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Daughter of American Samoa recognized as a ‘top scholar’

NSHSS logo
Melelene Matautia now a member of the National Society of High School Scholars
blue@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), earlier this month, a daughter of American Samoa was recognized for superior academic achievement.

Melelene T. Matautia, a student at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, has been selected as a member of the NSHSS, which “recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship, and community commitment.”

NSHSS founder and chairman, Claes Nobel, senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prize made the announcement on July 2, 2019.

“On behalf of NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice, and commitment that Melelene has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” said Nobel. “Melelene is now a member of a unique community of scholars — a community that represents our very best hope for the future.”

NSHSS president James W. Lewis added, “We are proud to provide lifetime membership to young scholars to support their growth and development. We aim to help students like Melelene build on their academic success by connecting them with unique learning experiences and resources to help prepare them for college and meaningful careers.”

According to the NSHSS, Society members “automatically become lifetime members at the time of their initial membership. At each step along the way - from high school to college to career - NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with the resources they need to develop their strengths and pursue their passions.”

Melelene was born in Honolulu, HI on June 9, 2004 and is the middle of three children born to Dieter Matautia of Afono and Iliili; and Priscilla Matautia of Nuuuli, Masefau, and Aua.

She is a straight “A” student at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, on the Leeward side of the Aloha State.

According to Melelene, she loves spending time with family and friends, and she very much enjoys playing volleyball for her school, of which she is very involved.

“I just want to thank God for my family, for guiding and pushing me through my journey,” Melelene told Samoa News.

After high school, Melelene would like to attend Washington State, Oregon University, or Harvard University, to major in Business. Ultimately, she wants to pursue a career in human resources management because she enjoys “working with people” and have them rely on her.

“I am thankful to be part of this program, and I thank those who accepted me to become a part of the NSHSS,” she concluded.

Malo lava Melelene. Job well done!

ABOUT NSHSS

Formed in 2002 by James W. Lewis and Claes Nobel, the NSHSS “recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and helps to advance the goals and aspirations of high-achieving students through unique learning experiences, scholarships, internships, international study, and peer networks.”

Currently, there are more than 1,500,000 Society members in over 170 countries.

More information about NSHSS can be obtained at <www.nshss.org>