This past Saturday morning, the commencement ceremony for Fa’asao Marist High School took place, under their theme — “Success is the Greatest Achievement”. It was held at the Fatu o Aiga community hall and was led by Vice Principal Seneuefa Muliagatele, with special guests, the Most Rev. Peter Brown, Bishop of the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago and Lt. Governor Lemanu P. Mauga, who is acting governor, in attendance.

Commencement speaker Deacon Malaki Timu of the Diocese of Samoa (Fatu o Aiga), told the 69 graduates, “There is no such thing as weak — and tough self determination will fuel a fire in you that will motivate you to succeed. Today, I stand before you as a product of self determination, if you want something bad enough, let it be your driving force.”

He added, “Drive yourself to make the best of the opportunities available to you, whether big or small, and trust that it can be accomplished. According to one of the greatest leaders of our times, long time president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, once a person is determined to help themselves, there is nothing that can stop them.”

Class Valedictorian for Fa’asao Marist Class of 2014 is Louie Amurao who delivered his Valedictorian speech as a farewell to his classmates and his school. “This is a special day to celebrate our amazing achievements with our parents, educators and students. God has finished a chapter in our lives, and has opened up a new one. He has given us this day, for each and everyone of us graduates, to reveal our accomplishments.”

He added, “To the many teachers we’ve had, thank you, fa’afetai tele lava.”

The presentation of diplomas for the graduates of FMHS was made by the Bishop, the Lt. Governor, Rev. Viane Etuale, Dr. Vaitinasa Salu Hunkin Finau, Edward Brown, and principal Victor Langkilde.

Awards Ceremony:

Perpetual Valedictorian Award: Louie Amurao

Salutatorian Award: Elyssa Lim

General Excellence Award: Matelani Lotomau

Bishop Peter Brown Student Service Award: Ashley Isaako

Paramount Chief Letuli Olo Student Leadership Award: Ashley Isaako

Female Athlete of the Year: Sydnee Samoa

Male Athlete of the Year: Lando Grey

BACKGROUND

Samoa News notes that award giving is no longer a part of public high school graduation commencement ceremonies, as of last year, with award ceremonies generally held separately by individual high schools, including Valedictorian and Salutatorian awards. Time constraints were given as the main reason for the change, according to the ASDOE. However, private high schools continue to hold to the traditional graduation format, which includes Valedictorian speeches.