“This is an historic moment for Ms. Annabell Talamoa and American Samoa and I want to congratulate Annabell for successfully completing all the requirements for graduation at the U.S. House of Representatives Page Program,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “Many incumbent and former Members of Congress and other prominent Americans have graduated from this unique institution and Annabell has every reason to be proud of herself.” 

       “Annabell’s graduation from the Congressional Page Program is a remarkable accomplishment and I am hopeful that other young Samoans will want to take advantage of this opportunity when another slot opens for American Samoa.  At this time, I also want to commend Annabell for her determination to succeed under trying conditions.  Living far away from family and friends, under the close supervision of the program faculty and staff, and succeeding in an academically challenging environment is a milestone accomplishment for a young student and we are proud of Annabell.” 

       “We are especially proud given the fact that this is the first time in the Territory’s history that a student from American Samoa has been given the opportunity to participate in this historic program,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “For more than 150 years, messengers known as pages have served in the United States Congress.  Every member of Congress wants to nominate a Page but there are 440 Members of Congress and only 72 Page positions.” 

       “I was very privileged and thankful that the Democratic leadership recognized my seniority and asked me to nominate a student from American Samoa to the Congressional Page Program.  Given the historic nature of this nomination, I felt it was important to establish an independent board in American Samoa to consider all applications and to give every interested student an opportunity to be selected.  The independent Committee selected Annabell and again I believe we all have reason to be proud of her accomplishments.” 

       “The Congressional Page Program is very competitive and it provides a very unique learning experience and environment that is not offered anywhere else,” Faleomavaega said.  “In order to be considered, students must be in their Junior year in high school and must have maintained at least a 3.0 Grade Point Average in their major subjects, with absolutely no exceptions, during their Freshmen and Sophomore years.  Much to her credit, Annabell met all the requirements and her graduation today speaks well of her success in the program.” 

       “Her success also speaks well of her parents and I want to congratulate Mr. Manu and Christiane Talamoa for raising an extraordinary young woman.  I wish the family and Annabell the very best,” the Congressman concluded.

From left to right:  Congressman Faleomavaega, Annabell Talamoa, Sherri, Manny Talamoa and Manu Talamoa (uncle and father respectively).