Iakina Adventist Academy graduates 18 “…with God, We Prevailed!”

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — “We Learned, We Failed, with God, We Prevailed!” is the theme that will guide the 18 High School graduates, Class of 2023 for Iakina Adventist Academy.

This past Sunday morning, June 11, 2023, the Seventh-Day Adventist Academy — also known as Iakina High School— celebrated the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2023, on the the Iakina Seventh-Day Adventist Church grounds in Iliili, attracting a crowd of more than 200 family members, friends and guests.

Ms. Jessebeth Ropeti the Master of Ceremonies welcomed all, including special guests from the  Governor's Office and Cabinet — Commerce Director Petti Matila, and the American Samoa Department of Education Deputy Director Folausaua Faafetai Teofilo, as well as Pulu Ae Ae Jr, District Director of Congresswoman Uifaatali Aumua Amata locally, Tualauta Faipule Samuel Meleisea, and Pastor Tui Tuliatu and the IAA School Board and Sponsors.

She told graduates, “You have earned your achievements, and today, while you celebrate, remember to give thanks to the Lord for all he has done, and will continue to do for you.”

The Class of 2023 Valedictorian, Miss Harmony Siamaua Leo was raised in the eastern mountains of Matautuloa in the village of Masefau.

Iakina Adventist Academy Valedictorian Harmony Siamaua Leo with her proud parents and family members, after the Class of 2023 Commencement.  [photo: AT]

She is the eldest daughter of Tala Ropeti Leo and Tupuivao Alofau Leo, and a member of the Alofau SDA Church where she is involved in the church choir, pathfinder club, youth group, and currently serves as the assistant secretary of the church.

She enjoys playing various instruments and solves mathematical problems that are almost impossible to unravel, her biography says. Ms Leo dedicates her achievement to the Lord who is her greatest helper, her parents and family, and her community of supporters who never let her down. She said she aspires to change the world one step at a time as a future accountant, or a future businesswoman of American Samoa.

A member of the National Honor Society, Ms Leo has been accepted to the following schools of higher learning: Washington Adventist University with a Dean's Scholarship award of $46k; Lewis Clark State College with an International Students Achievement scholarship of $54k; La Sierra University with an academic achievement award scholarship of $12k; Pacific Union College, Union College with  a College of Business Scholarship of $25k; Grace College of North Carolina with a scholarship award of $12,500; Walla Walla University in Washington State with a Leadership scholarship of $25k and Achievement scholarship of $15k; University of Anchorage Alaska with an Honor Student scholarship of $8k; and, Andrew University with a Presidential Merit scholarship of $15k.

The Class of 2023 Salutatorian was Ms Fiasamoa Sipili Faasauvale, who hails from the Western village of Maleloa. She  is the seventh child out of a family of eight, and is the proud daughter of Toreka and Utu Faasauvale.

Iakina Adventist Academy Salutatorian Fiasamoa Sipili Faasauvale after receiving her awards and diploma. [photo: AT]

She is a member of the Malaeloa SDA Church, and also attends the Iakina SDA Church in Iliili. According to her bio, Ms Faasauvale is currently a pathfinder teacher and assists in her church praise and worship team. Her spiritual parents are Pr. Tui Tuliatu and Faletua Ema Tuliatu. She enjoys playing various sports, listening to music, cooking and doing plenty of reading. She dreams of one day pursuing a degree in criminal justice and pre law — making her way to becoming a lawyer.

She’s been accepted at Southern Oregon University with a scholarship of $5k; Union College, Salem College of North Carolina; Northern Arizona University; La Sierra University; and, Montana State University with a scholarship of $48k.

The 18 Iakina Academy graduates each received a diploma, including Alicia Tina Pele Alesana Member of the National Honor Society, Graduating with High Honor.

Arlene Anslemo, Angelica Tatafiti Loretta Fatialofa, Brenda Feero who is a Member of the National Honor Society, Graduating with Honor.

 Corabell Tusiofo,  Daphne Falesoa Puni Member of the National Honor Society, Graduating with High Honor. Elliota Thomas Siaumau Pritchard, Ferminallnie Ameko, Fiasamoa Sipili Faasauvale Member of the National Honor Society, Graduating with High Honor and the Class Satutatorian.

Janice Ruth Mase Member of the National Honor Society, Graduating with High Honor. Jerome Salanoa, Lineni Marjorie Pay Esikia Member of the National Honor Society, Graduating with Honor, Loumaile Moala, Michael Toafe, Napoleone John Unasa , Member of the National Honor Society, Graduating with Honor.

Simaya Tutaima Muasau Fauoo Member of the National Honor Society, Graduating with Honor and Terry Jr. Lam Yuen.

Pastor Tuliatu closed off the two hour program with a thanksgiving prayer.   “We Learned, We Failed, with God, We Prevailed!”