June 3, 1999

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ---- ANOTHER SON OF SAMOA GRADUATES AS A MEDICAL DOCTOR

      Congressman Faleomavaega today announced that another son of American Samoa, Mr. Raynald Samoa, will be graduating as a Medical Doctor (M.D.) from the University of Washington School of Medicine, in Washington state this month. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology/Anthropology from the Western Washington University. He was the recipient of the Minority Student Leader Award in 1994, and the Minority Academic Program Scholarship in 1990 to 1994.

      "I am always excited when I hear of another Samoan succeeding academically," Faleomavaega said. "I am so proud of Mr. Samoa and his accomplishments."

      While pursuing his academic endeavor, Mr. Samoa remains very active in the Samoan community in the Washington area where he lives with his parents and two sisters. He serves as Chair of the Scholarship Committee for the Tautua for the Advancement of Samoan Individuals or TASI as it is commonly known, a nonprofit organization which among its many activities provides scholarship funds to Samoan youths in the state of Washington. Mr. Samoa is multi-lingual. He is fluent in Samoan, English and French.

      "Mr. Samoa epitomizes those Samoans who value the importance of a good education while holding strong to the qualities of family and culture," Faleomavaega continues. "He will do very well, and I wish him much success in the future."

      Mr. Raynald Samoa is the son of Chief Warrant Officer Albert Samoa from the village of Faga'alu and Motusaga Vaimaona of Laulii, American Samoa.