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Community Briefs

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL COLLEGE SOPHOMORES

 

Edward F. Hollings and Educational Partnership Program (EPP) undergraduate scholarship applications are being accepted from now until January 29, 2016. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, including Samoans, are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be in their sophomore year.

 

Marlene Kaplan, NOAA's Deputy Director of Education, explained that the generous scholarships provide tuition support up to $9500 per year during the students' junior and senior years.

 

In addition, paid summer internships at National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facilities across the country are offered. The award provides summer stipends, housing, and travel allowances. The program also covers costs to present internship results at various conferences.

 

Interested applicants must be U.S. citizens.

 

Up to 150 students per year are accepted for the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship, which requires applicants to have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 from an accredited institution. On the other hand, the Educational Partnership Program (EPP) Undergraduate Scholarship Program accepts about ten students per year — students who are attending a Minority Serving Institution and have a 3.2 GPA.

 

Community college students who are transferring to 4-year colleges and universities are eligible to apply. More information can be obtained by logging on to <education.noaa.gov> and selecting 'student opportunities'

 

There is one common application for both programs.

 

SAMOA CONSUL OFFICE CELEBRATES 9 YEARS IN THE TERRITORY

 

On the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month of the ninth year since it opened its doors in the territory, the Samoa Consul General Office celebrated with the raising of the Samoa flag — for the first time — in front of their Fagatogo location, on the second floor of the Iupeli Siliva Methodist Church Building.

 

The staff of three donned red uniforms, the same color as the Samoa flag, and they were excited to unveil their new banner.

 

The Samoa Consul General Office issues entry permits for travelers flying to the independent state, as well as helping its own citizens residing on island with various matters, such as passport renewals.

 

The Samoa Consul Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. with closure between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. for lunch break.

 

HOLY PILGRIMAGE

 

Sixteen priests from the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago, led by Bishop Peter Hugh Brown, will depart the territory tonight for a “Holy Pilgrimage” that will take them to Israel. The trip is three weeks long and during that time, priests from independent Samoa will travel to the territory to lead Sunday mass services for the thousands of local Catholics on island.

 

Parishioners were informed this past Sunday that some of the priests from Apia will travel to the territory only on the weekend to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and then travel back to Samoa because they are teachers/instructors and school is currently in session.

 

During the Israel trip, the group will “walk the steps that Jesus walked” and will be able to experience life in the Holy Land.

 

The group anticipates a stop at the Vatican and Rome, where they are hoping to speak to Pope Francis who will be returning from his visit to the US.

 

Throughout the past months, each priest has fundraised on their own, to raise money to pay for expenses and costs associated with the trip. In Bishop Brown's absence, Monsignor Etuale Lealofi will lead the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago.

 

The week-long annual retreat for local priests, which is held at Fatuoaiga, will take place during the trip.