May 20, 1999

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ---- CONGRESSMAN FALEOMAVAEGA'S STAFFER, BARRY LLOYD SO'OALO, RECEIVES JURIS DOCTOR FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (D.C.)

      Congressman Faleomavaega is pleased to announce the successful completion of a Juris Doctor degree by one of the member's staff, Mr. Barry Lloyd So'oalo, who has worked as a part-time staff assistant to the Congressman for nearly three years.

      "I am extremely proud of Barry and his accomplishments. He has worked hard for this achievement and has endured the rigorous study of law at the same time supporting his wife and two boys. Barry has become a stellar example for many young Samoans with families who have aspired to enter a legal career and have wondered whether they would ever be able to make it. Determination and commitment have truly described Barry's sacrifice," the Congressman stated.

      Barry is the son of Elia and Sami So'oalo of Honolulu, Hawaii. He has four brothers and two sisters. The family migrated from Futiga, American Samoa in the early 1970's for a better life for their children. Mr. Elia So'oalo is from Vaigaga, Independent State of Samoa, and Mrs. Sami Fa'asuamalie So'oalo is the niece of Paramount Chief Asuemu Ulufale Fuimaono of Futiga and Aoloau, American Samoa.

      Barry was initially educated at Puuhale Elementary School in Kalihi, Hawaii and graduated from Farrington High School in 1985. He received his B.A. degree in Journalism, with a minor in Computer Science (ICS) from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1991 and began his legal studies in the nation's capital in 1996.

      Barry's future plans includes a practice in Hawaii with a focus on immigration, criminal and personal injury law; he intends to sit for the Hawaii state bar in November of this year. An unassuming gentleman with a heart for his Samoan people, Barry had this to say following his graduation this past weekend, "The three years I have spent working for the Congressman has only confirmed my desire to help our people. I know that Congressman Faleomavaega after law school began his career in DC working for my Uncle Fuimaono, the first Samoan Delegate to Congress. Not that I would want to get into politics, but a life of public service is something I would seriously consider. Growing up in Hawaii, I saw how many Samoans required legal assistance. Sometimes they were not able to afford it nor were they aware of the resources available to them. I would like to think that I can be there for them when they need help."

      Finally, Congressman Faleomavaega said of Mr. So'oalo, "Barry will make an excellent attorney because he is a hard worker and his heart is in the right place. He has the full support of his parents and family and a whole nation of people who are very proud of him. My entire staff, namely Barry's coworkers in the DC office, are grateful for his contributions to our operation and we wish him well."

      The 31-year-old So'oalo is married to the former Asomanuia Mao of Aua, American Samoa. They have two young sons, Dean, age 9, and Robert, age 4.