Four students awarded ASCC in house scholarships

The Student Services Division at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) has announced the spring 2025 recipients of the two ASCC “in-house” scholarships: the President’s Merit Scholarship and the Saili le Atamai Non-Pell Scholarship.

This semester, Ms. Faatele Toaitiiti and Mr. Gordon Toala have both received the President’s Merit Scholarship, while the Saili le Atamai Scholarship has been awarded  to Ms. Lucille Auvele and Ms. Pearl Munoz. The recipients will each receive a deduction of $500 from their ASCC tuition and fees.

President’s Merit Scholarship recipient Ms. Faatele Toaitiiti will graduate this semester with an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice. She has also served as an officer in the Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society. Ms. Toaitiiti has stated that the challenge of doing well with her education while her family struggled with the loss of her father has motivated her to seek a career where she can assist others. “I want to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful impact,” she said, “especially in communities that face hardships. The lessons I learned about resilience, empathy and hard work will guide me as I continue my education and future career.”

Gordon Toala, Samoana High School graduate, is double-majoring in Civil Engineering Technology and Liberal Arts. He is also a member of the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. His recommendations for the scholarship came not only from his instructors and advisors, but also from his spiritual mentor from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who commended Mr. Toala for his service as his ward’s Music Director, pianist, and Clerk Assistant—responsibilities he maintains along with his studies.

Saili le Atamai Non-Pell Scholarship recipient Ms. Lucille Auvele graduated from Tafuna High School and is now pursuing a degree in Business Management at ASCC. A citizen of Samoa, Ms. Auvele competed in last year’s Mosoo’i Pageant, an experience which she says taught her careful time management and discipline. She received highly favorable references from her Business Department instructors, as well as from the management of the ASCC Admissions Office, where she has served in a work-study capacity for several semesters.

Also receiving the Saili le Atamai Non-Pell Scholarship, Ms. Pearl Munoz was born in the Philippines and majors in Nursing. Like many ASCC Nursing majors, Ms. Munoz also works as part of her studies at the LBJ Hospital, where her supervisor has commended her for having a strong work ethic and positive attitude. “As a future nurse,” said Ms. Munoz, “I will work closely with patients and doctors, where understanding and compassion matter more than proving a point. What truly matters is making people feel heard and valued.”