McDonald’s American Samoa on Wednesday presented scholarships totaling $104,000 to four graduates of the American Samoa Community College and three high school graduates to pursue higher education.
The scholarships were presented at a luncheon that McDonald’s hosted for the seven recipients and their parents at Tradewinds Hotel Wednesday afternoon.
Delores Tautolo Galeai, CEO of McDonalds American Samoa and Samoa, who led the presentation ceremony, said that in honor of the 80th birthday of Chairman and Founder Agaoleatu Charlie Tautolo, they’ve increased the number of scholarships for this year. Instead of two off-island and two local scholarships, they’re offering four off-island and three local scholarships.
Play Audio
Since McDonald’s started the scholarship program in 2006, it has offered $1 million in scholarships enabling young people to further their education and obtain higher academic qualifications.
The four off-island scholarships of $20,000 ($10,000 per year for two years) are awarded to:
- Lelei Fuiava, who will be attending UH West Oahu majoring in Applied Science
- Heleina Willis, attending UH Manoa, majoring in English and Political Science
- Harmony Leo, attending Walla Walla University, majoring in Business Administration/Accounting
- Devinity Savusa, attending the University of Arizona majoring in Law and Communication.
The recipients of the three local scholarships of $8,000 ($4,000 per year for two years) to attend the American Samoa Community College are:
- Lama Petelo, a graduate of Manu’a High School, who will be majoring in Nursing
- Alshadai Siaosi, a graduate of Manumalo Academy, who will be studying Pre-Law & Civil Engineering
- Blessing Lemalu, a graduate of Fagaitua High School, who will majoring in Business
One of the recipients, Lelei Fuiava, said her plan was to become a nutritionist.
Play Audio
Devinity Savusa shared what sparked her interest in seeking a law degree.
Play Audio
The students and parents expressed appreciation to McDonald’s American Samoa for investing in the territory’s future through their generous scholarships.
