Four high school graduates have been awarded scholarships from the Brianna Lina Wilson Scholarship Fund, sponsored by the Christopher James Foeoletini Ledoux Foundation.
The scholarship fund is in honor of Brianna Lina Wilson, daughter of House Representative Manumaua and Lepou Wilson.
Brianna, who would have graduated from high school in 2023, was passionate about science, math, art and engineering.
The 2024 scholarship recipients are:
- Mataio Suluai, a graduate of Samoana High School from Pago Pago, awarded a scholarship of $4,000 (Attending 4-year college);
- Aukuso Fruean, a graduate of Samoana from Fagatogo awarded a $1,000 scholarship (Attending a 2-year college) ;
- Livigistone Fagaima, a Leone High School graduate from Nu’uuli and Failolo, awarded a $1,000 scholarship (Attending a 2-year college);
- Ezekiel To’afa, a graduate of Tafuna High School from Tafuna, awarded a scholarship of $1,000 (Attending a 2-year college).
At the scholarship presentation on Monday at the Foeoletini Foundation Multipurpose Room in Fagatogo, Executive Director Trude Ledoux-Sunia said, “Although we are just in our second year, we had a large pool of awe-inspiring applications. All applicants were highly recommended, and the Board had to deliberate longer than expected for final selection. However, I believe that the Board has made great choices, and we are excited to see these recipients return to American Samoa and make a difference.”
Due to travel, Rep. Manumaua was not present but said in a statement, “My wife and I believe that this is a way to help us keep her memory alive, as we aim to inspire the next generation of doctors, scientists, and engineers by providing financial support to students who share their enthusiasm for STEAM subjects.”
The Foeoletini Foundation’s Scholarship Board Director, Olomua Fiafia Sunia, thanked the parents of the recipients “for raising such great children.”
“We could not have asked for a better group of recipients to represent The Foeoletini Foundation and the Brianna Lina Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Our organization is committed to providing scholarships to all high schools, internships, and volunteer opportunities in the future.”
