Interact Conference 2025: A Celebration of Youth Service and Leadership in American Samoa

The Interact Conference 2025, held at the American Samoa Community College Lecture Hall, gathered approximately 100 participants in an uplifting and inspiring afternoon dedicated to leadership and service. Hosted by the Rotaract Club of ASCC and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Pago Pago, the event provided a platform for our young leaders to showcase their community service projects, connect with their peers, and celebrate their commitment to community action throughout the school year. 

American Samoa's Graduating Interact Students for 2025!

The conference featured the six Interact Clubs of American Samoa:

• Fa’asao Marist High School

• Leone High School

• Manumalo Academy

• Pacific Horizon School

• Samoana High School

• Tafuna High School

The day’s program reflected the passion and dedication of these student-led clubs. Opening remarks were delivered by Raymond David, Vice President of the Rotary Club of Pago Pago, who emphasized the power of achievements as stepping stones to future success. His words set the tone for a day of reflection and inspiration.

One of the event’s highlights was the presentation by students who attended the RYPEN Leadership Conference in New Zealand, offering insights and takeaways from their transformative experience. RYPEN Conference included Interact Clubs from all over the region including New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Island, etc. Following this, each Interact Club presented their projects for the year, outlining their contributions and future initiatives. 

American Samoa's RYPEN attendees shared these imaged from their trip to New Zealand.

A portion of Interact of Fa'asao Marist High School's Presentation

A major moment of celebration came with the recognition of graduating Interact seniors, who received stoles to wear at their graduation in honor of their dedication to service. This powerful gesture symbolized their journey of leadership and growth within the Interact movement.

The keynote remarks were given by Rotarian Pauga Joey Cummings emphasizing the intersection of service and leadership through the principles of servant leadership.

Guiding the proceeding were Athena Polu and Falesoa Tufi from Rotaract Club of ASCC, as hosts and MC's. 

The afternoon was filled with exciting presentations!

With the momentum of this conference, American Samoa’s Interact Clubs are poised for another impactful year of service. The commitment, collaboration, and passion displayed at this event reaffirmed that the future of leadership in American Samoa is bright.

Could Interact be right for you? There's always more room at the table for community-minded young people. If your school, church or group would like to start an Interact club for teenagers, contact the Rotary Club of Pago Pago.