The 2018 Close-Up program students from American Samoa arrived over a week ago for their two-week visit to the nation’s capital, where they are visiting many attractions.
The Close-Up program is a federally funded project that allows students from across the nation to visit their legislators in Washington, D.C., and whose mission is to “inform, inspire, and empower young people to exercise the rights and accept the responsibilities of citizens in a democracy.”
In addition, they get the chance to tour the U.S. Capitol and take in the sights in a city that attracts visitors from all over the world, ranging from monuments and memorials to art and history collections.
The students stopped at Congresswoman Aumua Amata’s Office and also visited congressional meeting rooms.
Aumua said, “This trip to our nation’s capital is a special opportunity for these students, and our office really enjoyed seeing the group this week,” “Thank you to everyone involved in the program in any way, as all you do is what makes this wonderful experience possible for some of our fine high school students each year.”
The 17 students on the 2018 Close Up tour are:
Tafuna High School
Geraldine Meridian Aliitaeao Ofisa
Ameperosa Lili Langkilde
Marynita Suluiaigalii Vaigatolo
Faga’itua High School
Fonaimalo Fuimaono
Tamalii Failauga Faga
Raelyn Agnes Grey
Samoana High School
Lessei Lorcha Hosanna Perelini
Tautu Lucky Porotesano III
Shanai Seipua Sega
Nu’uuli Vocational High School
Kuinivia Camila Etevise Atafua
Alexi Tominiko
Leone High School
Menorah Sene Otineru
Nadia Tinaita’ala Ta’ase
Dorian Salave’a
Manu’a High School
Melody Ve’e
Fa’asao Marist High School
Fatu-Chanel Fatu
Kanana Fou High School
Alycia Kristy-Dy Tausaga
Chaperones
Kaylla Turituri
Roxanne Sita Salave’a
“I know that the students are enjoying their time in Washington, and learning a lot too,” concluded Congresswoman Amata. “They’ll return home to American Samoa full of motivation for the future, and I wish them all the best in their educational goals.”
