Pacific Horizon School graduates 18 Navigators

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Pacific Horizon School, Home of the Navigators, held its 20th Commencement ceremony last Saturday morning, May 24, 2025, at the Kanana Fou Women’s Hall. Surrounded by family, friends, school officials and special guests, 18 seniors were awarded their high school diplomas.

Specials guests included Gov. Pulaali’i N. Pula, First Lady Lois Phillips Pula, Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, and PHS co-founder Dr. Mara Ashley, who delivered the Commencement Address.

Welcoming remarks were offered by PHS Director/ Principal Veronica Soto, with invocation by Amui Sipeli’i.

Miss Miss Amelie Ruo Yi Chen received the Valedictorian Award for the PHS Class of 2025, while the Salutatorian Award was shared by two young men — Danju Aemanuelle Dizon and Thomas Jones.

All three will be continuing their higher education off-island with Miss Chen committed to attending Harvard University for the 2025 Fall semester, Mr. Dixon committed to Southern Utah University for the 2025 Fall Semester and Mr. Jones will take a Gap Year as a wilderness EMT, before enrolling at Georgetown University in 2026.

Miss Chen delivered her Valedictorian speech thanking her many teachers, staff and faculty of PHS for the leadership and commitment that has “created a foundation for all of us to succeed.” To her family, she thanked them for being her biggest supporters through everything. She concluded her speech acknowledging that it’s the journey that is all important.

“As we move forward, let us not forget the power of presence—the importance of living in the moment and appreciating the people and experiences that surround us. The world often encourages us to race ahead, to constantly strive for what’s next. But I encourage each of us to pause, reflect, and treasure where we are. Because in the end, it’s not just the destination that matters—it’s the journey. And this journey has been unforgettable.”

Co-Salutatorian Dizon offered heartfelt thanks to his teachers, faculty and staff for their guidance and their teachings, and especially to his family who nurtured and taught him how to navigate through life. For his friends, he added, “You guys have pushed me out of my shell so many times and made me try new things that I never thought I would enjoy. You've all become someone special to me in one way or another, and I'm thankful to have met all of you, and I hope that we can stay friends way beyond our time after graduation.”

Co- Salutatorian Danju Aemanuelle Dizon with Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, Gov. Pulaali’i N. Pula, and ASDOE Director Lance Glodowski. [Courtesy photo]

Co-Salutatorian Jones also offered his thanks to all his teachers who went above and beyond when teaching their classes, his friends, “who have been with me through every assignment”, and to his family that have loved and supported him through everything. Jones then shared the lesson he explained “that has changed my approach to nearly everything in my life.”

Co- Salutatorian Thomas Jones with Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, Gov. Pulaali’i N. Pula, and ASDOE Director Lance Glodowski. [Courtesy photo]

“Many talk as though effort is some miracle that bestows good things upon you. What I wish people would have told me is this: luck is exponential. While doing the work to achieve something is commendable, what you do after is oftentimes far more important. With each door you painstakingly force open, there are often three or four more welcoming you behind it. No matter how hard you work, if all you do is unlock your doors without taking the time to explore each of them, luck will at best be bestowed upon you linearly.

“I am a firm believer in the common goodness of man. Whenever you are able to open your next door, no matter how big or small, I urge you all to open it and find someone else who is willing to show you where the next succeeding doorway is. I assure you that the vast majority of people will go out of their way to help, because they too were in your position once. So shoot your shot, what’s the worst that can happen?”

Diplomas and Congressional Recognition Awards were presented by Gov. Pula, Congresswoman Uifa’atali, ASDOE Director Lance Glodowski, PHS Deputy Director Karen Dizon and PHS Academic Counselor Cassandra Garcia.

Benediction was offered by Solip B. Hong.

Presentation of Graduates was done by Principal Soto.

All eighteen PHS graduates were awarded ASG scholarships and will be advancing to institutions of higher education, with one scholar continuing their studies at the community college.