Thessalonica Lagafuaina, a recent graduate of Tafuna High School, represented American Samoa at the inaugural Close Up NextGen Roundtable: Decision 2026 in Washington, D.C., held July 8–11. Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata congratulated Lagafuaina, praising her willingness to learn and engage in thoughtful discussion. The roundtable brought together youth from across the U.S. and territories to examine public policy issues and strengthen civic participation skills. The program was hosted by the Close Up Foundation in partnership with Stanford University’s Deliberative Democracy Lab, Generation Lab, and the Hoover Institution. Lagafuaina, who previously attended a Close Up program in 2025, said the experience deepened her understanding of government and built lasting friendships. She encouraged other local students to pursue similar opportunities.
Article and image source: samoanews.com
