The St Joseph’s College Form 4 Class of 1988 is again paying for the school fees of 6 students at St Joseph’s College and 1 student at Marist Brothers Primary School.
The funding continues an annual scholarships commitment into 2021 by the grouping of ex-college students working together as Class of ‘88
The Class comprises of 2 chapters, 1 in Samoa and the other in New Zealand. The NZ Chapter is led by Faimalo Alan Stowers. The NZ Chapter raised $4,000 which was sent to Samoa to be combined with Samoa’s finances to pay for the scholarships.
According to Faimalo, “We can never forget the Marist schools that taught us the values and standards by which we try to live our lives.
“Our desire is give back to our schools, whenever we can.”
He also thanked all those who donated to and supported their fundraising events.
The aim of the scholarships is two-fold according to Laulu Leo T. Leauanae, the Secretary of the Samoa Chapter.
“Firstly, we want to provide the opportunity for students who have good attitude and potential to succeed in life but require assistance with school fees,” Laulu said.
“ Secondly, we also provide scholarships for intelligent students so as to raise the academic standard of our schools.”
One of the recipients of this year’s scholarship is JP Ah Ping who was the Dux of St Theresa Primary School last year. JP is now enrolled in Year 9 at St Joseph’s College.
JP attended the Samoa Chapter’s first meeting of the year to formally receive the scholarship award. At the award presentation, the President of the Samoa Chapter, Tuatagaloa Aumua Ming Leung Wai emphasised to JP the need for him “…to be a person of integrity and to always have a giving heart once he completes his studies and becomes successful in life.”
The worth of scholarships is over $10,000.
Every year, the Class of 88 has fundraising events in both Samoa and NZ to fund the scholarships.
“So please family and friends, we need your support when we come knocking on your doors,” is the plea from Class of 88 Treasurer, Sailimaloilefilemu Achatz Ott.