As Avele College celebrates its centennial anniversary, the profound impact it has had on its students over the years is brought to light through the testimonials of distinguished alumni. From shaping national rugby legends to fostering influential voices in media and nurturing future leaders, Avele's legacy is celebrated by its former students. Here, we share the stories of four alumni—Toʻo Vaega, Eddie Taualapini (ET), Setefano Mika, and Taotua Polevia Momoisea—whose lives were transformed by their time at Avele College.
Toʻo Vaega: A Legacy in Rugby
Toʻo Vaega, a legend in Samoan rugby and a graduate of the class of 1980, credits Avele College with instilling in him the values of independence, discipline, and respect. These principles not only guided his personal growth but also propelled him to success on the rugby field. Vaega's passion for sports was nurtured at Avele, where he competed in athletics alongside other notable athletes like Lolani Koko. However, it was rugby that truly defined his path, leading him to become a celebrated player for Manu Samoa. "Avele was the birthing ground for my passion in sports," Vaega reflects. "It set me on the path to becoming the legend that I am today."
Eddie Taualapini (ET): Music and Advocacy
Eddie Taualapini, popularly known as ET, is another prominent alumnus from the class of 1980. Known for his contributions to Samoan music and his influential Vodcast, ET Live, ET highlights the mental discipline he gained from his time at Avele. He recalls 1980 as a historic year for the school, marked by triumphs in inter-school rugby and athletics championships and academic excellence. "1980 was the first year Avele won the inter-school rugby and athletics championships and had top academic students," he shares. ET's message to current students is clear: focus on your studies, endure hardships, and strive for success, embodying the Avele spirit of perseverance and resilience.
Setefano Mika: A Champion in Athletics
Setefano Mika, also known as Aunese Curreen, is a celebrated middle-distance runner who specialised in the 800 meters. A member of the North Harbour Bays Athletics Club in Auckland, New Zealand, Mika's journey began at Avele College. He represented Samoa at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where he competed in the men's 800 meters and set a national record with a personal best time of 1:47.45. Although he did not advance to the semi-finals, his performance on the international stage brought pride to Avele and Samoa.
Mika credits Avele College with instilling the discipline and determination that propelled him to athletic success. He fondly remembers his time at Avele, where his life in athletics began as a member of the class of 2003. One of his career highlights was winning three gold medals at the 2007 South Pacific Games, a feat he dedicated to Avele College. These three gold medals symbolized the three golden stripes on the Avele ie (uniform), a significant emblem of the school's heritage and spirit. "Avele taught me the fighting spirit, to never give up, and to leave everything on the track," Mika says.
Taotua Polevia Momoisea: Brotherhood and Discipline
Taotua Polevia Momoisea, a student from 1992 to 1995, reminisces about the brotherhood and discipline fostered at Avele College. He recalls the camaraderie among the boys and the emphasis on communal activities like cleaning the school and participating in sports. A memorable moment for Momoisea was when a Year 13 student challenged new students with the famous question, "Why did you come to Avele?" The correct response, "Na ou sau e su'e Mr. Usita'i" (I came to look for Mr. Usita'i, meaning obedience), highlighted the school's emphasis on respect and discipline. As Avele celebrates its 100th anniversary, Momoisea expresses gratitude to the pioneers who established the school and those who paved the way for future generations. "E lē galo oe Avele," he declares, underscoring his enduring connection to his alma mater.
A Centennial Celebration
The centennial celebrations of Avele College are not just a commemoration of its history but a testament to its enduring influence on its students and the broader Samoan community. From the fields of sports to the arenas of music and public discourse, Avele's alumni continue to embody the values and discipline instilled in them, contributing to society in meaningful ways.
As the festivities continue, the stories of Vaega, ET, Mika, and Momoisea serve as powerful reminders of the lasting legacy of Avele College. Their experiences and achievements are a testament to the school's impact, ensuring that "Avele will never be forgotten."
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