The Home of the Warriors was the site of the biggest graduation this year, that of the Tafuna High School Class of 2014 which awarded 296 diplomas yesterday.

Rev. Dr. Eteuati Tuioti of the Nuuuli Methodist Church offered both the invocation and benediction.

Welcoming remarks and closing thoughts were delivered by school principal Beauty Fanuaea Tuiasosopo who encouraged the graduates to continue reaching for the stars and in all things, give glory to God.

This year, Tafuna High School had two valedictorians, both of whom accumulated a grade point average of 4.0 and served as officers for the National Honor Society.

Co-valedictorian Nerisa Suzana Taua wants to be a veterinarian and plans to major in biology. She has roots in Fitiuta and Faleasao but is currently residing in Vaitogi.

Taua was the recipient of the 2013 Dept. of Interior Scholarship to attend the Junior Statesmen of America summer program at Stanford University. She has been awarded a $10,000 Regents Scholarship to attend Chaminade University and she is the recipient of a $2,500 Wells Fargo Scholarship Award. Taua also received the ASPA award for the island-wide science symposium.

Her co-valedictorian is Anasthesia Avataeao Ah Futu of Tafuna who wants to major in accounting. Ah Futu dedicated her achievement yesterday to her brother Michael who is currently deployed.

Ah Futu is the recipient of an $8,000 Regents Scholarship to attend Chaminade University and a $16,000 Discover Idaho Scholarship Program award from the University of Idaho.

This year’s salutatorian honor went to Nive Aumua of Ili’ili who attained a grade point average of 3.99

A member of the National Honor Society for three years, Aumua will be pursuing a career in the United States Army.

During his commencement address, Acting Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga told the graduates, “Decisions determine destiny.” He added, “Your future is in your hands.”

He challenged the Warriors Class of 2014, “Are you ready? There are numerous road maps but you need to be sure you have enough gas in your tank and choose the right path to take in life.”

After the diplomas were handed out, the graduates performed an upbeat war chant and an original musical selection composed specifically for yesterday’s event.

In addition to the top three students, other honorable mentions include: Alma Ng Lam, who has been awarded a $40,000 Andrews Partnership Scholarship from Andrews University. The McDonalds Scholarship Award went to Litea Beterua who also received the Rotary 4-Way Test Award.

Kimberly Iosefo finished off her high school years with a bang. The Tafuna resident is the recipient of a $10,000 Regents Scholarship to attend Chaminade University, a $46,000 Dean’s Scholarship from Hawaii Pacific University, a Dean’s Scholarship of $48,000 to attend the University of St. Mary, a $4,000 Cougar Academic Award from Washington State University, and a $9,000 Faculty Scholarship from Pacific Lutheran University. She was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and received the Florence Saulo Insurance Community Scholarship Award.

Jared Tuifalasa’i received a $14,915 football scholarship from Arizona Western College and he is also the recipient of the NJCAA Full Books and Tuition Scholarship from Fort Scott Community College.

A number of students have been accepted and will be attending New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI). Abraham Maiava got a full football scholarship to go there, while Etevise Sagote received an ROTC scholarship of $1,500.

Full volleyball scholarships have been awarded to Faafetai Tauafea, Fa’avela Ah Sam, and Titiula Manuma from NMMI. Manuma also received the Dominic Tautunuafatasi Volleyball Award.

North Park University awarded Chaun Maiava the $24,000 North Park Provosts Scholarship.

An academic achievement award of $15,000 has been awarded to Denitra Langkilde from St. John’s University while both Falo L’Dori Mamea and Talalupelele Asifoa each received $20,000 academic scholarships from Carlow University. The University of Idaho also awarded Mamea $16,000 from the Discover Idaho Scholarship Program and $1,600 in scholarships and grants to Asifoa.

Jayna Della-Pedro was awarded an $8,000 Regents Scholarship from Chaminade University while Jesse Scanlan received a $3,000 academic scholarship to attend Drexel University.

Talauna Sola’ita is the recipient of a $10,000 Regents Scholarship to attend Chaminade University in addition to a scholarship award of $19,250 from Union College.

Aishah Shalhout was awarded an honor scholarship of $40,000 from the University of St. Mary while both Sharmane Fuimaono and Tamara Nusi have received volleyball scholarships to attend Wentworth Military Academy.