TAFUNA HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2012: “HE CONQUERS, WHO ENDURES”
Tafuna High School held its 2012 Commencement Exercise on Tuesday morning May 29, 2012, with high school faculty and staff, Department of Education and other government officials, friends and family members witnessing 301 Warriors receiving their high school diplomas.
This year’s graduating theme was ‘He conquers, who endures’.
There were four Co-Valedictorians to end the 2011-2012 school year—all females– Merina Margery Ng Lam, Lorilei-Joyce Faapeaolaina Teofilo, Finao Tuiasosopo and Julieann Rima Tupuola. The Salutatorian Award went to a young man, Jermaine Tipeni Tuiasosopo.
The Commencement Address was given by the Assistant Director of Teacher Quality, Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga, while Special Remarks were made by Governor Togiola Tulafono.
Invocation was led by Reverend Semo Tapaleao of the EFKAS, Pale Alii o le Ola, Aoloau, and Tafuna High School Principal Lentoy F. Matagi welcomed the large assembly.
During his Special Remarks, Togiola spoke about continuing to learn and the temptations the class will be facing. “Guess who will be the very first one to greet you after today?” he asked.
“The devil,” said Togiola. “He will greet you, as soon as you get out there. He is going to say, you got it, now go do it. But what are you going to say? ‘Get away from me.’
“You have to be brave enough to tell the devil that. He will be there at your every turn, telling you to do it, just do it. He will say it’s fun, take a sip, take a whiff, take a snip. He did it to me also. For sometime, I forgot to tell him to get away and I started to make a turn for the worse. I will always remember how my parents corralled me back into the circle and kept me straight, that led me to where I am today. I hope that you will always remember that.”
“We all must give our full commitment to be educated, for the rest or our lives. There is never a shortage of things to learn and how to learn and value from learning, if you are committed to learning every chance you have and do not stop. There is a lot to learn from reading, listening, watching and seeing,” he said, adding, “ Enjoy graduation, you earned it”
“ God Bless you,” said Governor Tulafono.
In her Commencement Address, Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga commented on this year’s theme.
“Your theme, ‘he conquers who endures’, is rooted in a quotation by a Roman poet and satirist, Aulus Persius Flaccus. I am sure your English teachers are very proud of you for remembering your English Literature class,” said Matagi-Tofiga. “It is a motivational quote, which means to conquer, or to win, to succeed, to master something difficult.....you must endure. You must put up with things, face up, tolerate; you must have courage, suffer and bear the consequences. It can also be reversed. If you endure, you will conquer.
“Class of 2012, you have conquered this part of your educational journey. All 301 of you have endured it all and have conquered. Let it go down in history, Warrior Nation, Class of 2012 is the biggest, largest group that has conquered and endured American Samoa public high school 2012,” she said.
Awards:
Co-Valedictorian Awards:
Merina Margery Ng Lam
Lorilei-Joyce Faapeaolaina Teofilo
Finao Tuiasosopo
Julieann Rima Tupuola
Salutatorian Award:
Jermaine Tipeni Tuiasosopo
High SAT Score Award:
Young Suk Jeong
Merina Margery Ng Lam
Citizenship Award/Male:
Mathias W. Faaita
Citizenship Award/Female:
Easter Nineta Brown
Leadership Award:
Joseph E. Zodiacal
Teacher of the Year Award:
Iose Afu
Male Scholar Athlete of the Year Award:
Filoisamoa T. Dante Langkilde
Female Scholar Athlete of the Year Award:
Meaalofa Sylvia Leite
Male Athlete of the Year Award:
Destiny L. Vaeao
Female Athlete of the Year Award:
Monalisa T. Faasavalu
Special Recognition Award:
First Lady Maryann Tulafono
Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Award:
Merina Margery Ng Lam
Finao Tuiasosopo
Julieann Rima Tupuola
Lorilei-Joyce Faapeaolaina Teofilo
Ta’ita’itama Youth in Action Leadership Council Award:
Jireh Kaylani Kruse
Gear Up American Samoa Scholarship Award:
Lorilei-Joyce Faapeaolaina Teofilo
Justin Toloula Ioane
Jermaine Tipeni Tuiasosopo
Talimeli F. Taufetee
Florence Saulo & Associates Scholarship Award:
Julieann Rima Tupuola
Merina Margery Ng Lam
Finao Tuiasosopo
Jermaine Tipeni Tuiasosopo
Temukisa Matagi
Talimeli F. Taufetee
Ryanny Junior Hall
Jireh Kaylani Kruse
Luisa Tasi
Monson K. Mamea
Epafara C. Moananu
Mathias W. Faaita
Angelina I. Lafaele
Ashley F. Faumuina
Rotary Award:
Annie S. Fiatoa
SELECTED PARTS OF TAFUNA HIGH SCHOOL CO-VALEDICTORIAN SPEECHES
Merina Margery Ng Lam
“I would like to acknowledge the faculty, staff and administration of Tafuna High School. You have inspired and challenged us to go that extra mile and achieve our goals. Like what we are witnessing today and for that we thank you for all of your hard effort put into shaping our lives not only mentally but physically. You have parented us, not only in academia, but also in the lessons of life. Thank you for all of the advice and encouragement and not to mention, all of the yelling as well as the embarrassment, because it was all for the better”.
“Mom and dad, you have been my primary influence for the past seventeen years. For your words of encouragement, all of which have a great positive impact on my life and will always be remembered for the rest of my life. I love you mom and dad. My sister Alma and my brother Raymond, thank you for believing in me and for supporting me in the decisions that I have made, even though at times, we have had our little disputes, I can honestly say that I could never ask for any siblings better than you two. I would like to acknowledge my whole family here and abroad for your support. Your prayers have brought me this far, and for that, I want to say thank you”.
“To my class, it seemed that it was just yesterday, that we entered the Warrior Nation, as little and insecure kids. We have grown and have grown together. We have laughed together, played together, performed together and today, we celebrate together. You all have taught me a lot and I am grateful that I have became a part of your life.
Lorilei -Joyce Faapeaolaina Teofilo
“It is a great privilege and honor to stand before you all, here at the home of the mighty Warrior. Throughout my formal years of education, I have continuously learned to always have the mentality to try. For it is better to try and fail, than failing to try. For the past four years at Tafuna High School, I have made friends with fellow classmates, teachers, faculty and staff, all of which made these years not only memorable, but also successful”.
“Every step that was taken, from being Freshmen to Sophomores, Sophomores to Juniors and Juniors to Seniors, we were all faced with different obstacles and challenges, which we were all able to overcome with determination and a will, that anything is possible. To conquer something, one must be willing to fight for it and fighting for it, requires endurance. We have all battled through the rough and tough times of the past four years and we fought the entire length of the battle. Through our endurance, we have conquered and won that battle. Congratulations to you all, we have finally made it”.
“I would like to thank and dedicate this honor to my parents. My mom, who is looking down on me with a smile and I know she is proud. Even though you are not here physically, I feel your presence every time that you are needed. You have always waited for this day.
The day I stand up here and say the speech and now that this day is here, you are not. Mom, this is for you. Dad, you are always there for me when needed and no matter how many struggles that you went through, you would always try to provide for us. Since mom left, you have taken part in being both the mom and dad to me. Dad, this honor I share with you also”.
Finao Tuiasosopo
“Through the years you have set goals and have met each challenge with courage and determination. Together as a class, we have always found ways to emerge stronger than before. A wise man once said, ‘success is not measured by how well you fulfill the expectations of others, but by how you honestly live up to your expectations’. We will soon be moving onto something bigger than this. Whether you are entering the workforce, joining the military, or going off to school again. I urge you to leave this phase of your lives on good terms. Let our passions guide us, as we choose our own paths. Find what you love doing and stick with it, because it is by working with your talented skill, you will find happiness and success”.
“No matter where life takes you, go for it and always put God first. Make your family and community proud and do not let anyone tell you that you are not good enough. We are more than ready, each and everyone of us, to make our dreams come true. Thank you class of 2012. God Bless”.
Julieann Rima Tupuola
“We have come a long way in four years. Approximately 1,460 days, 87,600 hours, five million two hundred fifty six thousand minutes of learning and enduring all of the hard work, and here we are now, sitting in this gym with teary eyes, because we actually survived high school and the hardships of being a teenager”.
“To my fellow graduates, we have arrived at our destination. We have endured every trial and tribulation. We have conquered it all. We have walked the halls of Tafuna High School with full maroon and white pride. Life will not be easy. It will be a roller coaster ride, as many have said. Always remember our theme, ‘He conquers who endures’. Think of today as a day in which you are all conquerers by heart. For all of you have endured every good and bad situation in your secondary years of education. As a conquerer, please remember, life is not over yet. This is actually the beginning of reality and all of which comes with it. So when life starts to come around and tries to trip you over, remember, you have once endured it. You can triumph over the worst, life has to offer”.
“Nothing is impossible, when you are focused on your target, fighting your way through to reach it. May you all live the dreams you have dreamt and achieve all of the future goals you have set. I love you all. Always remember, once a Warrior, always a warrior”.
TAFUNA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING CLASS OF 2012
1 Tapu Joseph Aaitui
2 Chadwick J.S. Afalava
3 Luteru D. Afualo
4 Elizabeth A. Juliana Ah Ching *
5 Lanuola Ah Ching
6 Angel T. Ah Loe
7 Ah Kee J. Ah See
8 Nalen Sailele Aitaoto
9 Joseph Alesana
10 Nainiu F. Aliitaeao
11 Davis Jeremiah Allen
12 Lafoaina Anetone
13 Angeline Asolelei
14 Andrew F. Atafua
15 Changmow Atuai
16 Angel Auaumamana
17 Belinda Auvele
18 Angelina Bahn *
19 Easter Nineta Brown
20 Yolanda Jane Burgos
21 Edward R. Calizo
22 Patosina Canales *
23 Kuini Chadwick
24 Sunny Chan
25 Jeeyeon Q. Choe *
26 Rosina Collins
27 Rosita Collins
28 Jason F. M. Crichton
29 Malo Gloria David
30 Alexander M. S. Elenio
31 Jonny Ene
32 Augusto Epa *
33 Fernandez Euini
34 Saumaleato Faagu
35 Mathias W. Faaita *
36 Ruta L. Faalavelave
37 Monalisa T. Faasavalu
38 Patricia Faasavalu
39 Aljandro L. Faaseu
40 Kasiano Faatafuna
41 Mark A. Fa’atau
42 Savali Faavae *
43 Luisa Faifaimalie
44 Quenton D. Failauga *
45 Uatau Falani
46 John Ray Faleafine *
47 Alisi Falepapalangi
48 Tamati J. R. Faoasau
49 Amia Ala Fatiau
50 Tilemoana Duffy Faulkner
51 Ashley F. Faumuina *
52 Maturo T. Fe’a
53 Nauma Sitanilei Fea
54 Nuulau Feleti
55 Alfonso S. Fesolai
56 Ramsey P. Fetuao
57 Paese Candice Fia
58 Annie S. Fiatoa *
59 Joshua Au Filoi
60 Ah-Loon R. Fiso
61 Tutuila Fogavai
62 Emma I. Fonoti
63 Meleseini Fosita
64 Vadalina T. Fruean
65 Jeremiah M. Fuiava
66 Fiasili V. Fuimaono
67 Kolinisi Fukofuka
68 Aniseko Futi
69 Sovala Foaga Gaisoa
70 Zachary Julius Gaisoa
71 Vaotupu L. S. Galea’i *
72 Nairy Galemoa
73 Faifaiaso Galo
74 Anneliese G. Haleck
75 Lottie S. Haleck
76 Ryanny Junior Hall *
77 Letalatala I. S. Ho Ching
78 Sarah C. Husseini
79 Cherish Su’e Iakopo
80 Luseane S. Iakopo
81 Mona P. Iakopo
82 Fiatuiga Isaako
83 Mike T. J. Iaulualo
84 Carano T. Ieremia
85 Roanasalaina Ieremia
86 Ropeta P. Ieremia
87 Angel-Baby A. Kasia Ifopo *
88 Gauamu Carlene Ili
89 Paulo Ili
90 Azaniah Ailsa Imo
91 John F. Ioane
92 Justin Toloula Ioane *
93 Maria T. Tusi Ioane *
94 Nuumai Ioane III
95 Mativa L. Iosefo
96 Tuigamala Iosefo
97 Faafetai T. Ipolito
98 Mele Meaese Isara
99 Leitu Iuta *
100 Tafelefele B. Iuta *
101 Young Suk Jeong *
102 Iupeli Jarax Kava
103 Terrell Jordan Kenny
104 Hasu Elliot Kim
105 Rachael Kite
106 Livingstone Kolio Jr.
107 Jireh Kaylani Kruse
108 Johnny Tracy Laau
109 Taoetasioatua J. Laban
110 Angelina I. Lafaele *
111. Carol Lafaele
112 Elizabeth Lafaele
113 Edward Tele’a Lalau
114 Filoisamoa T. Dante Langkilde *
115 Zachary T. Langkilde
116 Aska Falealii Laulu
117 Tumema Thunderella Lauoletolo
118 Anasitasia N. Lavatai *
119 Saralynn F. Laveai
120 Aofialela’i K. Lea’e
121 Ripine G. J. Leasiolagi
122 Agnes M. Leatimua
123 Lotonaunau I. Leausa
124 Saini Lega
125 Meaalofa Sylvia Leite *
126 Latanoa Lelenoa
127 Otto Misi Leota
128 Taofia Adam Leota
129 Navy A. Lepupa
130 Etuale Lesa
131 Dorothy Leuluaialii
132 Ioane Luamanu
133 Tanumaleu Z. Luani
134 Manu Alex Luapene
135 Alatui Luavasa
136 Toluselau Darby M. Mageo
137 Cleighton S. Maiava
138 Stephen B. Maifea
139 Faasau Malaga
140 Sister M. Malauulu
141 Manusamoa Maletino
142 Uele Maluia
143 Monson K. Mamea *
144 Edmund Manoa
145 Lemasanimaleea Mapu
146 Jerome Ailao Matagi *
147 Temukisa Matagi *
148 Peter Meavao
149 Lei’aione K. Mekuli
150 Kupa Migi
151 Melysha-Anne G. Mikaele
152 Mose Misi
153 Torise Misifosa *
154 Epafara C. Moananu *
155 Jestin L. Moemoe
156 Fourwheel Moliga
157 Shalom J. Moliga
158 Fiaalii Mulitalo
159 Muta Muta
160 Peter Naea
161 Abigail W. Neru
162 Merina M. Ng Lam ++
163 Alai Nielsen
164 Uputaua Nifo
165 Vaipuna V. Leonardo O’Brien *
166 Feauina Osa
167 Teraina A. Osoimalo *
168 Taaloga T. Paaa
169 Julia K. A. Paaga
170 Fomai Paepule
171 Afaga Alyson Palasi
172 Elenoa Peau
173 Frank Nicklus Pedro
174 Wayne Peleiupu
175 Oceanoflight Duffy Phillips
176 Jess Shane Pogia
177 Sal D. Jr. Pou
178 Maleifua E. Poumale
179 Masina T. Pua *
180 John Junior Pu’e *
181 Kofesina Timena Pula *
182 Vanessa Pula
183 Louisa L. Puletasi *
184 Robyn A. Puletasi
185 Madlyn T. Roberts *
186 Nita V. F. Ropati
187 Sayonarra Ropati
188 Anielee Saako
189 Fia P. Z. Saelua
190 Myron P. Sagapolutele
191 Salome L. V. Saili
192 Afu Saleutogi
193 Christopher Huggai Sami Jr.
194 Henry E. Satila Jr.
195 Fa’aasu M. Sauaga
196 Ezra Sautia
197 Megan S. Savea
198 Tiilone P. Savini
199 Faafouina F. Savusa
200 Talitiga K. Schwenke
201 Sefika Sefika
202 Iosua Sefo
203 Kolopa Sefo
204 Failauga A. Semeatu
205 Cory S. Sene
206 Annamaria Senio
207 Elika Seumanutafa
208 Letufa Sevao
209 Sera Sia
210 Pesamino Siaosi
211 Talalelei Howard Siaosi
212 Boyd Siatu’u Jr.
213 Julieanna Sila
214 Velma Ruta Similai
215 Luisa Simona
216 Anthony Sinoti
217 Eldon Sioka
218 Filiata Sione
219 Elisapeta S. Smith *
220 Tutasi Ida Smith
221 Jennifer Grace Soliai
222 Otila Solomuafa’alata
223 Apelu Zachary Sooaemalelagi
224 Darwin C. Sorensen
225 Sonny T. Suapilimai
226 Annie Sulusi *
227 Emmanuel S. Sword *
228 Tariu Taafua
229 Kelly F. Taeaotui
230 Euese L. Taefu
231 Brittany Magaui Tago
232 Christine Taiapisi
233 Fetinai F. Ta’ita’i *
234 Taufui Taliauli
235 Reginald T. Talili *
236 Cindy M. Tan Tran
237 Lusia Tasi *
238 Teulilo F. Tatofi
239 Valentini Jojo Taua *
240 Talimeli F. Taufete’e *
241 Palesitina N. Taufi
242 Fautua L. Taulelei
243 Yandina f. Taulelei
244 Benjamin P. Taumotoi *
245 Christle I. Tausaga
246 Joe Tausi
247 Faateaina Tauta
248 Luluga Tauta
249 Donosky Ben Tautunuafatasi
250 Loveni Tavake *
251 Demas L. Te’o Jr.
252 Olisia M. Teikale
253 Laine F. Tele’a *
254 Willie Myers Teleso
255 Talaiga K. Tema
256 Lorilei-Joyce Teofilo ++
257 Frederick W. Thomas *
258 Krisimasi Tili
259 Iata Mark Tinitali *
260 Susana Titania
261 Kyvondra Rosa T. Toalepai
262 Eric C. Tofaeono
263 Patricia Nive Tofilau *
264 Tafihi M. Toli
265 Falanisisi Tomasi
266 Kathlynn T. Tuasivi
267 Covette N. Tuaumu
268 Makerita Tugaga
269 Francis Tui Jr.
270 Finao Tuiasosopo ++
271 Jermaine Tipeni Tuiasosopo +
272 Saleaula Tuiasosopo Jr.
273 James F. Tuifalasa’i
274 Porotesano Falaaga Tuiolosega
275 Tapualii Tuitama
276 Raelynn Jamal Tuna
277 Richard Tupa’i
278 Rosa May Tupa’i
279 Avalua F. Tupulua
280 Julieann R. Tupuola ++
281 Kolotia M. Tupuola *
282 Matthew T. Tusitala
283 Iuniosamoa Tuua
284 Alavina A. I. Uitu *
285 Rasmus S. Ulberg
286 Johnny Umaga
287 Toeseinu’upotopoto Ulima Ume
288 Ioane Utoaluga
289 Oilau L. D. Va’a
290 Kate Va’alele
291 Cheyanne Va’asili
292 Destiny L. Vaeao *
293 Omeka S. Vaisagote
294 Arasiolepanona Vaoga
295 Rahmat A. Vaueli
296 Sulia N. Takitoa Vea *
297 Snow White *
298 Tiara T. Williams *
299 Leilani C. Wines
300 Vera Ramona Wolf
301 Joseph E. Zodiacal *
National Honor Society *
Salutatorian +
Valedictorian ++