ASCC students Ms. Clarice Cokanasiga (right) along with her cousin Uisa Taufa'asau, celebrates receiving the 2014 Alumni Association Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded each semester by the Alumni Association to a student who is making significant progress but does not qualify for federal financial aid. (Photo: J. Kneubuhl)
ASCC students Ms. Clarice Cokanasiga (right) along with her cousin Uisa Taufa'asau, celebrates receiving the 2014 Alumni Association Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded each semester by the Alumni Association to a student who is making significant progress but does not qualify for federal financial aid. (Photo: J. Kneubuhl)
ASCC Alumni Association Awards Spring 2014 Scholarship
May 23, 2014
By James Kneubuhl, ASCC Press Officer
The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) Alumni Association has announced the recipient of its spring 2014 scholarship as Clarice Cokanasiga of Fagaalu. Miss Cokanasiga was born in Fiji but has made American Samoa her home for the past 11 years. As an ASCC student with an interest in both Business and Nursing, Miss Cokanasiga’s Fijian citizenship precludes her from being eligible for the Pell grant and other financial aid resources available to most American Samoa students entering college. “The scholarship will greatly reduce my tuition balance,” she said, “allowing me to pre-register for my needed classes in the coming semester.”
Miss Cokanasiga attended elementary school at the South Pacific International Christian Center and graduated from Samoana High School in 2011. At ASCC, in addition to her studies she has a work-study job with the American Samoa College Research Foundation, and is also a member of the Foundation Club. Her interest in Nursing comes partially from her experience as a volunteer with Helping Hands, where she has taken part in early intervention projects involving infants.
The award was presented during a ceremony earlier this month attended by the Alumni Association officers as well as family and friends of Miss Cokanasiga. During the ceremony, the Association’s President Mrs. Amio Mavaega-Luvu spoke of the pride the organization takes in assisting promising students who do not have access to financial aid. “Many in the Territory who are not American citizens or nationals still make valuable contributions to the community,” she said, “and the Association feels it’s important to offer support to students in this social category who are seeking educational opportunities.”
The Alumni Association funds its scholarship through various projects each semester, as well as donations from the community. In addition to presenting the scholarship award of $500 to Miss Cokanasiga, the Association also honored with a framed certificate of appreciation its most outstanding donor this semester, Rev. Fa'atauao M. Feleti. Rev. Feleti is the father of Mr. Evile Feleti of the Samoan Studies Department, as well as the current Vice President of the Alumni Association. Other Association supporters recognized during the ceremony were Faiivae Godinet of Godinet Rentals, Daleen Vaivai of KS Mart, Nina Fiamalua of Tony’s Bar & Grill, Ernest Sevaaetasi of Trophies and Things, and Representative Taotasi Archie Soliai.
For more information on the ASCC Alumni Association, contact Mr. Evile Feleti at 699-9155, extension 323.