Scholarship Eligibility

***FOR OFFICIAL RELEASE.  06/19/2023***

The Foeoletini Foundation and the Brianna Lina Wilson Scholarship Fund Awards $8,000.00 for Two Local High School Applicants.

On Monday, June 19, 2023, the Honorable Manumaua Wayne, on behalf of Mrs. Lepoi Wilson and family, in partnership with the Christopher James Foeoletini Ledoux Foundation (The Foeoletini Foundation), presented two (2) four thousand dollar ($4,000.00) scholarship awards to recipients of the Brianna Lina Wilson Scholarship Fund, Ms. Savannah Savali of Tafuna High School and Mr. Malõ Mata'u of Samoana High School.

"Ms. Savannah Savali (Nuuuli) and Mr. Malõ Mata'u (Fagasa) have successfully met all the criteria set by The Foeoletini Foundation Scholarship Board," stated Olomua Fiafia Sunia, Chairman of the Scholarship Board.  He continued, "We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of both of these recipients during the past four years of their secondary education, and we are excited to see what lies ahead in the next four years.  The selection process was not easy, and all the applicants were exceptional in their own ways.  However, one of the most compelling reasons separating these two candidates from other applicants is their passion to return to American Samoa to help our island and our people."  

The Brianna Lina Wilson Scholarship was founded in honor of the late Brianna Lina Wilson, the daughter of House Representative Manumaua and Lepoi Wilson.  Mr. Wilson also serves as a board member for the Foeoletini Foundation.  He stated, "She was a young woman passionate about science, math, art, and engineering.  We are proud to offer this scholarship to high school students who share Brianna's love for these subjects and are pursuing a college degree in one of these fields." stated the Honorable Manumaua Wayne Wilson.  Manumaua states, "Her memory lives on through this scholarship.  Brianna would have graduated from Tafuna High School this year with Ms. Savannah.  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 main criteria of applicants required them to pursue a degree in a STEAM field.  Must have a GPA of 3.5 and above, have a solid academic record, demonstrate financial need, and submit a 500-word essay explaining why they are passionate about their chosen field of study.

The Foeoletini Foundation's executive director Mrs. Trude Sunia stated, "On behalf of the board of trustees, I would like to thank Faleituau and Ramona Mata’u of Fagasa and Nathaniel and Alvina Savali of Nuuuli for raising such great children.  We could not have asked for a better duo to represent The Foeoletini Foundation and the Brianna Lina Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Our organization is committed to providing future scholarships to all public high schools, internships and volunteer opportunities.  Our mission and work is to create opportunities for youth to steer them away from the dangers of high drug use in young people on island. Therefore, we encourage donations from individuals and corporations to support this initiative.  Your contribution can help us make a difference in the lives of talented students who might not have the financial means to pursue a college degree.”  

“The Brianna Lina Wilson Scholarship Fund is 100% funded by private donors and family members.  Together, we can ensure that Brianna's legacy lives on and that future generations can pursue their passion for science, math, and engineering.” 

Apply or donate to the Brianna Lina Wilson Memorial Scholarship today.The Foeoletini Foundation also is accepting donations through the website portal via PayPal, and for more information on other methods for donating, email foeoletinifoundation@gmail.com.  

The Foeoletini Foundation focuses on providing services and resources to families impacted by substance use disorder, victims of substance abuse, and recovery. 

For further information about our work and how to donate more, visit our website at: www.foeoletini.org.  

For Official Release.  06/19/2023

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