Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — After the Posting of Colors, the 2025 graduates of Samoana High School, home of the Sharks, opened their hour and a half Commencement Ceremony at their gymnasium, on Thursday morning, June 12, 2025, with a beautifully arranged and sung music selection.

Their theme: “Tautua ma Suesue Fa’amaoni”.

Honored quests were Gov. Pulaali’i N. Pula, Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata, ASDOE director Maefau Dr. Mary L. Taufete’e, and Mrs. Donna Gurr, representative of the ASG Scholarship Board, and Rev. Elder Ioane Evagelia of Utulei- CCCAS.

Rev. Elder Evagelia offered opening and final invocations during the ceremony.

SHS Principal Mrs. Jemima Teo-Nafatali was the Master of Ceremonies, and offered a message of encouragement and asked that they celebrate their ‘day’ wisely.

Gov. Pulaali’i was the keynote speaker. He asked that the 191 graduates be thankful and give praise to God for his blessings. The governor’s message was simple: “A captain is smart and intelligent, but the bonita fish slides through the outrigger of the canoe.” He asked that one of the graduates translate what he said in English to Samoan — to applause a male graduate, Jay, came to the podium to translate: “E poto le tautai ae se le atu i le ama.” The governor then exhorted the graduates to “remember your Samoan language and culture as you go outside” and when you return.

Continuing, Gov. Pulaali’i focused on their theme, and noted that it encourages the graduates “to be curious, to explore, to keep learning and too serve with integrity” — they are values to build a strong foundation to build a meaningful life…

The governor congratulated them on their accomplishments. He stated, “As we move forward… I pray that you will be guided by God’s wisdom and grace…”

Top students were introduced with their parents/ guardians: Valedictorian honors were shared among four (4) students, and Salutatorian honors was awarded to one.

Co-Valedictorians are: Ulutaumamao Ulumanu’a Fuimaono, Ghaydah Amazing Grace Mateo-Slave’a, Joreignna Kim Sovea and Taliilagi Tauva Vii.

Salutatorian is: Jahzara Roberta Fa’alogo.

The 191 graduates were formally accepted and confirmed by the ASDOE director to receive their diplomas.

Announced by the SHS principal, was the graduation certificate Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata issues to each high school graduate in American Samoa, that was included with their diplomas. Uifaatali has been issuing such certificates for eleven years now. The certificates are a way for her to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our local graduates, according to the Congresswoman.

The formal announcement of scholarships by the representative of the ASG Scholarship Board, with students introduced.

“Switching of the Tassels” by the “ Blue Sharks” followed.

A final song from graduates to the loud sounds of cheers and horns being blown ensued, as the crowd became impatient to celebrate with their graduates. The celebratory sounds continued unabated, even as SHS Principal Teo-Nafatali asked that the audience quiet down.

It took Gov. Pulaali’i coming to stand at the podium to ask that the audience be silent and be respectful to quiet the gymnasium.

Once quieted, the SHS principal thanked the governor for his assistance, and offered her final message, which was followed with the closing invocation from Rev. Elder Evagelia.

The Retiring of Colors concluded the Commencement Ceremony.