One of the few moments in life when people can smile and cry at the same time is when a child reaches a milestone in his or her quest for success. Such was the scene at the Manumalo Academy chapel last Friday when the school inducted seventeen members — levels 7-12 — into its prestigious Honor Society clubs.
(National Junior Honor Society or NJHS for middle schoolers, and National Honor Society or NHS for the high school students).
Proud parents, family members, friends, and teachers gathered to witness the momentous occasion that included the traditional candle lighting ceremony.
Leading the program was NJHS advisor Puamemea Ifopo.
One of the highlights for the evening was the special remarks offered by Tish Peau Folau of the American Samoa Historical Preservation Office, who is also a long time educator and member of the Manumalo school board.
Folau likened the four pillars of the honor society ideals to the ingredients necessary to produce the perfect cupcake.
She spoke of the need to incorporate all four criteria: scholarship, character, leadership, and service, into a recipe that can - and will - stand the test of time.
In other words, if one of the ingredients is flawed, insufficient, or even missing, the final product will not be complete. It will not be perfect.
She challenged the inductees to continue on with the good work and strive to be the best they can be.
Friday's ceremony was the first time that students have been inducted into the NHS since Manumalo reopened the doors of its high school two years ago, although the NJHS has been in full force, challenging the 7th and 8th graders to put their best foot forward in preparation for high school.
The inductees were accepted by Li'omatua Hailey Ripley, chairman of the Manumalo school board.
The evening ended with remarks by school director Papalii Laulii Alofa who quoted the Bible verse: "a wise son brings joy to his father". He thanked all the parents, including the faculty, staff, the parent-teacher association, the school board and the NHS council for their continuous effort and contribution in molding the students to become accomplished individuals.
Manumalo Academy stands proud in the fact that it is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and continues to shine with top placements in various territorial competitions.
For the parents who were there to witness Friday's event, tears could never be sweeter than when they are shed in celebration of what is hopefully one of many achievements these young people will attain in their lifetime.
Congratulations to the new inductees and Malo Lava to those who continue to maintain their position in such a prestigious group.
The following are the names of the new inductees:
NJHS:
Apollonia Seva'aetasi
Janella Maribelle Musni
Lana Lei Fiaui
Elzira Noga
Kanoelani Satele
William Spitzenberg
NHS:
Aitulagi Alofa (Secretary)
Ben Schuster
Hewlitt De Lara
Komisi Suani
Raquel Mamea
Talalelei Auva'a
Aomaluoaiga Masunu (Historian)
Brodie Blizzard (Treasurer)
John Leulu
Alice Park (Vice President)
Seon Wong Ham (President)
