Retired U.S. Army Major Siimoa Malaefono Galoia of Tafuna High School has been awarded the 8th Brigade U.S. Army Cadet Command JROTC Instructor of the Year Award.
The 8th Brigade consists of JROTC programs in California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa.
A press release from the Department of Education states that, to its knowledge, this is the first time a JROTC instructor from American Samoa has won this award.
DOE Director Maefau Dr. Mary Taufetee said, “This recognition underscores Major Galoia’s exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to mentoring the youth of American Samoa. Her vision and tireless efforts have paved the way for cadets at Tafuna High School to participate and succeed in advanced programs such as JLAB, Robotics, and Drone technology—even gaining opportunities to compete at the international level.”
