Four students have been awarded the Fall 2024 in-house scholarships of the American Samoa Community College (ASCC).
The President’s Merit Scholarship has been awarded to Ms Falesoa Tufi and Ms. Mary Tuipala.
Recipients of the Saili le Atamai scholarship are Ms. Pearl Eunic Munoz and Ms. Rhea Salamat. The recipients will each receive a deduction of $500 from their ASCC tuition and fees.
Ms. Tufi Falesoa is studying towards an Associate of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology. She graduated last year from Nuuuli Voc Tech, where she earned an impressive record of serving as president of the Student Government Association and the National Technical Honor Society, as an officer in the Technology Students Association and the 4H Club, and as Health Occupation Students of America state president. Ms. Tufi has also worked as a teaching assistant in the ASCC Guitar Building program.
Ms. Mary F. Tiapula, a Tafuna High School graduate is now pursuing Associate of Science degrees in two fields, Accounting and Automotive Technology. Ms. Tiapula cites the scripture Romans 12:2 as an inspiration, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” She has demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence, by being accepted this semester into the ASCC chapter of the Phi Pheta Kappa honor society. Ms. Tiapula has been commended by her instructors for her growing skills in accounting, and she has been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and the ASCC Rotary Club.
Born in the Philippines, Saili le Atamai Non-Pell Scholarship recipient Ms. Pearl Eunice Munoz graduated from Fa’asao Marist in 2022, and is now pursuing an Associate degree in Practical Nursing at ASCC.
Ms. Munoz has shared that she found her initial move from the Philippines to American Samoa highly challenging, but that her family joining a local Filipino church helped considerably in her overcoming these challenges. Ms. Munoz cites her church experience as having helped her develop empathy, patience and communication, skills essential to being a successful nurse. Thus far, she has earned her credentials as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and she continues to work towards her goal of becoming a fully licensed nurse.
The second recipient of the Saili le Atamai scholarship Ms. Rhea Salamat was also born in the Philippines, and is also a Nursing major. Ms. Salamat has also received her Certified Nursing Assistant credentials, and now seeks to achieve the next level of qualification in the Nursing field. “My desire to pursue a career in Nursing comes from a deep sense of compassion and an understanding that, like me, many people face overwhelming challenges in life,” she said. “My own struggles have given me a sense of purpose and a drive to help others.”
ASCC Dean of Student Services Dr. Emilia Le’i congratulated this semester’s four scholarship recipients and encouraged any interested ASCC students to apply for the available assistance. “Here at ASCC, we recognize the challenges faced by many of our students in meeting their educational expenses, especially those who don’t qualify for the Pell Grant,” she said.
Photo: Ms. Pearl Munoz, Ms. Mavy Tuipala and Ms. Rhea Salamat
