The first-born child in any family is often an exceptional person — a trailblazer of sorts. Isaac Mageo, born December 11, 1996 fits the description to a “t”. With two younger brothers: Timothy, 13 and Jacob, 10, and a baby sister, Irie Molitui, 7 years (who is “Isaac’s real boss and the princess of the family” according to his mother Leann), Isaac has set a shining example for his siblings, as well as his friends and classmates.

This past week, Isaac was one of the thousands of students who took part in graduation ceremonies across the island, saying good-bye to their high school years and hello to… the rest of their lives.

His academic record, scholarships and achievements at his alma mater, Samoana High School, were a mosaic of accomplishments which surely made his parents proud, but there was one in particular they shared with Samoa News, as it was an award that is the first of its kind, and not many who graduated with Isaac that day were aware that they were receiving their diplomas with a bonafide hero.

Isaac was active in Samoana’s JROTC, and during his sophomore year — before applying to become a member of the National Army Reserve Teen Panel — he had attended his first Youth Leadership Education Development (YLEAD) Summit which was held in Honolulu, Hawai’i between June 10 and June 14, 2012.

This summit’s main theme was to empower military youth to become future leaders who can effect positive changes in society. During one of the team building exercises, which included being, paired up with other members and completing an obstacle course on a kayak in the open sea, Isaac was able to prove just why we are labeled “Toa o Samoa”.

His courage, bravery, quick instincts, and familiarity with currents and strong waves all came into play when he was able to save the life of one of the other team members. Due to strong currents and waves, one of the team was knocked off his kayak and was drowning. Isaac immediately came to the rescue and was able to pull the other kid to safety, risking his own life for a total stranger.

Because of his bravery and heroism, Isaac was awarded the First Ever – “Warrior Citizen Award”. He was recognized at the YLEAD summit in a ceremony and awarded a medal for his bravery.

In an email to Isaac’s parents regarding the incident, Mr. Travis M. Mckinney — Youth Services Specialist Child- U.S. Army said, “I wanted to commend you for raising such an outstanding young man. Isaac displayed respect and maturity that is rarely seen this day in time. Isaac showed great courage by helping one of his peers during the kayaking activity and this is why he was the first youth in the history of YLEAD's to receive the YLEAD Warrior Award. I really appreciate young people like Isaac; I have been working with youth for over 13 years now, and I have learned to never take for granted youth who have such great character.”

“I am sure you have probably heard stories about how Isaac came to the rescue during the YLEAD and I want to confirm that by saying it is very true. Your son is a hero and I am very proud of him, as I am sure you are as well. Thank you for allowing Isaac the opportunity to attend the YLEAD 2012, I will always be grateful to him for his great act. God bless you and your family.

The email was signed Sincerely, Travis Mckinney.

Of that day in Honolulu, Isaac told Samoa News, “It was instinctive… everyone cares for each other in Samoa. I wanted to take that feeling with me to Hawaii. I grew up swimming at Utulei Beach, and felt like I had been swimming my whole life. My first instinct was to grab him and hold on… just hold on and don’t let go.  When it was over, I felt really, really good… it was more than a change in someone’s life- it was their life!”

According to his mother, his closest friends call themselves the  #A-Team, which consist of seven of his childhood friends who have stuck together through the years. They are inseparable, she says. Joshua, Sam, Kapeli, Salvation, Francis, Daniel, and Ropate are uniquely proud of their friend Isaac.

Although he may not want to admit it, his mom says Isaac is your typical mama's boy. She says everyone in school refers to him as "their teddy-bear". He stands at 6 ft 3 in, 260 lbs with a “smile that melts hearts.” His family would agree that he is “funny, sarcastic, loyal, brave, stubborn and talented.”

What kind of child was Isaac? His parents say, “Growing up he was a very curious kid. He was always getting into things, taking things apart just to see how they work — and then would put them back together again.”

He has always been a "techie", said his mom — always had to have the most updated gadgets. When he was younger he said he wanted to be a video game designer, and swore he was going to be a millionaire doing what he loved — which was playing video games.

His mother recalls his good nature, saying, he was a good boy who was always either playing video games, listening to music, or hanging out with his friends — and of course, studying from time to time.

“Isaac is one of those kids who is just naturally talented, anything he did — he did well. He took piano lessons when he was eight, joined karate when he was nine, played baseball since he was ten, plays the ukulele, is a decent singer, and has dance moves that would ‘shame Michael Jackson’. ”

“Isaac is the life of every party and strangers are usually drawn to him first because of his size and then his charm and personality. He just has this aura about him that draw people to him,” his mom explained.

Isaac received a full academic scholarship from Chaminade University, wanting to major in Forensic Science, but has opted to join the Navy instead — in hopes of "seeing the world". He hopes to travel around the world and retire back here one day — in American Samoa— where his heart is.

“He is an AVID, Die Hard Pittsburgh Steeler Fan and hopes to one day be able to go to an actual game and meet Troy Polamalu and the team. He played baseball for the Samoana Sharks and in the summer league,” his mother noted.

His favorite subject is English, and he gives a lot of credit to his teachers, especially Herenei Machee whom he praises. Isaac graduated with honors as a member of the SHS National Honor Society, a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, a former Task Force Commander of the ROTC, recipient of the Congressional Nomination to the Army Military Academy, recipient of a full academic scholarship to Chaminade University majoring in Forensic Science, and acceptance to Northern Arizona University and Dixie College.

His mother told Samoa News, “I’m just so proud of my son and dread the day that he leaves; things will not be the same without his silly self around.”

But it was that “silly self” who proved himself a hero that one day in Honolulu — a few years ago — that will be remembered.