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American Samoa Government - PR001-12162025
Posted: December 16, 2025
Fa’ailogaina Faia’oga o le Teritori 2025-2026 e le Matāgaluega o Ā’oga
UTULEI, Amerika Samoa - Na auai atu le Afioga le Kovana Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula ma le tinā o le atunu’u ia Dr. Lois Pula, i le ‘aiga fiafia ma fa’afiafiaga e fa’aaloalogia ai Faia’oga o le Tausaga i le Teritori, ma sa fa’ataunu’uina lea i le maota o le Mālō le Fale Laumei i Utulei.
O le afioga Patele ia Pio Afu, na ia tatalaina le po fiafia i se feau fa’amanuia e fa’afetaia fa’apitoa ai le tautua a faia’oga i Amerika Samoa. O mālō fa’aalo’alogia o le Fa’atonu Sili o A’oga Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufete’e, Faia’oga o le Teritori 2024 – 2025, Mikaela Saelua, atoa ai ma ta’ita’i o le Matagaluega o A’oga ma le mamalu o le aufaigaluega, ma faia’oga i so’o se tafa o le Teritori.
O le saunoaga a le Afioga le Kovana Sili, na ia fa’afetaia ai le galuega fitā a faia’oga, “O lo outou tiute tauave o lo’o afīfī ai meaalofa ma ‘oloa tāua ma le ‘anoa e tapena ai le lumana’i o alo ma fanau a le atunu’u. O la outou osigataulaga lea e manatua pea, o le foa’iina atu lea o lo outou tomai e fau ai so latou alafua lelei. Ia fa’aauau pea le lagolago mo faia’oga ma le Matagaluega o A’oga auā le fafauina o tupulaga lalovaoa o Amerika Samoa,” O se feau manino ma le loloto lea na tanoa i ai lana Afioga le Kovana.
O le sauniga na āloa’ia ai Faiaoga o le Tausaga:
• Latalata Samuelu
• Jardian Mamea
• Otila Histake
• Joshlyn Ulimasao
• Lomialagi Tauiliili
• Itumalo Tufi
Faia’oga o le Ā’oga o lenei Tausaga:
• Filemoni Lauilefue
Faia’oga o le Tausaga Fa'ai'u:
• Matasaua Pefu
• Edison Padaca
• Mafi Ioapo
O le Susuga ia Elisaia Ma’ilo o le A’oga Maualuga a Tafuna, na ia mauaina le Faia’oga o le Tausaga i le Teritori 2025-2026. Na fa’aalia le finagalo fa’agae’etia o le Susuga ia Ma’ilo, ma ia fa’afetai ai le mamalu o faia’oga na o latou tausinio i lenei fa’ailoga, ma o se lu’i lea mo faia’oga uma. Sa ia fa’afetai fo’i le lagolago a lona aiga ma uo, auā e le sili lava le ta’i nai lo’o le tapua’i, ua ia ausia ai lenei fa’ailoga taualoa ma le tāua tele.
Na ta’ape le mamalu o faia’oga ma le agaga ua fa’aosofia i le fiafia, o fe’au lelei ma le tāua e fai ma oso auā le sauni atu mo galuega fa’alea’oaoga i le tausaga 2026. Ia manuia vai tu’uaga o le Kerisimasi ma le Tausaga Fou i faia’oga uma o Amerika Samoa.
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Teacher of the Year Banquet Celebrates Excellence in Education
UTULEI, American Samoa – A festive evening of celebration and gratitude was held in Utulei to honor outstanding educators across the territory during the Teacher of the Year Banquet, attended by Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and First Lady Dr. Lois Pula.
The evening opened with a blessing by Father Pio Afu, setting a reverent and appreciative tone for a night dedicated to recognizing the service, commitment, and impact of teachers throughout American Samoa. Honorary guests included Department of Education Director Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufete’e, Territorial Teacher of 2024-2025 Mikaela Saelua, along with Department of Education leaders, dedicated staff, and teachers from across the territory.
Governor Pulaali’i delivered remarks honoring educators for their vital role in shaping the future of the territory’s youth. Addressing teachers directly, the Governor emphasized the significance of their work, stating that, “Each of you carries a responsibility that is both powerful and deeply meaningful”. He further expressed his appreciation, adding, “thank you for your time, talent, and sacrifice. And most importantly, thank you for giving our students the tools they need to shape their futures”. He concluded by highlighting the importance of continued support for educators and the Department of Education, noting that when teachers are strengthened, generations to come are strengthened as well.
The ceremony recognized the following Teachers of the Year:
● Latalata Samuelu
● Jardian Mamea
● Otila Histake
● Joshlyn Ulimasao
● Lomialagi Tauiliili
● Itumalo Tufi
School Teacher of the Year:
● Filemoni Lauilefue
Teacher of the Year Finalists:
● Matasaua Pefu
● Edison Padaca
● Mafi Ioapo
The highlight of the evening was the recognition of the 2026 Territorial Teacher of the Year, Mr. Elisaia Mailo of Tafuna High School. In his remarks, Mr. Mailo expressed his sincerest gratitude to all who played a role in this achievement, emphasizing that the honor was the result of a collective effort. He credited the guidance of his peers and leaders, as well as the encouragement and support of his family, for helping him achieve this milestone.
The banquet was a joyful and festive celebration, filled with cheer and appreciation for teachers across the territory whose dedication continues to inspire students and strengthen the future of American Samoa. Congratulations Educators for your wonderful service!
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