South Pacific Academy graduates 10 to “enjoy the journey”

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The South Pacific Academy, Home of the Dolphins, held its Commencement Ceremony for 10 students comprising the Class of 2023 at the school in Tafuna, last Friday June 9, 2023.  

Master of the Ceremonies Mr Marika Sovaki thanked the invited guests, which included Rev. Fr Ioane Iese, Faipule Samuel Meleisea, Ms Fua Fuatagavi from Congresswoman Amata’s office, Associate Judge Fiti Sunia- Chairman of the SPA Board, DOE Deputy Director Faafetai Teofilo, and Salote Aoelua Fonine representing Lt Gov Talauega E. V. Ale.  

“Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.” - Michael Josephson was SPA’s 2023 theme.

Top honors for the Class of 2023 went to a young lady who has attended SPA since kindergarten, consecutively. Ms. Teuila-Fuatino Adrienne Sua Ulufale was awarded Valedictorian.

She is the daughter of Judy Su’a Ulufale and her late father Atapana Fili Ulufale, and hails from the village of Futiga.

Over her years at SPA, Ms Ulufale has been extremely active, and to name a few of her commitments — they include winning 1st place in group category of the Islandwide National History Day, 2nd place in the Islandwide Science  Fair, and she attended Harvard University to pursue her studies in Mathematics and Physics in the summer of 2022. She also did after-school tutoring in Mathematics and English. She was an active member of the National Honor Society. 

A ‘student of all seasons’ — Ms Ulufale is also an active member of American Samoa’s Red Cross, a seasoned member of Le Taupou Manaia, and a member of the Dancing Fingers music school.

She will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, double majoring in Aviation and Civil Engineering. 

And, she dedicates her achievements and honors to her mother and her late father. 

The proud Valedictorian in response to Samoa News queries explained that her “Mom wasn’t that surprised (about my becoming the Valedictorian) because we’ve known — I think last year from my recent grades — but she (mom) is also very proud of me and my accomplishments and all those lectures and yelling about this and that, it all paid up at the end of the day.”

Ms Ulufale said she finds it easier to build things or fix them so she wants to become a Pilot and a Civil Engineer, especially to be involved in building constructions. “And after I earn my bachelors of Aeronautical Science, then Civil Engineering or tackle both at once.”

She has earned a scholarship from the ASG, which will help partially pay for her tuition at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, which she will begin attending this Fall semester.

Her mother told Samoa News, she’s very proud and grateful — “Viia ai le Atua.”

The Salutatorian of  SPA Class of 2023 Ms Kim Mee Shen Jin comes from the village of Petesa and has attended SPA since K-3. She is a local girl — the second eldest child of Dao Xing Jin and Lian Ai Li. 

The proud Salutatorian told the audience that she’s grateful for all her families and friends that supported her all the way.

The President of SPA, Paul Michael Young confirmed and accepted the eligibility of  the 10 graduates who fulfilled the requirements for the graduation.

Several of the graduates responded to Samoa News queries about their plans now that they have graduated from high school: Mary Jane Bernal, who will be majoring in Nursing, said, “Don’t let anything stop you from reaching your goal;” Jimmy Dong is looking at majoring in Business Administration and said, “When God is with you, no one can beat you;” and, Jia Guo, who is majoring in Accounting and International trade, said, “None of us are perfect but we have to accept our imperfections.”