Tafuna High JROTC spreads holiday cheer with a Toy Drive

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Tafuna High School’s JROTC organized to spread holiday cheer to their younger counterparts at Tafuna Elementary School (TES) after collecting over 350 toys and 480 smaller toys used as stocking stuffers that served more than 300+ Tafuna students from Kindergarten to 3rd grade.

On December 20, 2023, the THS JROTC Task Force led by Task Force Commander c/COL Olefa Fepuleai and Executive Officer c/LTC Isalei Liaiga, conducted the drive that brought together two battalions to collect the toys.

THS Principal Tutuila Togilau and TES Principal Mine Taufetee gave their positive support to what turned out to be a very successful Service Learning Project.

A press release from the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps said a notable aspect of the Toy Drive was the participation of two THS JROTC alumni, Mele Ah Ling (Class of 2022) and Saialii Taofinuu (Class of 2023), who recently completed Marine Basic Training. Their involvement represented the continuity and lasting influence of the JROTC program.

The Toy Drive's success was greatly enhanced by contributions from several members of the community including key donors Reverend Mageo Patolo Mageo, Laolagi Vaeao, Atuolevao Gafatasi Afalava, Ieremia Ieremia, and Manu Talamoa from the Governor's Office.

Additional contributions came from Faipule Manumaua Wilson, Mrs. Lyllah Fepuleai, owner of Lila's Flower Shop, and Army Retiree MAJ (R) Annaliese Hernandez. Their generous monetary donations went to purchasing toys, Christmas wrapping paper, and gift wrapping tape.

Toy donations were generously provided by the Leone JROTC program, the THS Science Department, the District Army Instructor MAJ (R) Rodney Malauulu, and retired Army Colonel COL (R) Kalili Tulifua.

The day of the Toy Drive was filled with holiday spirit. THS JROTC Cadets, along with Mele Ah Ling and Saialii Taofinuu, dressed in festive attire, distributed gifts to the excited and grateful TES students.

The Service Learning Project by THS JROTC reflects the program's dedication to community service and the holistic development of its cadets. The successful execution of the Toy Drive, with the support of  community members and alumni, sets a high benchmark for future service projects, demonstrating the enduring spirit of giving and empathy in the hearts of Tafuna High School's young cadets.

THS JROTC instructors SFC (R) Lei Solaita, MSG (R) Acania Puletasi and MAJ (R) Si’imoa Galoia extend their profound gratitude to the parents of the THS JROTC cadets. Their involvement through toy donations and the time devoted to supporting this Service Learning Project has been invaluable. In addition, special thanks to Principal Tutuila Togilau of Tafuna High School for her steadfast support of the JROTC program and to Principal Mine Taufetee and the staff of Tafuna Elementary School for allowing THS JROTC to serve their students.