Congresswoman Aumua Amata Amata offers congratulations to two excellent students from American Samoa upon their acceptance to the nation’s prestigious service academies.
Congresswoman Aumua was notified that Ben So’otui Schuster has been offered a fully qualified appointment by the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, and that Aitulagi Alofa has been offered a fully qualified appointment by the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
“Congratulations to Ben Schuster and Aitulagi Alofa on this tremendous achievement!” said Aumua Amata. “I’m so happy to announce these two fully qualified appointments to two of our nation’s prestigious military academies. I know this great news makes your families very proud, along with your schools, teachers and villages. All of us in American Samoa can take healthy pride in the way your hard work and ability represent our islands.”
Aitulagi Alofa is a senior at Manumalo Academy. She is the daughter of Papali’i Lauli’i Alofa and Leota Wanda Papali’i of Malaeimi and Pago Pago, American Samoa.
She commits her time after school to volunteer programs, including tutoring in all subject areas within her school.
She is the president of the Manumalo Academy National Honor Society Chapter. She has planned many fundraisers in American Samoa to bring cardiologists on island to fight the serious problem of rheumatic fever in American Samoa.
Ben So’otui Schuster is the son of Tomasi and Daisy Schuster of Tafuna village. He is a senior at Manumalo Academy. Ben dedicates his after-school hours to offer tutorial services to middle school grade levels and volunteers at our local Boys and Girls Club.
Additionally, Ben makes time to take classes at the American Samoa Community College. Ben wholeheartedly intends to accept his appointment to attend the Air Force Academy, and is making plans for his move to Colorado.
Because of these services and qualifications, in addition to high academic achievement, both students were nominated this year by Amata to compete for these appointments.
“These are life changing opportunities, and these appointments are earned through sustained effort throughout the high school years,” continued Congresswoman Amata.
“Keep up the good work and we send our love and support to all of our students in the various academies and all of our men and women in uniform.”
