Congressman Faleomavaega today issued the following statement congratulating Mr. Pati T. Pati, Jr. as the 2005 American Samoa Teacher of the Year.  Mr. Pati and other teacher of the year recipients from the U.S. territories and states were honored recently during a White House ceremony hosted by President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.  Mr. Pati has been teaching at Leone High School for the past nine years.  He is the Head Coach for the Leone Lions football team and also recognized throughout American Samoa as the Music Teacher and Choirmaster for the ever so popular Leone High School Swing Choir.  Mr. Pati holds a bachelor’s degree from Weslyan College in Iowa where he attended on a football scholarship.

“Today, I congratulate Mr. Pati Pati, Jr. for his selection as the 2005 American Samoa Teacher of the Year.  As many people in American Samoa know, especially the students and their parents at Leone High School, Pati has truly made a tremendous difference in the lives of many students at Leone High School through its football and music programs.  The Leone High School Swing Choir, under the direction of the talented Pati, has produced some of the best renditions of Samoan music I have heard.  To date, the Leone High School Swing Choir has released eight CDs and perhaps it has the most successful music program in any high school in American Samoa.”

            “Without a doubt, Pati has inspired many students and parents with his musical talent and his caring approach to the teaching profession.  His commitment and dedication to educating our young people has earned him the respect and consent of his peers and students alike to be this year’s recipient of the American Samoa Teacher of the Year award.” 

            “At this time, I also extend my congratulations to all the teachers in American Samoa, both in public and private schools, for the extraordinary job they do in educating our young people and shaping them to become better individuals as they achieve their goals in life.  Teaching is a noble profession that seldom receives the recognition it deserves.  Malo fai o le faiva.  Fa’afetai tele mo le tautua.”