Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it” was the theme that the Nuuuli Vocational Technical High School graduating class of 2023 chose for their commencement ceremony where 55 Wildcats walked down the aisle as they completed this part of their educational journey.
Last week Wednesday morning, June 14, 2023, NVTHS – home of the Wildcats, held their Commencement at their high school gymnasium, located across from the COMSAT station in the Pala Lagoon area. A multitude of family, friends, and supporters were in attendance to witness the graduates receive their diplomas and awards, as they move forward ‘to battle on’.
Master of Ceremonies, NVTHS Principal Dr. Valasi Apulu opened the hour-long ceremony by acknowledging governmental invitees, which included Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga and Acting Director of the Department of Education, Folausaua Faafetai Teofilo.
Rev. Tailiki Maui Ioane offered the prayers — opening and closing.
Gov. Lemanu was the keynote speaker for the event and focused on graduation being “the beginning of a new adventure, a chapter filled with endless possibilities and opportunities.”
Facing a world filled with “with challenges that previous generations could not have imagined,” he said, “It will not be easy.”
“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it, but do not let that stop you, remember your purpose and take courage in the people that are rooting, encouraging, and cheering you on from the sidelines,” the governor stated.
“As you move forward, never forget your culture, the values instilled in you … Cherish the importance of empathy, kindness and respect for others.
“Seek out opportunities to serve your communities and lend a hand to those in need, and remember that the greatest joys in life come not from personal achievement alone but from the impact you have on the lives of others.”
He concluded, “Take pride in your achievements but always remember that you did not reach this milestone by yourself.”
NVTHS Class of 2023 Valedictorian is Falesoa Asoiva Jo-Lynetta Tufi of Faleasao, Fitiuta. Ms. Tufi is the 4th of 8 children, and recognizes her Manu’a roots, but was raised in Fagaalu. She is a member of the Faga’alu CCCAS and dedicates her accomplishment to her spiritual parents, family, and God.
NVTHS Class of 2023 Valedictorian, Falesoa Asoiva Jo-Lynetta Tufi, moments after being recognized as the class valedictorian at their commencement ceremony in Nu'uuli last Wednesday, June 14, 2023. [photo: OA]
During her time at NVTHS, Ms. Tufi was the executive president for SGA, National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) president, State HOSA president, Finafinau vice president, 4-H Historian, TSA Sgt. of Arms, and an active member of the Intersections Club and BCT class.
She is the recipient of the Leadership Award and National Technical Honor Society Advisor’s Award for Excellence and is also named as the Female Tradesman of the Year 2023, having passed the knowledge-based NOCTI in cabinet making and fundamentals of construction.
Other awards that Ms. Tufi received were the Rotary Award and the Female Leadership Award. She was also awarded scholarships of $10,000 from the University of Colorado, $55,000 from Southern Utah University and a $104,000 scholarship from Saint Martin’s University in Seattle, Washington.
There are two students sharing salutatorian honors for the NVTHS class of 2023. They are Etuale Sefika and Mariyah Sapapali’i Ioane.
Mr. Sefika is the youngest of his parents' children and attended Siliaga Elementary. His scholastic achievements range from being president of the Finafinau club, secretary for the SGA Executive club, secretary of the HOSA Chapter, active NTHS member as well as being a member of Intersections club.
Etuale Sefika, co-salutatorian of NVTHS graduating class of 2023 after he was recognized as one of the two salutatorians at their graduation on June 14, 2023. [photo: OA]
He also won first place in the island-wide songwriting competition this year, won 1st place in the HOSA category of PSA, and is recipient of the Male Leadership Award.
Co-salutatorian Ms. Ioane is the second eldest of six children.
Mariyah Sapapali'i Ioane posing for a picture with her mother after being recognized and awarded as a co-salutatorian for NVTHS graduating class of 2023. [photo: OA]
She is a member of the NTHS, and will be furthering her studies at the University of Auckland in New Zealand — majoring in Commerce.
Acting DOE Director Folausaua Fa’afetai Teofilo confirmed and accepted the 55 graduates of NVTHS who had successfully completed all requirements to receive their diplomas.
Highest SAT score at NVTHS was earned by Ms. Athena Jasmine Polu and second highest SAT score was earned by Mr. Dayshaun Faafetai Sagale.
Other special awards listed in the graduation program were Male Scholar Athlete of the Year, Mr. Sione Dantez Toluao; Female Scholar Athlete of the Year, Luafaletele Thompson; Male Athlete of the Year, Joeyta Setefano; Female Athlete of the Year, Siataata Isaako; the Male Leadership Award was shared with the co-Salutatorian Sefika and Josiah Pati; and the Citizenship award went to Pikakituitasi Faitau.
Other scholarships and acceptance were announced as follows: Southern Utah University awarded $55,000 scholarships to Athena Polu, Luafaletele Thompson, Joseph Pelesasas, Motusimalo McFall, Seluia Tuulaupua, Daihara Puega, Fa’afetai Laulu and Delores Lealuga, with Pikakituitasi Faitau and Naofetalagia Toleafoa.
Pikakituitasi Faitau, Daihara Puega and Dennis Galuega-Tua were awarded scholarships from Southern Oregon and Northern Arizona University.
Sanele Utuga was awarded a $100,000 scholarship from University of Arizona and $15,000 from the University of Detroit Mercy.
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