The Kanana Fou gymnasium was packed yesterday with family, friends and supporters who came out to witness the graduation ceremony for the 68 young men and women who were part of the Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School Class of 2014.

The ceremony was led by NVTHS vice principal Tupa’i Roderick Atafua. The invocation and benediction were offered by Edwin Starlight Lotulelei, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ Pago Central Stake.

Lt. Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga, who is the acting governor, delivered the commencement address and sat alongside DOE Director Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau, who accepted and confirmed the graduates.

Representing the ASG scholarship board was Human Resources Director Sonny Thompson who delivered some great news. According to Thompson, the current administration is doing what it can to ensure that American Samoa’s graduates continue to further their education in college, both locally and off island.

He said a total of 37 scholarships will be awarded this year, and the amounts have increased from $8,000 to $10,000 for those who will be attending college off island, and $2,000 to $4,000 for students who will be attending the American Samoa Community College. Thompson also mentioned that jobs will be available for ASG scholarship recipients who return to the territory after obtaining their college degrees.

This year, the highest honors for NVTHS went to Jennet Norrey Lisa Chang who was named class Valedictorian. In addition to being the top Wildcat this year, Chang also received the Rotary Award, the McDonalds Scholarship to attend Chaminade University in Hawai’i and an $8,000 Regent Scholarship.

Tilesi Kelsey Misipati placed second as Salutatorian while the Tradesman of the Year Award went to Gordon Masima.

Other awards include the Leadership Award which went to Margaret Jane Lam Yuen and the Citizenship Award which went to Irene Skelton.

Paea’i Milikini and Felise David Enoka were awarded the Female and Male Athlete Awards, respectively, while Roseanne Hall was recognized for having the 2nd highest SAT score award.

Sione Lotolua Louisale Kava III, who received the highest SAT score, was also the recipient of the US Coast Guard Military Academy Scholarship. According to Lt. Garcia of the local USCG Marine Safety Detachment, Kava is the first Samoan from American Samoa who has received such an honor.

Nu’uuli VocTech High School is the only trade school in the territory and, in addition to the basic core subjects, offers courses in agriculture, electronics, food services, clothing and textiles, welding, auto body, small engines, auto mechanics and business.