Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata congratulated the 75 graduates of the American Samoa Community College during its 84th Commencement Ceremony held on May 17 in the Taeaoafua Gymnasium at Kanana Fou. Amata attended the event, which included remarks from President Dr. Rosevonne Pato, Pastor Francis Lolesio, and keynote speaker Agriculture Director Daniel Elisara Helsham.
The graduation marks a significant achievement for students and their families in American Samoa. Amata said, “I am delighted to be able to attend ASCC Commencement in honor of our graduates and their proud families. Congratulations to each graduate on this wonderful accomplishment, as you now have an education that lasts a lifetime and will serve your future well. Congratulations also to each parent, family member, and mentor in guiding any of these lives.”
Amata thanked those who helped organize the ceremony and recognized college staff for their roles supporting students’ success. She said, “Thank you to President Dr. Rosevonne Pato, and all the faculty and staff of the college for your roles in providing an education for these graduates and the rest of our current and future students. We appreciate all the planners and staff ensuring the commencement went well, and especially keynote speaker Director Helsham, and Pastor Lolesio. Their words and examples are excellent guidelines for these departing graduates.”
For fiscal year 2026, Congress allocated $3 million specifically for ASCC through yearly funding from the Office of Insular Affairs as part of Interior Appropriations totaling $29 million for American Samoa. Amata has requested continued support into next year’s budget cycle after testifying before Congress about this priority earlier this spring.
In March, Amata co-led bipartisan legislation—the Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act—that passed in the U.S. House of Representatives aiming to guarantee territory students access to in-state tuition rates at universities across America if they pursue four-year degrees within the United States.
Looking ahead, Amata said: “To each graduate, you earned your applause at the commencement, and we are all cheering you on in your next steps. We know your Samoan values including family, faith and prayer will be a strong foundation for your continued growth ahead.”
