The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) – Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources (ACNR) Division 4-H Program celebrated the establishment of the Fa’asaō-Marist High School (FMHS) 4-H Charter Club with an induction ceremony for its student members on October 25th. The FMHS 4-H Charter Club is the second 4-H High School Charter Club in American Samoa and will focus on providing opportunities for FMHS students to learn about agriscience while developing skills to create sustainable community change.

“The club will help all FMHS students to embrace science and agriculture through hands-on learning from 4-H activities and projects,” said FMHS 4-H Club Advisor Epifania Suafo’a-Taua’i. “Our seniors are so excited to move forward with planting, cooking, sewing, and carving activities.”

Suafo’a-Taua’i credits ASCC-ACNR Extension Program Coordinator and 4-H Program Manager Tialavea Molly Asifoa-Lagai along with her team for making the 4-H Club a reality. The new club promises to provide FMHS students with life skills, leadership opportunities, and community involvement experiences. Being a 4-H Charter Club authorizes the use of the 4-H name and emblem, fundraising using the 4-H name, and carrying out the 4-H educational program.

“The establishment of the new Fa’asaō-Marist High School 4-H Club stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to youth empowerment and holistic education,” said Asifoa-Lagai. “As the club flourishes, it is expected to produce not only successful individuals, but also well-rounded citizens equipped to face the challenges of the future.”

A 4-H Induction and Charter Recognition Ceremony was held at the FMHS School Hall to induct student members into the club and to acknowledge the club receiving official charter status. A total of 18 students were inducted, each receiving a membership certificate, 4-H pin, and ID. Several parents and faculty members were also in attendance. An official U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) charter certificate, signed by the Secretary of Agriculture’s designated representative, was presented to Club Advisor Suafo’a-Taua’i and FMHS Principal Dr. Lina Galea’i-Scanlan.

“I am happy to have this club, as it establishes for our students another career pathway in the area of science,” said Dr. Galea’i-Scanlan. “Offering agriscience and having this 4-H Club is a win-win situation for our students and I am excited for our seniors having the opportunity to gain experience in fields that are much needed in our community such as agriculture, forestry, horticulture, and animal science.”

The 4-H Youth Development Program is the youth outreach program of the ASCC-ACNR Extension Program. 4-H stands for head, heart, hands, and health, and the program seeks to promote positive youth development, facilitate learning, and, through the extension program, to engage youth in work that will enhance the quality of life in their community. For more information about the 4-H Youth Development Program, please call ASCC-ACNR at 699-1575.