau

Moliga Amelia Maalona Crichton

Moria Verona Fanene

Muao Sautia

Nancy Legise Vaeao

Nessah Danielle Kamilo Feleti

Nicolina June Ah Kuoi

Nikkie Tiena White

Niko Taualai Tupuono

Noel Fiao’o Melekiole

Noelani Kayla Siataga

Nuutupu Falasia

Oliver Harry Moors

P.J. Paulo Filimigo

Patricia Salina Saena

Pauline M. Mulitalo

Penei Boquist Pavihi

Penihuro Tau Daniel Fauga

Perise Umeyo Tumua Tuia

Pio Jemiah Lito

Po’a Iese Sialo’i

Pouono Vincent I. Tanu

Precious Pauline Smith

Prince Palelei

Rattea Leuta Tagoa’i

Rejoice Toalepai

Renei Mulipola

Rhonda Joan Piliati

Richaline Mesepa Asia Puni

Richard Faasao Tuli

Rick Tony Tyrell

Ronnie Luteru Live

Rosalia Leuga Futi

Rose Avei Seu

Rosita Foa

Ruth Sieli Epati

Ruth Sofia Lefao

Sale Su’a

Semeatu Valaau Jr.

Seneuefa Fetu Figota

Senia Mareta Florence Rea

Shalom Saifoloi Tavita Solomona

Shania Aloiamoa Leifi

Shania Margaret Annandale

Shania Tagomamao Wilson

Shaqkoby Matthias-Henani Aiono

Sheldon Tevita Auva’a

Shyanne Moomia Sinclair

Siafiafilelei Vaeao

Silaumea Maualuga Matautia

Siliato Siliato

Sinapati Vaetoe Jr.

Siona Iosefa Mauga

Solialii Masi Ti

Sonya Oriana Sagato

Sosooalii Eddie Letuli

St. Peter Chanell Fetalaiga

Sulami Aleina Vaoga

Taavili Ieremia Peter Amosa

Taliilagi Jessie Ho Ching

Taliilagi Sally Collins

Talitiga Tavita Matagi

Talivaimaila Taafele

Tanu Terrell Solaita

Tanu Wallace Peleti

Taoso Teri Tagaloa

Tasi Tafa

Tasman F. Amosa

Tatiana Lepoi Kelly

Taumainu’umau Ah Lin

Tautalaso’o Laumea Letalu

Tautua Pese

Tavini Sinapati Aliivaa Jr.

Tenisi Ese

Terisa Talosaga Iafeta

Terrence Matthew Kelemete

Tevita Kofe Tavake

Tiapepeloutofi Molitiai’iitumua Uiagalelei

Tikeri Tamaolefeagaiga Fanene

Timothy Apelu Tuitama

Timothy Tusi Hunkin-Asiasi

Tinei Eleanor Lafao

Tofaimalaetele Shirley Tauala

Toso Joseph Leaga

Tuana’I Sale Jr.

Tuligasapati Laulu

Ualesi Sanitoa Toalepai

Ulisese Demetrius Roberts

Uria Fauga

Vaioge Isaako

Valena S. Gisa

Valentin Leaupepe Alpala Vainoa Elizarraraz

Valentine Anita Luamanu Anita Luamanu

Vao Vao Jr.

Vasati Audrey Va’a

Vel Vinus Nakiso

Venci Tom Peric

Vernalisa Vayonette Atonio

Viali Omeli Peretania

Vitale Faaolataga Soloa

William Pati Tinoisamoa

Williams Williams

Willie Eugene Peter Uhrle