Five American Samoa Community College (ASCC) students returned recently from a weeklong orientation for BUILD EXITO, a program designed to support undergraduate students interested in pursuing research careers in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical, health, and social sciences, funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH).
 
Students accepted to BUILD EXITO receive scholarships, stipends, mentoring, summer seminars, paid job experience engaging in hands-on research, and dedicated academic and financial aid advising, with these incentives increasing the longer they remain in the program.
 
Motutama Nogotau Sipelii, Tausaafia L. Uiagalelei, Alisi Tagaloa, Ruby Salome Fia and Ulelemaikalani N. Kwon, the second BUILD EXITO cohort from ASCC, traveled to Portland, Oregon with all expenses paid to attend the orientation.  Either in the coming fall 2016 semester or in spring 2017, the five will take an introduction to biomedical research class referred to as a "gateway course," designed to introduce beginning students to what a biomedical research career requires. Course learning outcomes include the values, skills, and attitude that a biomedical researcher should possess or develop.
 
The NIH BUILD initiative, funded through a $23.7 million research and training grant from the NIH, is part of a broad national strategy to develop new approaches that engage researchers, including those from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical sciences, and prepare them to thrive in the NIH-funded workforce. Through the NIH funding, Portland State University (PSU) established the Enhancing Cross-disciplinary Infrastructure Training at Oregon (BUILD EXITO) program. PSU and Oregon Health & Science University serve as centers of innovation for creating biomedical research career pathways for undergraduates, and (in partnership) a one of ten national consortiums working to develop, implement, and evaluate approaches to encourage them. 
 
After the summer orientation and during their gateway course, each selected student will be mentored by a third-year BUILD EXITO peer mentor from one of the four partner universities, which are PSU; the University of Alaska, Anchorage; the University of Hawaii at Manoa; or the University of Guam. Their mentor will guide them through the following year with any concerns they may have about the program. In addition, each student will also be paired with a paid career mentor from each partner institution in helping and advising each student on the path of a biomedical research career.
 
It is the program's goal that each student selected for BUILD EXITO from a partner institution, including ASCC, will continue their interest in biomedical research and eventually transfer to one of the four partner universities listed above to pursue a biomedical research career. If they do, financial assistance and training that will be provided to them along the way may include a paid ($1200 stipend) one-month summer research intensive at PSU or one of the other three partner universities; in-state tuition at PSU discounted up to 60%; continued mentorship; a paid part-time biomedical research project; access to research grant funding, and other benefits.
 
ASCC began its partnership in the BUILD EXITO program in 2014, and since its implementation, two of the students in the first year cohort, Ernest Puletasi and Sefilina Skelton, have continued on the path towards biomedical research careers. Puletasi majors in Bioengineering at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, while Skelton is majoring in Biochemistry at Dixie State University in Utah. The two remaining two students, Suluga Taliau and Yean Ji Jung, expect to graduate from ASCC in spring 2017. Three out of the four students in the 2014 cohort remain in the program as of today.
 
For more information on BUILD EXITO at ASCC, contact Health and Human Services Division Director Dr. Daniel Chang by emailing d.chang@amsamoa.edu

American Samoa’s territorial Teacher of the Year 2016 Mrs. Rosita Esene Sola experienced first hand what it's like to train as an astronaut, as she’s currently in Huntsville, Alabama at the International Space Camp.
 
Responding to Samoa News questions, Rosita said that it is an adventurous one-week experience allowing teachers to assume roles in hands-on, interactive space missions, and learn what it's like to train as an astronaut. “It offers intensive training including professional development. In addition, the facility contains space exploration sites that include shuttles, rockets, military bases and various space labs.”
 
She said the trip was funded by ASDOE and it’s an annual Teacher of the Year trip in the summer. “Space Camp started last week Saturday July 9, and concluded July 14.” She told Samoa News that the highlight of this summer trip was meeting the international educators at the greatest space facility in America. “So not only the State/Territorial TOYs were here, but we had the chance to collaborate with teachers from Norway, China, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, and Germany just to name a few.
 
“Space Camp gave me a bigger perspective on extending the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) program which is integrated today in our classrooms. I learned so many things within the public education system from educators around the world. Surprisingly, I'm finding out that our education system is very fortunate to receive so many resources, especially technology-wise compared to other parts of the world. We've already integrated STEM in our lessons, and making that connection to the real world is very important.”
 
She said she has taught science for six consecutive years, and this is the most amazing experience she’s ever had.  “We want to tell our students that space is real and there is a big world out there for them to explore. Anybody can be an astronaut and it requires hard work and sacrifice. Their imagination starts from the classroom. All we got to do is spark that interest and to motivate our students to learn hard. I get to dress up as an astronaut and go through all the missions within the shuttle”
 
She told Samoa News that she was given a task called Lunar Mission in one of the shuttles, where she had to switch the oxygen tank, which is used for astronauts to breathe in space. Inside the shuttle, there were small binders that contained all the instructions from flying out to space and returning. “Now I know what it feels like to work in space!” To the all educators in American Samoa, Rosita said that the teachers must remember that they make the greatest impact on the lives of the students they teach in class.
 
“The world values teachers because without teachers, there wouldn't be any astronauts today.  In addition she said, without teachers, no other profession would exist.
 
“You need to keep a teacher portfolio with all the happiest things you've done in the classroom. It could be a read aloud — a debate, a class party, school project, or simple things that you love about your kids. When times are hard, you take it out and go through it. You have to tell yourself that you are important, and you could be the only person in the world that child will never forget. I look forward to share this wonderful experience with our teachers, and especially our students,” said Rosita.

The Tafuna Jets Soccer Club kicked-off their soccer league last week at their main field in front of Samoa NAPA in Tafuna, as part of their preparation for the celebration of their 30-year anniversary this week.
 
Under the leadership of their long time president, who also is one of the people who started the club in 1986, Naomi Lokeni-Oney told Samoa News during an interview last week that their main goal is to educate young people on how to play soccer and also look for better future for them through this sport.
 
“Our goal is to help our children and young people have an opportunity in their future through education and scholarships,” she told Samoa News.
 
Every year since the club was established, Lokeni-Oney said, they continue to set up programs like the Summer Program and weekend tournaments, to help educate youngsters who show an interest in the sport, and continue to teach them the basics rules and the techniques of the game.
 

Young members of the Tafuna Jets Soccer Club with trophies that they won at previous tournaments pose for the Samoa New camera before the opening of their soccer tournament last week as part of the celebration of their 30th year anniversary. [photo: AF]
 
“Our summer program not only keeps children involved and away from trouble, but we also are able to share our talents with them and find ways to help them continue on to play by looking for scholarships for them so that they can move to the next level and to open other opportunities for them to continue on to play in the future,” the club’s president said.
 
According to Lokeni-Oney, because their club was established way back before FIFA opened in American Samoa, preparations and funding for all of these program for young children were funded by members of the club throughout these years, and it is something that makes them feel proud for what they have done for many children.
 
“As we’re celebrating this week 30 years since our soccer club was established, it’s an honor for me as the president to continue on with my service to the community, through the help of my family and friends. We also want to thank our many sponsors who have assisted us throughout all these years — without your support we would be unable to lend our service for our children,” she concluded.

American Samoa’s homegrown rock group Banned From The Sun will present a free concert this Saturday, July 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Su’igaula/ Utulei Beach Park. Besides Banned From The Sun, the other performers in the concert lineup are Angie Afo, A-Town, Big Joe and Big Uce, Ice Cream Man, Ten6, The Cuerdas, and The Migrants. JSmooth will MC the event.

“This event is centered on youth and music,” explained Banned From The Sun lead guitarist David Pouesi. “We want to inspire our youth to pick up an instrument and make music. We also want to give some exposure to American Samoa’s younger musicians with their different genres and unique talents.” The performers will showcase a range of styles, from rap to old school as well as rock and mainstream.

 “There will be a little something for everyone,” said Pouesi.

In addition to David on guitar, Banned From The Sun includes his siblings Rexona Pouesi on vocals, Isu Pouesi on vocals and keyboards, Siuleo Pouesi on drums, and their friends Shane Alvarez on bass and Rata Afalava on guitar (currently off-island). The group has steadily gained in popularity over the last few years in both American Samoa and Samoa with their unique mixture of classic and modern rock.

To promote the younger generation of music artists in our community, Banned From The Sun will present a FREE concert this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Su'igaula/ Utulei Beach, which will also feature a number of guest performers. Seen here are Banned members (front l-r) Isu Pouesi and Rexona Pouesi, and (back l-r) (l-r) David Pouesi, Siuleo Pouesi and Shane Alvarez. [courtesy photo]

For this Saturday’s show, each of the acts will have their own set, and there will also be collaborations between the headliners and various guests.

The event is open to the public and all ages are welcome.

“We’re just hoping for a good turn out to share our music styles with,” said David. “This is the first time I know of that a free concert has been put together by and for local youth. It's our way of giving back to the community as well as promoting our love for music.”


As a precautionary measure, Bar-S Foods Company has issued a recall on approximately 372,684 pounds of hot dogs and corn dogs made with chicken and pork, possibly contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

According to CNN, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) made the announcement on Tuesday. At the time, no illnesses or adverse reactions due to use of the products had been reported.

“Test results do not indicate contamination, but the company has decided to remove the products from the market because they were made at a manufacturing site where there have been recurring Listeria issues,” CNN reports.

Consumers should keep in mind that eating food contaminated with the Listeria bacteria can cause listeriosis, “a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns and those with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients. Symptoms include fever and muscle aches, which may be preceded by diarrhea or other symptoms of gastrointestinal upset.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that almost everyone diagnosed with listeriosis will have an invasive infection spreading beyond that.

“In such cases, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions may occur. In pregnant women, symptoms can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or a life-threatening infection of the newborn. Sepsis and meningitis may occur in older adults and people with a compromised immune system.”

The items under recall include:

Bar-S Classic Corn Dogs, Signature Foods Corn Dogs, Bar-S Classic Bun Length Franks and Bar-S Classic Franks.

One of the four products made by Bar-S Foods Company that has been recalled for possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Check item for “Use By” dates of 4/7/2017 and 4/8/2017 and case code 6396, and check for package code 14054, “Use By” dates of 4/6/2017 and 4/9/2017, and case code 14038. The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. P-81A” inside the USDA mark of inspection [courtesy photo]

These ready-to-eat items were produced earlier this month between July 10 and July 13. “Consumers who have these recalled products should return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund,” the Altus, Oklahoma Company said in its recall announcement.

One of the four products made by Bar-S Foods Company that has been recalled for possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Check item for “Use By” date of 10/11/2016 and case code 209. The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. P-81A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. [courtesy photo]

The USDA/FSIS and the company are concerned that some consumers may have frozen these products. Freezers should be checked and products thrown away or returned to the store.

The recall is a “Class 1” type, which holds a “high” health risk status and is the highest recall type that can be issued.

The following products are subject to recall:

•           16-oz/1-lb. packages of “BAR-S Classic BUN LENGTH Franks MADE WITH CHICKEN, PORK ADDED” with “Use By” date of 10/11/2016 and case code 209.

• 12-oz. packages of “BAR-S CLASSIC Franks MADE WITH CHICKEN, PORK ADDED” with package code 6338, “Use By” date of 10/10/2016 and case code 6405.
• 24-oz./1.5-lb. cartons of “SIGNATURE Pick 5 CORNDOGS – 8 Honey Batter Dipped Franks On A Stick” with a “Use By” date of 4/6/2017 and case code 6071.
• 42.72-oz./2.67-lb. cartons of “BAR-S CLASSIC CORN DOGS – 16 Honey Batter Dipped Franks On A Stick” with “Use By” dates of 4/7/2017 and 4/8/2017 and case code 6396.
• 48-oz./3-lb. cartons of “BAR-S CLASSIC CORN DOGS – 16 Honey Batter Dipped Franks On A Stick” with package code 14054, “Use By” dates of 4/6/2017 and 4/9/2017, and case code 14038.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. P-81A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

LOCAL

The Bar S brand of hotdogs and corn dogs is very popular in the territory. The corn dogs can be found at certain retail markets on island, while almost every retailer and wholesaler sells the hotdogs (‘sosisi’), which are a local favorite during barbecues and cookouts, and the go-to option for quick meals at home for the kids. The majority of local residents have — at one time or another — had a package of Bar S hot dogs in the freezer.

Samoa News visited several stores yesterday and did not find any Bar-S items on the recall list. We also spoke to several store clerks yesterday about the recall and none of them knew about it. However, they looked genuinely confused and said they have no idea what the word ‘recall’ means.

Samoa News also tried to contact the inspectors of the Environmental Services Division of the Department of Health (DOH) but no comments could be obtained as of press time yesterday.

Tacoma, WASHINGTON— The 1st Annual Northwest Polynesian Tattoo Festival that was held in Tacoma, WA earlier this month (July 2-3) was a huge success, thanks to dozens of artists from all over the globe who flew - and drove - thousands of miles to part of the momentous occasion.
 
Held at the Tacoma Convention Center, the two-day event included live tattooing by young up-and-coming artists, and performances by Polynesian Clubs representing different high schools in the area.
 
Samoan comedian Nicey Malauulu played host and Polynesian superstars Tenelle and Fiji highlighted an event that culminated with lots of newly formed friendships.
 
Members of the large Samoan community in Washington came out to show their support. Some drove from California, Utah, and Oregon while others kept up with the festivities via posts on social media.
 
The most attractive section of the Festival was the booth that was manned by Master Tufuga Ta Tatau, Su’a Sulu’ape Alaivaa Petelo who traveled all the way from Samoa for the event. Su’a demonstrated the traditional Samoan hand tapping method of tattooing when he completed two malus during the event. (Requests for Su’a to tattoo the pe’a for several interested men could not be honored because of time constraints).
 
Flashing lights and cameras surrounded the area where Su’a and one of his protégés, Sulu’ape Riccyboy Lamositele Novera Jr. of Avaio and his wife Lilia Fonoimoana were assisting in a ritual that takes about 3-4 hours to complete.
 
Other young women received their malus in the days following the Festival.
 
Timing couldn’t be more perfect for the event, as the celebration of the Samoan Flag Day in Washington was held a week following the Festival. Some of the artists were able to attend the festivities alongside military retirees, and servicemen and women serving in the US military bases in the area.
 
Local Director of Education and Congressional candidate Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau made a special appearance during the event.
 
As for the Festival itself, those in attendance told Samoa News that it was a great way for Samoans — and Polynesians — to come together and share one of our most sacred cultural treasures: ta tatau — tattooing.
 
Prior to the event, some people had never even heard of hand tapping, let alone seen it done live. Even some Samoans who stopped by got their first glimpse of a malu being tattooed.
 
Opposite from Su’a’s booth was another one of his protégés, Su’a Sulu’ape Angela, believed to be the first — and only — woman to ever be bestowed the Sulu’ape title in the art form’s 5000 year history. She currently owns and operates a tattoo shop in Southern California.
 
Perhaps nobody traveled farthest than Gideon Schory, a promoter of tattoo fests who flew in all the way from Amsterdam and brought with him an upbeat attitude that everyone welcomed.
 
And while tattooing is often considered a man’s thing, women were well represented during the Festival, thanks to Marlo Lualemana, Megan Jones, and Leilani Pedreira who all took advantage of the chance to showcase their skills, talent good enough to rival any male competitor.
 
Steve Ma Ching, known to be one of the first to open a tattoo shop in New Zealand was also in attendance, along with industry pioneer Larry Hanks, credited for being one of the front-runners in the tattoo business in Hawai’i. He was accompanied by his son Jacob, who has a ton of awards under his belt, to the event.
 
In addition to tattoo artists, island-inspired clothing manufacturers, jewelers, florists, and other vendors were part of an event that — believe it or not — became a place where families were reunited and friends reacquainted after years of not seeing each other.
 
New friendships were formed, business contacts were made, and most importantly, the Polynesian — and modern — art of tattooing were put on a pedestal and those in attendance were able to leave with a deeper sense of appreciation for body ink.
 
Promoters of the event are already gearing up for next year’s event, expected to be bigger and better than this year’s endeavor.

The American Samoa American Football Federation (ASAFF) Men's Football Team made their initial appearance on Tahiti's American style football field last Saturday. Representing American Samoa with pride, were only 11 American Samoa 'Eagles' players — playing both offense and defense — led by head coach Ethan Lake and they gave Tahiti a game to remember as they smacked the Tahitians with a 52 - 10 blowout victory.
 
Samoa News kept in close contact with the players on the American Samoa team through emails and Facebook, and was updated by Quarterback Daniel Fereti, and Lineman Simon Faiai, who said they will take these memories with them throughout their lifetime — and the driving force within these games, was their representing American Samoa to the fullest.
 
When asked about his thoughts and expectations leading up to the game against Tahiti, Fai'ai said, “We expected everything that summed up to winning – but winning wasn't our main focus and goal. We're here to develop American Football in Tahiti and to expose the football talent that we have back home in American Samoa.”
 
He continued, “We did great in today’s game, but we still need to improve – overall, we were excited and so happy with our team’s effort and performance, as well as enjoying a victory together as a team.”
 
Fereti told Samoa News that before the game started, no one thought of the outcome – but everyone was focused on a positive mindset. He said, “We had to have a positive mindset to take on Tahiti's team with only 11 players – and we did.”
 
As the leader of American Samoa's team, Fereti reflected on their overall effort and said, “It was an awesome performance, there were very few of us, so it was easy to control everyone. We played our hearts out, we put everything on the line because we knew that we didn't have enough players on our team.”
 
He said, "We were all shocked, but at the same time it felt great because we only brought 11 players here to Tahiti, and came out unanimously successful – we were short in numbers, all of us played both offense and defense, but overall, it was the best feeling ever to win a game with only 11 players.”
 
When asked if there’s a team in Oceania that can beat American Samoa in American football Fereti said, “Samoans overall – we're humble! I don't want to say anything that'll start making everyone think we’re big headed. We already know what we're capable of, all we need to do is to continue expanding this program back home, continue to practice and take in more former high school players, and wait for an invitation or challenge from our neighboring countries within our Oceania region.”
 
He added, "Growing up in this sport, I've learned that anything can happen at anytime in the game, and that there will always be a victor and a loser — sometimes we’ll win some, then sometimes we'll lose some. But for the level of the game in American Samoa compared to other countries in the Pacific, I'll let our record and game winning results do the talking.”
 
Fereti told Samoa News that after their victory over the Tahitians, they found out that Australia is desperate to play our local boys. "We have a tougher opponent next week, which will be Australia. When they heard that we beat New Zealand and were heading to Tahiti, I guess they desperately tried to work something out to try and play us before we make the trip back home – so we are scheduled to play the Aussies sometime this week.”
 
Samoa News points out that during past Samoa Bowl football games here on island, Australia's All-Star team returned to the Land Down Under after taking a beating from our local team.
 
Fereti and Fai'ai concluded with the acknowledgments of those who supported them in this effort, they said, “We would like to give much thanks and alofas to our supporters back home, all of our pastors, reverends, and those within our spiritual faiths for praying and believing in us – a special thank you to all our families and friends back home, and a special shout out to the sponsors who made this trip possible.”

“Tatau: Marks of Polynesia,” at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles July 30-Jan. 8, looks at the Samoan practice of tattoo and how the patterns and motifs of these works of art help preserve the culture. The show will feature examples of traditional Samoan tattoo, or tatau, along with contemporary Polynesian works and other pieces that have been influenced by the tradition.

“The main basic reason that the exhibit is at the Japanese American National Museum is for civil rights,” “Tatau” curator Takahiro Kitamura said. “This actually fits very well with JANM’s mission statement, because here we’re talking about an art form that helped the Samoan people keep their identity together back then, and even now it affirms identity. Samoa is a very unique population when half of the Samoans in the world live in Samoa, the other half live in the United States, New Zealand.. Hawaii, Guam and other places.”

Kitamura is a master tattoo artist and author who curated “Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World” for JANM in 2014.

TATAU IS 2,000 YEARS OLD

Samoa’s tradition of tattoo dates back 2,000 years, Kitamura said. The Samoan custom has survived many attempts at eradication, because the islanders kept the designs and patterns alive by incorporating them into other art mediums.

“Samoa, for one reason or another, manages to hold onto their traditions very closely. Some of the other islands have not fared so well. Currently I think we’re in a very good place because a lot of people are having cultural resurgences,” Kitamura said. “Right now there’s a seamless blending of tattooing, religion and Samoan culture.”

PHOTOS HIGHLIGHT EXHIBIT

It took two years for Kitamura to put “Tatau” together, which consists mainly of photographs by John Agcaoili of tattoo artists at work and people with their completed designs. There will also be artifacts and tools associated with tattooing on display.

The exhibit focuses on traditional Samoan and contemporary Polynesian tattoos with the emphasis on the tattoo artists of the Sulu’ape family, such as Petelo Sulu’ape and his late brother Paul Sulu’ape, who are credited with sparking the global resurgence of Samoan tattoos.

CONNECTION IS KEY

Kitamura and Liufau hope that visitors to “Tatau” will not only appreciate the beauty and history of the Samoan art form of tattoo, but also see how its worldwide spread serves to preserve culture.

SCHEDULE

When: 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday-Sunday and noon-8 p.m. Thursday July 30-Jan. 8.

Where: Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles.

Earlier this month, on July 14, American Samoa’s very own Amelie Chen was one of the 56 winning chefs who had the golden opportunity to attend a Kids’ “State Dinner” hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House in Washington DC.
 
The nine-year-old is a student at Pacific Horizons School who was selected to serve as a healthy food ambassador for the territory after entering a winning submission to the 5th Annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge.
 
One winner was selected from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five territories: Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
 
In addition to dining with Mrs. Obama, Amelie and the other 55 young chefs had the chance to learn from television personality and member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition — Rachael Ray.
 
Amelie is the daughter of local business owners Genhall Manu’a and Michelle Chen, who accompanied her on the trip.
 
Manu’a described his daughter as being ‘very creative’ and told Samoa News before their departure that Amelie had been doing a lot of cooking and baking, helping out in the kitchen at home.
 
For the Lunchtime Challenge, Amelie incorporated local ingredients like breadfruit and taro into her winning dish. The competition was for kids 8-12 years old, and aimed at promoting cooking and healthy eating among youth. Over 1,200 entries were received.
 
Participants had to submit an original lunch recipe that is healthy, affordable, and tasty, and met the nutritional requirements as set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Furthermore, the dishes had to be creative and have a story behind it.
 
Amelie’s winning submission was a dish composed of a taro, breadfruit, and chicken trio with coconut cream.
 
“We helped her prep it, photograph it, and then she sent the recipe in,” Manu’a explained. Amelie and her family were able to spend some time with Congresswoman Aumua Amata in the Nation’s Capitol during their trip.
 
“Was excited to spend time with Amelie's parents Genhall Manu’a and Michelle Chen, her sister Angela and brother Victor in our office,” Amata posted on her social media page.
 
Among other activities in Washington DC, the Chens toured the U.S. Capitol before heading south to the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games which are set to run from August 5-20.
 
“May God bless Amelie and her family and keep them safe as they travel,” Aumua wrote.
 
Congratulations Amelie. Malo lava!

One of the biggest traditional Samoan houses to be built outside of the islands will be officially opened in South Auckland today.

The maota Samoa - or meeting house - is part of a multimillion-dollar complex on the corner of Bader Drive and Mascot Ave in Mangere.

The 5345sq m site belongs to the Government of Samoa and will house the new consulate-general offices which have been located on Karangahape Rd, in the central city, since the 1970s.

Today's opening ceremony will include a host of special guests and dignitaries, including Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Labour leader Andrew Little and Auckland mayor Len Brown.

At the grounds yesterday, consul-general Faolotoi Reupena Pogi said the move had involved several years of planning and construction, which began early last year.

"It's a milestone our Government has decided to build these buildings here. Most of our people are now residing in the southern part of Auckland, mainly around this area and the nearby suburbs," he said.

"The office at K Rd was built in the late 70s. At that time, our community was living mostly around that area - the Grey Lynn area."

The fale is based on traditional structure, designs and patterns.

The large rafters - wrapped with woven sennit, made from coconut husk fibre - are typical of fale seen in Samoa. The tiles also include patterns inspired from Pacific culture and tattoos.

"We brought three sennit weavers, craftsmen, from Samoa to do just the sennit. The sennit was imported from Samoa. Each craftsman has his own pattern and this is how they're able to demonstrate their skills."

New Zealand companies Walker Community Architects and Haydn & Rollett are among the local companies involved in the project.

Pogi said a lot of research had to be carried out by the Kiwi architects to ensure their design would be authentic and do justice to the traditional fale.

Some workers travelled to the Pacific nation to look at fale designs, as well as looking at structural designs at the University of Auckland, which also houses a large Samoan meeting house dubbed the Fale Pasifika.

Pogi said the total project cost was "over $10 million".

Pogi acknowledged having such a building in South Auckland paid tribute to the country's multi-cultural society. He hoped both the Samoan and New Zealand communities would be proud of having it there.

Suva, FIJI– Government representatives from Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Samoa together with international stakeholders have launched a mission to protect Pacific coconut diversity and associated livelihoods from climate change impacts and other threats.
 
The mission is being coordinated by Bioversity International and The International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) through its Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees.
 
Getting under way now, the three-year project, Upgrading and broadening the new South-Pacific International Coconut Genebank, aims to conserve Pacific coconut genetic resources for current and future generations.
 
The project is funded by the Darwin Initiative, a UK government grants plan that helps to protect biodiversity worldwide.
 
The coconut is an important livelihood and food security crop for more than 10 million farmers who cultivate coconut palms worldwide on around 30 million acres of land.
 
In many Pacific islands, coconut biodiversity is already seriously threatened by soil salinization and climate change impacts, with potential sea level rise a looming threat.
 
Through the project, a new International Coconut Genebank (ICG) is to be established in Papua New Guinea where an existing ICG-SP facility is believed to be threatened by a phytoplasma Bogia Syndrome disease with symptoms appearing similar to the lethal yellowing disease.
 
A proposed transfer of the ICG-SP facility, partly supported by the Government of Papua New Guinea, from Madang to Punipuni, with a duplication back up planned in Fiji and Samoa, is also a unique opportunity to collect and protect endangered cultivars.
 
 “The Darwin initiative is important for sustainability of our local genetic diversity for future prosperity in terms of utilization for livelihood security, and to address the current threats posed by pests and diseases and global warming,” Alan Aku from Kokonas Indastri Korporesen (KIK) in Papua New Guinea said at an inception workshop for the project in Fiji.
 
Also remarking on the significance of the project for the region, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture, Misa Konelio, said that the “coconut is a tree of life and conserving unique diversity supported by innovative approaches and capacity building helps to secure this important resource for food security in our country.”
 
Fiji’s Acting Director for Research, Apaitia Macanawai stated, “How can we live without coconut? Coconut is about food and nutrient security and income generation for our people. This project is important to conserve our unique diversity for addressing global challenges.”
 
The project will amend the current list of coconut varieties held in the ICG-SP with new varieties selected from other Pacific countries based on validated criteria.
 
A partner-panel of experts from international, regional and local organizations will collaborate to identify the most threatened coconut varieties on habitat loss over the next 40 years.
 
A zone of ‘most-endangered areas’ will be established and explored for identification and characterization of unknown or “orphan” coconut varieties.
 
The selected rare varieties collected will then be safely transferred to be conserved within their genebanks in Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Samoa sites.
 
Another key expected outcome of the project is building the capacity of genebank staff and training young scientists in coconut breeding and conservation.
 
An inception workshop for the project last month brought the partners together, including COGENT/Bioversity International; the curator of the South Pacific International Coconut Genebank, hosted by the Cocoa Coconut Institute (CCI) in Papua New Guinea (PNG); SPC; the Centre de coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD); as well as representatives from the governments of Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Samoa. The Global Crop Diversity Trust (GCDT) and the Asia Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) are also involved in the new project.

As coastal erosion and sea level rise eats away the Solomon Islands due to climate change, the Pacific island nations are considering the world's first international treaty that would ban or phase out fossil fuels and set goals for renewables.

The "Pacific Climate Treaty" is currently under consideration after the fourth annual Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) held in the Solomon Islands this week.

During the two-day summit, 14 presidents, prime ministers and ambassadors from the island countries and territories discussed solutions to the Pacific's development challenges.

“[Leaders] seemed convinced that this is an avenue where the Pacific could again show or build on the moral and political leadership that they've shown earlier in their efforts to tackle climate change," Mahendra Kumar, climate change advisor to PIDF, told the Guardian.

The treaty is being utilized as a way to implement the aspirational 1.5 degrees Celsius target set by the Paris COP21 climate talks in the Pacific region, according to the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN), a coalition of NGOs that wrote the treaty.

The proposed treaty will be studied and a report will be presented at the 2017 summit.

"Expressing positive reviews to our proposal, the Leaders agreed to 'note the content of the draft Pacific Climate Treaty and approve that further consultations be undertaken, with a report back at the 5th PIDF Leaders Summit next year' for possible adoption," PICAN wrote on its Facebook page. "This is a major accomplishment for our PICAN team working in partnership with our Government Leaders to lead the sustainable development agenda of the region."

Kumar said the treaty could be ratified in 2018.

The PIDF was created in 2013 by Fiji. This year's summit excluded Australia and New Zealand, which were part of earlier talks. At last year's talks, Australia and New Zealand were criticized by their smaller and developing island neighbors for having less ambitious climate change targets and for not doing more to combat climate change.

“Pacific island leaders are among the most proactive in the world on global warming because their countries are bearing the brunt of climate changes ... Their willingness to consider a Pacific climate treaty shows much-needed leadership on the world's most pressing environmental challenge," Joeteshna Gurdayal Zenos, acting head of Pacfic Net, which is Greenpeace Australia Pacific's climate justice project, told the Guardian.

Auckland Future, the new centre right ticket contesting upcoming Auckland Council elections, has selected community leader So’oalo Setu Mua to replace Christina Atoa who has had to stand down for health reasons.

Auckland Future chairman Peter Tong, said while regretting the loss of Christina on the Auckland Future ticket for Manukau, he was delighted that So’oalo had been selected.

“As a trained teacher with a Bachelor in Education – Adult Teaching - from Massey University So’oalo is a passionate advocate for personal advancement through educational opportunity. He has been at the forefront of both the Samoa College Old Pupils Association in New Zealand and served at a management level at the Martin Hautus Institute, a private training organization providing quality education and training with a focus on Pacific and Maori learners.”

So’oalo was on the organizing committees for both the Cyclone Winston 2016 relief project and the Samoa Savalalo Market fundraising appeal 2016. He is co-organiser of the ‘Walking Samoans’ initiative in Otara, Mangere and Tamaki which promotes health and wellness by engaging the Pacific community in these areas to take part in regular walks three days a week.

His previous work includes designing and delivery of cultural programmes for the Ministry of Justice to Pacific inmates at Mt Eden and Wiri Women’s Prison.

He has undertaken contract projects for both the Auckland City Council, Entrust (former Auckland Energy Consumer Trust) and Ministry of Health promoting Pacific community engagement and health promotion.

So’oalo will join Ika Tameifuna to contest the two seats for Council in the Manukau ward.

Five American Samoa Community College (ASCC) students returned recently from a weeklong orientation for BUILD EXITO, a program designed to support undergraduate students interested in pursuing research careers in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical, health, and social sciences, funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH).
 
Students accepted to BUILD EXITO receive scholarships, stipends, mentoring, summer seminars, paid job experience engaging in hands-on research, and dedicated academic and financial aid advising, with these incentives increasing the longer they remain in the program.
 
Motutama Nogotau Sipelii, Tausaafia L. Uiagalelei, Alisi Tagaloa, Ruby Salome Fia and Ulelemaikalani N. Kwon, the second BUILD EXITO cohort from ASCC, traveled to Portland, Oregon with all expenses paid to attend the orientation.  Either in the coming fall 2016 semester or in spring 2017, the five will take an introduction to biomedical research class referred to as a "gateway course," designed to introduce beginning students to what a biomedical research career requires. Course learning outcomes include the values, skills, and attitude that a biomedical researcher should possess or develop.
 
The NIH BUILD initiative, funded through a $23.7 million research and training grant from the NIH, is part of a broad national strategy to develop new approaches that engage researchers, including those from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical sciences, and prepare them to thrive in the NIH-funded workforce. Through the NIH funding, Portland State University (PSU) established the Enhancing Cross-disciplinary Infrastructure Training at Oregon (BUILD EXITO) program. PSU and Oregon Health & Science University serve as centers of innovation for creating biomedical research career pathways for undergraduates, and (in partnership) a one of ten national consortiums working to develop, implement, and evaluate approaches to encourage them. 
 
After the summer orientation and during their gateway course, each selected student will be mentored by a third-year BUILD EXITO peer mentor from one of the four partner universities, which are PSU; the University of Alaska, Anchorage; the University of Hawaii at Manoa; or the University of Guam. Their mentor will guide them through the following year with any concerns they may have about the program. In addition, each student will also be paired with a paid career mentor from each partner institution in helping and advising each student on the path of a biomedical research career.
 
It is the program's goal that each student selected for BUILD EXITO from a partner institution, including ASCC, will continue their interest in biomedical research and eventually transfer to one of the four partner universities listed above to pursue a biomedical research career. If they do, financial assistance and training that will be provided to them along the way may include a paid ($1200 stipend) one-month summer research intensive at PSU or one of the other three partner universities; in-state tuition at PSU discounted up to 60%; continued mentorship; a paid part-time biomedical research project; access to research grant funding, and other benefits.
 
ASCC began its partnership in the BUILD EXITO program in 2014, and since its implementation, two of the students in the first year cohort, Ernest Puletasi and Sefilina Skelton, have continued on the path towards biomedical research careers. Puletasi majors in Bioengineering at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, while Skelton is majoring in Biochemistry at Dixie State University in Utah. The two remaining two students, Suluga Taliau and Yean Ji Jung, expect to graduate from ASCC in spring 2017. Three out of the four students in the 2014 cohort remain in the program as of today.
 
For more information on BUILD EXITO at ASCC, contact Health and Human Services Division Director Dr. Daniel Chang by emailing d.chang@amsamoa.edu

American Samoa’s territorial Teacher of the Year 2016 Mrs. Rosita Esene Sola experienced first hand what it's like to train as an astronaut, as she’s currently in Huntsville, Alabama at the International Space Camp.
 
Responding to Samoa News questions, Rosita said that it is an adventurous one-week experience allowing teachers to assume roles in hands-on, interactive space missions, and learn what it's like to train as an astronaut. “It offers intensive training including professional development. In addition, the facility contains space exploration sites that include shuttles, rockets, military bases and various space labs.”
 
She said the trip was funded by ASDOE and it’s an annual Teacher of the Year trip in the summer. “Space Camp started last week Saturday July 9, and concluded July 14.” She told Samoa News that the highlight of this summer trip was meeting the international educators at the greatest space facility in America. “So not only the State/Territorial TOYs were here, but we had the chance to collaborate with teachers from Norway, China, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, and Germany just to name a few.
 
“Space Camp gave me a bigger perspective on extending the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) program which is integrated today in our classrooms. I learned so many things within the public education system from educators around the world. Surprisingly, I'm finding out that our education system is very fortunate to receive so many resources, especially technology-wise compared to other parts of the world. We've already integrated STEM in our lessons, and making that connection to the real world is very important.”
 
She said she has taught science for six consecutive years, and this is the most amazing experience she’s ever had.  “We want to tell our students that space is real and there is a big world out there for them to explore. Anybody can be an astronaut and it requires hard work and sacrifice. Their imagination starts from the classroom. All we got to do is spark that interest and to motivate our students to learn hard. I get to dress up as an astronaut and go through all the missions within the shuttle”
 
She told Samoa News that she was given a task called Lunar Mission in one of the shuttles, where she had to switch the oxygen tank, which is used for astronauts to breathe in space. Inside the shuttle, there were small binders that contained all the instructions from flying out to space and returning. “Now I know what it feels like to work in space!” To the all educators in American Samoa, Rosita said that the teachers must remember that they make the greatest impact on the lives of the students they teach in class.
 
“The world values teachers because without teachers, there wouldn't be any astronauts today.  In addition she said, without teachers, no other profession would exist.
 
“You need to keep a teacher portfolio with all the happiest things you've done in the classroom. It could be a read aloud — a debate, a class party, school project, or simple things that you love about your kids. When times are hard, you take it out and go through it. You have to tell yourself that you are important, and you could be the only person in the world that child will never forget. I look forward to share this wonderful experience with our teachers, and especially our students,” said Rosita.

The Tafuna Jets Soccer Club kicked-off their soccer league last week at their main field in front of Samoa NAPA in Tafuna, as part of their preparation for the celebration of their 30-year anniversary this week.
 
Under the leadership of their long time president, who also is one of the people who started the club in 1986, Naomi Lokeni-Oney told Samoa News during an interview last week that their main goal is to educate young people on how to play soccer and also look for better future for them through this sport.
 
“Our goal is to help our children and young people have an opportunity in their future through education and scholarships,” she told Samoa News.
 
Every year since the club was established, Lokeni-Oney said, they continue to set up programs like the Summer Program and weekend tournaments, to help educate youngsters who show an interest in the sport, and continue to teach them the basics rules and the techniques of the game.
 

Young members of the Tafuna Jets Soccer Club with trophies that they won at previous tournaments pose for the Samoa New camera before the opening of their soccer tournament last week as part of the celebration of their 30th year anniversary. [photo: AF]
 
“Our summer program not only keeps children involved and away from trouble, but we also are able to share our talents with them and find ways to help them continue on to play by looking for scholarships for them so that they can move to the next level and to open other opportunities for them to continue on to play in the future,” the club’s president said.
 
According to Lokeni-Oney, because their club was established way back before FIFA opened in American Samoa, preparations and funding for all of these program for young children were funded by members of the club throughout these years, and it is something that makes them feel proud for what they have done for many children.
 
“As we’re celebrating this week 30 years since our soccer club was established, it’s an honor for me as the president to continue on with my service to the community, through the help of my family and friends. We also want to thank our many sponsors who have assisted us throughout all these years — without your support we would be unable to lend our service for our children,” she concluded.

American Samoa’s homegrown rock group Banned From The Sun will present a free concert this Saturday, July 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Su’igaula/ Utulei Beach Park. Besides Banned From The Sun, the other performers in the concert lineup are Angie Afo, A-Town, Big Joe and Big Uce, Ice Cream Man, Ten6, The Cuerdas, and The Migrants. JSmooth will MC the event.

“This event is centered on youth and music,” explained Banned From The Sun lead guitarist David Pouesi. “We want to inspire our youth to pick up an instrument and make music. We also want to give some exposure to American Samoa’s younger musicians with their different genres and unique talents.” The performers will showcase a range of styles, from rap to old school as well as rock and mainstream.

 “There will be a little something for everyone,” said Pouesi.

In addition to David on guitar, Banned From The Sun includes his siblings Rexona Pouesi on vocals, Isu Pouesi on vocals and keyboards, Siuleo Pouesi on drums, and their friends Shane Alvarez on bass and Rata Afalava on guitar (currently off-island). The group has steadily gained in popularity over the last few years in both American Samoa and Samoa with their unique mixture of classic and modern rock.

To promote the younger generation of music artists in our community, Banned From The Sun will present a FREE concert this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Su'igaula/ Utulei Beach, which will also feature a number of guest performers. Seen here are Banned members (front l-r) Isu Pouesi and Rexona Pouesi, and (back l-r) (l-r) David Pouesi, Siuleo Pouesi and Shane Alvarez. [courtesy photo]

For this Saturday’s show, each of the acts will have their own set, and there will also be collaborations between the headliners and various guests.

The event is open to the public and all ages are welcome.

“We’re just hoping for a good turn out to share our music styles with,” said David. “This is the first time I know of that a free concert has been put together by and for local youth. It's our way of giving back to the community as well as promoting our love for music.”


Mata’uitafā Temukisa Solomona Faiai, age 22, divides her time this summer between the Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources (ACNR) division of the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) and LBJ Tropical Medical Center, working as a research assistant for the “Development and Evaluation of Educational Materials about Gestational Diabetes,” a collaborative study involving the ACNR Health Communications Program, LBJ, Yale University, and the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
 
The daughter of Sosene Usoali’i and Annette Solomona-Faiai of Leone, Ms. Faiai graduated in 2011 from Leone High School, then went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology with a Minor in English from Chaminade University of Honolulu in Fall 2015. This fall, she will begin studies towards her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at George Washington University in Washington, DC.
 
While a promising career in medical research awaits her, Ms. Faiai’s work this summer represents a “coming full-circle” for her, given that she received her first exposure to the field at ASCC-ACNR as a student in Short-Term Research Experience for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP), a national program designed to provide opportunities in individualized research for high school and undergraduate students from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in biomedical and behavioral research, as well as students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
 
“I participated in the STEP-UP Program from 2010 to 2014, both during high school and as a college undergraduate,” she explained. “I first learned of the program from my high school Chemistry teacher, Dr. Randel DeWees. My high school STEP-UP experience, under my mentors Francine Amoa-Tufa and Cecilia Tuionoula, opened many doors for me. As a Chaminade freshman, I worked closely in 2012 with Dr. Helen Turner, Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics for Chaminade University for 10 weeks on a summer project exploring the immunological effects of obesity. I presented our work at a national research conference, the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, and received one of the outstanding awards in the Biochemistry category.
 
“In 2013, the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland accepted me as a summer intern under the Office of Minority Health Research Summer Internship program. I worked under the direction of Dr. Kristina Rother on another 10-week project studying the influences of non-nutritive sweeteners on infants. This led to a travel scholarship to present our work at the Society of Advancements of Chicanos and Native Americans (SACNAS) conference. I was also accepted to present our work at the Ivy-Plus Symposium at Harvard University in 2014, but was not able to attend.
 
“In 2014, Dr. Mark Schmaedick of ASCC-ACNR, one of the local STEP-UP coordinators, connected me to Dr. Stephen McGarvey of Brown University, who has done extensive research on obesity and type II diabetes in Samoa. Working under Dr. McGarvey, I became interested in public health research, which led to my decision to pursue a career in this field. Dr. McGarvey introduced me to Dr. Nicola Hawley of Yale University, one of my main academic mentors with whom I’ve been working closely. My other mentors include Dr. Helen Turner and Dr. Claire Wright of Chaminade and Dr. Nia Aitaoto of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.”
 
Dr. Hawley recommended Ms. Faiai for the current diabetes research project which brought her home to American Samoa this summer to work with Dr. Micah Van der Ryn of ASCC-ACNR, Dr. Bethel Howard of LBJ, and Dr. Michaela Howells of the University of North Carolina, and Dr. Hawley herself. “Mata'u has proven herself to be an extremely talented public health researcher,” said Dr. Hawley via email. “She is inquisitive, thoughtful, and reasoned in her approach to complex health questions. Her commitment to returning to American Samoa to use her skills for the benefit of her own community is infinitely admirable, and I'm excited to see how her excellent training will benefit those around her.”
 
While her experience with scientific research that began as a STEP UP participant has already taken her far, Ms. Faiai keeps a humble attitude towards her accomplishments, and also wants to encourage the many sons and daughters of American Samoa who distinguish themselves in the sciences but receive little acknowledgement. “Continue the hard work and persevere in all that you do!” she advises. “You may not be recognized now, but one day you will be when your passion leads you to a contribution that makes things better for our people. Remember, one of the most important aspects of research is delayed gratification.”
 
Ms. Faiai also expressed her sincere thanks to Director Aufa’i Apulu Ropeti Areta for the opportunity to work at ASCC-ACNR for the summer. For more information on STEP UP in American Samoa, contact Dr. Mark Schmaedick of ASCC-ACNR at 699-1575.

Six local young adults with an interest in science completed their summer internship with the Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources (ACNR) division of the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) when each gave a presentation on their summer projects this past Wednesday, July 27.
 
The summer internship program gives ACNR (and related science) majors the opportunity to conduct hands-on research in the areas of Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources, apply what they learned in their courses, and gain work experience in the field.
 
This marks the third year in a row ACNR has offered its summer internship program, which is funded in part by the National Science Foundation’s Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) and a Resident Instruction grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), a program of the US Department of Agriculture.
 
With limited funding, ACNR can only accommodate about a half-dozen interns per summer session. During the prior spring semester, a call for applications is made to both ACNR majors as well as related science majors at ASCC. Applicants are then screened to determine who can fill the number of available slots. During the six-week internship period, students are expected to put in a regular 40-hour-work-week on their chosen projects, under the mentorship of a member of the ACNR staff.
 
This summer’s interns giving their concluding presentations included Fa’atoia Areta, who chose the project “A Preliminary Survey: Parasites of Myna and Bulbul Birds in American Samoa,” working under Dr. Otto Hansel of ACNR. Falani Fonoti, working with mentor Mr. Ionatana Faasavalu, researched “Soil Texture Effect on Plant Growth using Joi Choi Cabbage.” Johann Vollrath, working by special arrangement with Dr. Tim Clark of the National Park Service, studied “Distribution of Crown of Thorns Outbreaks along the North Shore of Tutuila.”
 
Pesamino Poyer explored “Utilization of Taro Leaves and Stems as a Human Food Source,” mentored by Dr. Hansell. Fa’amanu Puaina Jr., working under Mr. Faasavalu, made a “Comparison of Water Sources to Grow Joi Choi Cabbage Hydroponically.” Anetioka Mavaega, who was mentored by Dr. Hansell, researched “Identifying Internal Parasite Eggs in Swine Feces.”
 
Four of the six interns are ASCC students majoring in General Agriculture, the exceptions being Fa’amanu Puaina Jr., who is currently pursuing an Agriculture major at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and Johann Vollrath, who majors in Marine Science at ASCC.
 
During his opening remarks prior to the presentations, ACNR Director Aufa’i Apulu Ropeti Areta commended the six young adults for their interest in the sciences as well as their perseverance in focusing on their projects for the six-week period.
 
He also reminded the interns to show gratitude to their parents and families for supporting them in their efforts to become science professionals. Aufa’i also recognized Dr. Ian Gurr, Dr. Mark Schmaedick, Dr. Ndeme Atibalentja, and the staff of the Research, Instruction, and Extension divisions of ACNR for their contributions to the summer internship program.
 
For more information on internships at ASCC-ACNR, contact Mrs. Pauline McFall at 699-1575.

Position: Mid-distance, Multies

Height: 5-8

Class:  Freshman

Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: Scripps Ranch HS

College:  Point Loma Nazarene University

Jordan Mageo is an accomplished volleyball player and has won several awards for indoor and beach volleyball. 

Her Personal Bests in Track & Field are:

300m Hurdles – 46.48, 400m HURDLES – 67.87, 100m Hurdles – 15.83

Javelin – 33.51M (4^th Place Pac West Championships)

GETTING TO KNOW HER:

Jordan has performed with Taupou Samoa at the 2008 Festival of the Pacific Arts, hosted by American Samoa. She has been trained in Samoan, Hawaiian, and Tahitian dancing.

She is also a singer/songwriter who plays piano, keys, guitar, and trumpet, and has won a national vocal competition and other local music competitions.

Jordan is semi-fluent in American Sign Language, loves animals and has a Chihuahua named Valentino. 

Her grandfather, Rev. Tafesilafa’i Mageo, is an Assembly of God minister, and pastored the church in Masefau for over 20 years.

Prior to PLNU
2015 graduate of Scripps Ranch High School, she earned four varsity letters in track and field, and three in volleyball; was1st-team All-CIF selection for volleyball (2014) California State Volleyball Championships Semi-Finals (2014) Team MVP (2014)…League Champion in High Jump (2012); was League Champion 300 M Hurdles (2015; and was Track Athlete of the Year (2015).



Jordan was born in Thousand Oaks, California to parents Matt and Pere Mageo. 


Career Aspiration: Music and Worship Arts Leader/Recording Artist

Pre-Game Rituals: Listening to The Beatles


Hobbies: surfing, long boarding, hiking, camping, playing guitar, hanging with friends


Favorite Book: The Bible


Favorite Sports Team: Indianapolis Colts


Favorite Food: Asian — Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese

Favorite Dessert: Ice Cream


Favorite Movie: Karate Kid

Favorite School Subject: Psychology

SPORTS:

High Jump — 5’1”

100m Dash  — 13.93

SHOT PUT — 9.15

Training Regime

Trains 6 of 7 days a week. Twice a week with coach, and four days a week independently. Speed workouts, starts and drive training.

Nutrition While Training

Eats 5-6 times a day. Lean meats, chicken, and fish, fruits, nuts, vegetables, cereal, pasta, avocado toast, coffee, and lots of water. Limited sugar intake, no late night snacking.

Worst Health Issues: Vocal Cord Dysfunction (Breathing Disorder), Stress Fracture, Torn Hamstring, Heart Arrhythmia

Volunteer Activities

‘Every 15 Minutes’ – MADD – Community Service, Teen Challenge – Substance Abuse, Church Youth Group Leader – Local Church

She would love to visit New Zealand.

GOOD LUCK JORDAN!