The Samoana High School gymnasium was packed to full capacity yesterday as 213 Sharks received their high school diplomas in the presence of proud parents and supporters.

The event was led by school principal Mataese Samuelu. The invocation and benediction were offered by Rev. Afa Uta’i of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa in Vatia.

In his closing remarks, Rev. Uta’i recognized the three graduates who were awarded modified diplomas. This trio of graduates with special needs was enrolled in the Special Education Program at Samoana and one of them is his son, Levitiko Boneem Uta’i.

Alexandra Naiuli and Luisa Suiaunoa are the other two.

The commencement address was delivered by Acting Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga whose speech was geared towards the theme: “With every end is a new beginning…make it count, keep it classy.”

“There are a lot of new challenges ahead,” Lemanu told the graduates. “Curiosity is the driving force behind learning and exploring new ideas.”

He continued, “Prime your minds to be successful and remember that success comes when we accept it.”

The Acting Governor told the graduates that Gov. Lolo Moliga - who is currently in Hawaii for medical reasons - “sends his love and blessings to all of you.”

Lemanu said both he and Lolo started off their high school years at Samoana and he encouraged the graduates to do what they can to continuously ‘upgrade’ their lives.

“In order to upgrade, changes need to be made,” he said. “At times, we cannot move up without making changes so don’t be scared to break from your old routines and habits. Embrace changes and new beginnings. The door to this chapter of your lives closes today and a new door is now open. This is a new day, a new beginning for all of you.”

Lemanu stressed the fact that he does not believe in luck and told the graduates that success doesn’t come through luck but instead, through hard work, diligence, and a strong faith in God.

He mentioned the late A.P. Lutali who only had an 8th grade education and went on to become governor of American Samoa; the late Tolia “Tony” Sola’ita, the first Samoan ever to play in major league baseball; and Mere Betham who, with a bachelors degree, became the first woman to become a Director of Education.

“These are great Samoans that kept it classy and they are people you can look up to,” Lemanu said.

This year, the valedictorian honor went to Tulimalefo’i D. Mauga Vaofanua of Aasu and Aoloau. Vaofanua served as president of the National Honor Society (NHS) and historian for the Student Government Association.

She is the recipient of a Belmont Scholarship to attend Notre Dame de Namur University where she plans to major in forensic science.

Vaofanua was also awarded a four-year scholarship from the American Samoa Government and in addition to Notre Dame; she was also accepted to St. Mary’s College and Cornell.

The Sharks’ Class of 2014 salutatorian is Theresa Lucy To’o of Pago Pago who served as NHS vice president and was accepted to Colorado State University, St. Mary’s College, and the US Coast Guard. In the end, To’o chose North Park University where she will be majoring in criminal justice. She too has been awarded a four-year scholarship from the American Samoa Government.

The third ASG four-year college scholarship was awarded to Lindsey Laupola who will be attending Southern Methodist University to major in English. With an impressive SAT score of 1940, it is no shock that Laupola was accepted to several prestigious schools, including St. John’s University, the University of San Francisco and the University of Portland.

Other honorable mentions include Edward Wallace Taufaasau and Uelese Frank Seiuli, who each received full athletic scholarships to attend New Mexico Military Institute.

Five students received ASG scholarships to attend the American Samoa Community College. They are: Audreena Luceanne Sualevai, Etenauga Asolagilelei Voigt, Makatala Iliganoa Tanielu, Salvation Lee, and Uperesa Elisara Fakava.

The six students who have been accepted to Chaminade University are Athena Tuaua (Presidential Scholarship), Regents Scholarship awardees: Lui Lafaele, Makatala Tanielu, and Isaac Mageo; Salvation Lee and Kerryleigh Foster.

Graduates heading to the US Marine Corps are Francis Ping, Mareta Vaeono, and Tapuono Saifoloi while Kapeli Iuli and Samuelu Tolu will be joining the US Navy.

Those who will take the challenge to be Army Strong are: Merlene Shimasaki, Anasitasia Vaitele, Lusia Vaaiga, Malaesa Taise, Taualai Toilolo, Patrick Ah Fook, Jasmine Danielson, Michael Taumua, and Babe Faalata.

Future Wentworth Military Academy cadets are: Audreena Sualevai, Salvation Lee, and Rhine Haleck.

Athena Tuaua has been awarded a scholarship to attend Southern Utah University while Sophia Vaeoso has been awarded the Dean’s Scholarship to attend Hawaii Pacific University.