What’s a celebration without a ball? With that in mind, hundreds of former St. Mary’s students gathered at Tofamamao on Friday night, all decked out in their evening best for a night of fun.
The ball, which was part of the Missionary Sisters of Mary’s (S.M.S.M) 150th Jubilee, was a rare moment to gather under one roof and reminisce for the former and present students.
It was also a time to recount fond memories of the good old days from Saint Mary’s Primary School at Savalalo to St. Mary’s College at Vaimoso.
The celebrations started last week and has carried through to this week.
The ball was one of the final events leading up to the closing today with a Mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral at Mulivai at 10am.
The guests on Friday night included the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi. The Prime Minister’s wife, Gillian Malielegaoi, was also present.
Among them was Tina Suhren, who travelled from New Zealand for the event.
“It’s immensely exciting and it has been a very successful celebration,” she said.
She shared about the bond that continues to keep her former class mates as well as other former students connected despite the many years apart, or the different lives that each one has gone on to make for themselves.
Mrs. Suhren attended the school in 1965.
She spoke fondly of the memories as well as what she continues to believe stands out and identifies students that attended the St Mary’s schools.
“It is important to thank God especially for the S.M.S.M and the schools,” she said.
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She expressed thanks to the old girls that stayed in Samoa, who organised the event.
Mrs Suhren believes that lessons taught to the former students by the teachers at the St Marys Schools played a huge role in the success of the event.
“I’m thankful and grateful to the girls who stay in Samoa and who worked hard to put this together because it is so successful and wonderful compared to the length of time it’s taken to prepare it.”
Mrs. Suhren was also very thankful for the fellowship.
“It has been wonderful and I pray to God for more good things to happen to the S.M.S.M”.
She said the gathering is also important as it suggests the importance of non-governmental educational institutions and the need for the community to support such schools.
“Education is the key forward and the only way to develop the youths of this country,” she said.
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