Play Audio: vii-o-leone
The mighty Leone Lions roared, sang, danced and cheered in the rain and muddy fields today (Wednesday) in celebration of their school’s 60th anniversary.
The festivities began with a parade of all the classes starting with the current students and followed by classes from the past 60 years. They marched in groups, proudly showing off their uniforms, banners, and school spirit.
It was a joyous celebration as classmates reunited and reminisced about the years they spent at their alma mater.
As each class paraded in front of the guests, emcees Lupe Aumavae Tauanuu and Dorian Salave’a announced what they were known for, both good and bad, as well as notable members of each class. Among them were church ministers, directors, lawmakers, teachers, doctors, and many other professionals. There were also former Miss American Samoa and Miss South Pacific titleholders, along with Territorial Teachers of the Year. 
The last group in the parade were four members of the first graduating class of 1966: Senator Atualevao Asifoa, Aumavae Kenape Aumavae, Mrs. Emi Faoliu, and Gago Faatafa Gago. They started their high school years at Samoana and finished as seniors—the first graduates of Leone High School.
Alumnus Rev. Maugaoao Alailefaleula, who offered the invocation, said it was a wonderful feeling to be part of this milestone celebration and reflected that graduates of Leone have become beacons of light from generation to generation.
In his remarks, Principal Leoo Patrick Danielson thanked the Leone Alumni Association for its support of the school and students. He said when he started as principal Leone had one of the smallest and oldest administration offices, but he’s happy that the school now has a new administration building. He pleaded with ASG leaders present—which included Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr., House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale of the Leone Class of 1971 , Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, and Director of Education Maefau Dr. Mary Taufetee—to build a stadium at the Lions campus. 
Lt. Governor Pulumataala offered best wishes for the school’s diamond anniversary and commended the alumni for organizing a memorable event. Speaking to the students, he said that one day some of them will occupy the seats that he and the Fono leaders hold now. He urged that parents focus on their children and advised students to stay away from 
drugs.
The Lt. Governor drew applause when he endorsed the request to build a stadium at Leone High School. Pointing to the Fono leaders, he noted that so much money has been spent on the new Fono building, which has taken years to complete. “If construction of a stadium starts tomorrow,” he said, “perhaps it will be completed before the Fono building is finished.”
Director of Education Maefau Dr. Mary Taufetee, in her remarks, highlighted alumna Mikaela Saelua, who set a record by becoming the first Teacher of the Year from American Samoa to be one of the four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025.
