Avele College yesterday welcomed home a very special Old Pupil – the Queen’s Representative in the Cook Islands, Tom Marsters, as part of their 90th Anniversary celebrations.
The day started with a prayer said by Avele Principal, Luafalealo Mikaele Tofete.
This was followed by students and teachers taking to the stage to perform the mauluulu, Siva Samoa and Sāsā.
Mr. Marsters, who has been in the country since Friday last week, was proud to be back at his old school. He recounted how his years at the school were some of the happiest of his life.
<!-- ads-articles(24.03.14) -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-9419815128221199"
data-ad-slot="2395638412"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>{/googleAds}
“When I entered the College this morning, the memories just came rushing by and I was very emotional,” he said.
“I have watched the last performance the sāsā and I recall in the year 1962, the noble Independence celebration of Samoa.
“I was very impressed with the two young students who guided the sāsā because I, and an old colleague, Apelu Gaitaoto, were the two who led the sāsā at that time.”
He also acknowledged the committee, the principal, teachers and also the students for such an event.
“To the students of today you will never understand how I feel today until you are matured and have your own life,” he said.
“Being in the place that I used to be has brought back so many memories and that is why I am very emotional.
“If it is ever possible, I would probably have one of my grandsons come to Avele.
“So we will see how it goes in the future.
“I am already looking forward for the 100th Anniversary and my team that came with me are already asking, if it is possible, they would like to accompany me back.
“But only God almighty would know what lies ahead for me because I’m no longer a spring chicken and age is catching up.
“But Lord willing if I’m still in good health then I believe I will be back.
“Avele keep up the legacy of our school it has the colorful and very deep discipline that all of us must hold it in as we go through life.”
The principal and the school presented a gift for the Queen’s Representatives to take back as a memory of his being here in the celebration of this festivity.
Mr. Marsters attended the ceremony with his wife Tuaine. The celebration is continuing.
<!-- 336x280 (bottom-article) -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-2469982834957525"
data-ad-slot="1033882026"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>{/googleAds}