FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ----

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has received notification from Ms. Julia Moore, of the National Science Foundation, that Mr. Tupe Safai has been selected to receive the Presidential Award for Mathematics and Science teaching for Secondary school teachers. Mr. Safai teaches Science at Leone High School.

"This award is designed to recognize and reward outstanding teachers who serve as models for their colleagues," said Congressman Faleomavaega. "The American Samoa Department of Education and the students and faculty of Leone High School are very fortunate to have Mr. Safai as a teacher."

The Congressman explained that, in addition to the award, the National Science Foundation provides a grant for improving science and mathematics programs in the school system. "Leone High School will receive $7,500 from the National Science Foundation," said the Congressman. "Under Mr. Safai's direction, this money will be used to supplement other resources for improving math and science programs for the students of American Samoa," he concluded.

Teachers from Puerto Rico and from the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas also received this award, along with teachers from the continental United States. Recipients of the 1996 Presidential Awards will spend four days in Washington, DC later this month meeting with Members of Congress and representatives of the U.S. Department of Education, the National Institutes of Health, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the U.S. Department of Energy.

"Too often we neglect to recognize the important contribution that high school teachers make to the future of our youth," said Faleomavaega. The Congressman finished, "This award honors that contribution. I am very pleased that Mr. Safai has been selected as a recipient. He and his family should be very proud of his achievement."