Manu’a High School graduates 10 — “Once a Sega; Always a Sega”

Manu'a Islands, AMERICAN SAMOA — Manu’a High School has at various times over the years been the focus of possible closure, due to its small student body and its location. The difficulty of sharing resources with its sister schools, especially with the continuous shortage of teachers is but one of the issues highlighted during such discussions. However, the Home of the Segaula has continued to endure, with its current graduating class joining its past graduates in celebrating their achievements during the MHS Commencement ceremony, on June 4, 2021 at the school’s gymnasium.

There were ten graduating ‘Sega’ who celebrated this milestone under the theme of Class 2021 — “So’oula Aso Lelei” — Creating a life of good days.

Ms Patricia Fuiava, Guest Speaker for the ceremony spoke of the three tenets she believes answers the question she posed to the graduates: ‘How do I create a life of good days?”

The first is to “rely on a strength that is greater than your own — rely on God for direction and guidance.” Quoting Proverbs 3:5-6, she pointed to trusting in the Lord with all your heart… “talk to Him through prayer often, read His word often…”

The second is to “Work hard and do good work.” Ms Fuiava said, “Use the metaphor of making the ula and apply it to your daily life. In your home, in your future jobs, in your future roles, in your family and community — be purposeful in what you choose to do.”

And the third tenet, is to remember your foundation and build your future upon it. “I want you to be proud of your Segaula heritage because, despite all the challenges of living an ocean apart from your sister schools, MHS has given you an education that you can build upon.

“There is no other place like Manu’a High School, so carry in your heart the knowledge that you come from an extraordinary place that will take you to even more extraordinary places.

“Once a Sega; Always a Sega”, the former MHS principal and English teacher said.

The Commencement ceremony was well attended, with Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga, local education officials, as well as a representative of Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’s Office flying in for this special occasion.

Valedictorian is Cinaroselyn Tafaoa-Suafo’a, while Salutatorian is Ioramo Ve’e.

MHS 2021 Valedictorian Cinaroselyn Tafaoa-Suafo'a [photo: LF]

MHS Salutatorian Ioramo Ve'e [photo: LF]

Samoa News is unable to bring you the full list of the 10 MHS graduates and their achievements at this time due to internet difficulties. We will publish this information when it becomes available.

In the meantime, we wish the graduating Sega of 2021 a prosperous and happy future in God’s grace.