Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 233 graduating Warriors of Tafuna High School Class of 2021 held their graduation ceremony yesterday at the school gym, under theme “E Fa’aeaina Le Onosa’i — Perseverance Prevails.

The graduating class included a special education Warrior — Alofaeleuma Faualo — seen here in his wheel chair on stage, shaking hands with VIP guests — including Tigafua Fuatagavi (far left) and Pastor David Katina (middle) — after receiving his high school diploma during the ceremony.

Pastor Katina provided the benediction and invocation, while Fuatagavi represented Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata.

Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga delivered special remarks and Bluesky Communications chief executive officer, Justin Tuiasosopo was the commencement speaker. (More on Gov. Lemanu’s remarks elsewhere on website.)

“I am here... to tell you that ‘Nothing worthwhile in this world comes easy’,” Tuiasosopo told the graduates. “You have to work hard for it. You will fail, if you haven’t already, and you will learn from those mistakes and that of others. And you will NOT quit.”

THS graduating classes continue to be the largest on island each year, as well as marking up the most students for Top of the Class Awards.

This year’s 2021 class has five Co-Valedictorians, including twin-girls — Jade Peleiupu Kruse and Jewel Marlene Kruse. The other three Co-Vals are John Rod Allen, Mareko Sam Francis Solofa and Milo Elsie Vaelua.

Twin girls, Jade Peleiupu Kruse and Jewel Marlene Kruse are among the five Co-Valedictorians for THS Class of 2021. [photo: Leua Aiono Frost]