Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Leone High School — home of the Lions — held their 60th Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at their gymnasium for 123 graduates. Their theme was “O faiva e tapuaia, e a'e manuia” — tasks that are prepared and supported are accomplished successfully. Principal Leo'o Dr. Patrick Danielson was the Master of Ceremonies.

Top two students awarded were Valedictorian- Ms. Faaeteete Molesi and Salutatorian- Ms. Lesina Paletasala

The invocation was delivered by Pastor David Katina of Great Life 684, who began with a quote from the Old Testament, “The Lion has roared, who isn’t frighted. The sovereign Lord has spoken, who can refuse to proclaim His message.”

Pastor Katina told graduates to identify themselves as a Lion, king of the Jungle, when they wake up tomorrow and find themselves in the jungle — of life. They are leaving the ‘den’, and now will be in a jungle of decisions that are very real.

He exhorted them to step carefully — the choices are yours to make — good or bad — pause for the cause, cage the rage, and “listen, the Lion is calling.”

Who is this Lion you will try to connect to? Pastor Katina asked. It is Jesus Christ inside you… the promise keeper who roars from morning to night, and who has said, “I am the way… I am the truth… It is the Lion of Judah, who lives in you.” Never give up, he told graduates.

Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula offered special remarks, noting that an integral element of the graduates preparations are the prayers offered by people, family, teachers, and friends, who have faith in them — that they accomplish their endeavors and dreams now and into the future. He said to remember the “power of prayer” and to never forget the source of “your strength is from God”.

The keynote speaker was Mrs. Folasaitu Sorepa Fata Thomas, the ASTCA CEO. Quoting Abraham Lincoln, “I remember my mother’s prayers, they have always followed me, they have clung to me all my life,” Thomas pointed out that wherever you go in your life, you make the final decision — God gives you your choices, but you make the final decision. Your lives are God’s will… have faith in His path for you, she said.

Of note, the ASTCA CEO encouraged graduates to honor their heritage, beginning with speaking their native language. She explained that she chose to deliver her keynote speech in the Samoan language, and not a bilingual one, because it was appropriate that it be delivered in Samoan. She explained that when they (graduates) leave American Samoa, they will find English spoken out there, while in other countries they will also find them speaking their own native language, so it is appropriate that here, Samoan should be spoken.

Calling for the roar of the Lion graduates, ASDOE director Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufete’e accepted and confirmed the 123 students of LHS as graduates of 2026, encouraging them to bring back home a gift, a ‘oso’ that your mother will wear like a ‘sei’ (flower) with pride, and your father will clap/ praise with joy and the knowledge of accomplishment.

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen was also one of the special guests — continuing her tradition of attending high school graduations to deliver her Congressional Awards and congratulate graduates.