Lt Gov is keynote speaker at the Leone High School graduation

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Lt Gov Talauega Eleasalo Va’alele Ale represented Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga, as the Leone High School graduation keynote speaker at the Leone High School gymnasium yesterday.

Here is the speech in its entirety.

"It is an honor and privilege to be here today with you to witness this special milestone in your lives.  Congratulations for your patience, determination, and perseverance throughout your primary and secondary education. This is an exciting time in your lives and the lives of all the seniors throughout our community.  Your senior year marks the end of your adolescence and entrance into early adulthood; The conclusion of 12 years of basic education, and the commencement of lifelong learning of the “real world” of work, family, and contribution to the community you chose to live in.

"Several of you may decide to further your education locally. Others may venture abroad for college or the military. Few of you may go into the trades and join the workforce. Some of you might not have any idea what your plans are at this very moment, and it’s ok. That is perfectly normal.

"Your generation and graduating class have come of age in a time marked by challenges with global reaching impacts. A pandemic, climate change, wars, and other events have altered the way we live, travel, work, and learn. But because of these unexpected adversities, we have an increased appreciation of our beautiful islands, our families near and far, and God’s special blessings on American Samoa. You have indeed braved the many storms you had to face and have proven that you possess the courage, the willpower, and the ferocious  “LION-HEARTS” to succeed.

"Leone Lion Graduates, I am delighted to be here to share in your momentous achievement - your determination and resolve to weather storms have brought you to this point. Be prepared for storms that may come.  Know that I want you to remember that just as the rainstorms continue to pour down on you, the morning sun will always rise to greet you with a new day of hope. Actual LIONS enjoy hunting during storms as the noise and winds make it harder for their prey to see them. They thrive and survive because of stormy weather. Similarly, when faced with your own personal storms, I am not advising that you go wild and attack! But like a true Lion — gird up your courage, calculate your move, and embrace the challenges as necessary steps to success.

"In closing, there are a few things that have helped me find calmness in facing my own storms:

"Faith: Increase your faith in the Lord, and He will increase His blessings in your life.

"Patience: Rome was not built overnight. It required patience to complete. All things take time to be realized. Success is a lifelong pursuit requiring patience over time.

"Service: Our Samoan culture is based on service to extended family, village, church and government. When we are in the service of our fellowmen (families, community, our government) we are also in the service of our God.

"Finally, do not forget who you are.  You will be venturing off for school and other paths, but you should never forget where you come from.  You will be representing American Samoa, globally.  Also, never forget you are a Lion.  You are now part of a successful class of alumni.  NFL players, Attorney Generals, Senators, Faipule, Speaker of the House, all came from this high school and have become stars in their own right.  If they can do it, then certainly you can too.  As I look at you today, I have a sense of pride and joy, because I see future doctors, lawyers, business owners, and future leaders of American Samoa.  I pray that you will be successful in your future endeavors.  I am hopeful you will return home and serve your island and continue to make it a better place.

"Soifua!"

Gov Lemanu is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the Tafuna High School graduation today, June 9th, 2021.