The Avele College at Vailima has held a ceremony to mark the commissioning of new school prefects for this academic year.

College Principal, Matafeo Lesaisaea Reupena, told the Samoa Observer that they are the first Government-run college to acknowledge the appointments of their student leaders.

"I believe Avele College is the first Government school to have a ceremony to bless their leaders, and this is a chance to ask Avele'e Principal which is God himself to continue to guide Avele College this year," he said. "I challenge these leaders to do their best to serve the school and also to do well in their academic life as well, us teachers rely on the parents to help their kids with their assignments and their duties.”

Newly-appointed College head Girl, Filoi Simiti, gave a speech on behalf of her 40 colleagues who stepped up to accept leadership roles in the college. 

"Being chosen as the head girl of Avele College never crossed my mind, however, thanksgiving and praise goes to the man above for his blessings upon me," she said. "As the head girl of this year, my main goal for my school is to try to build better relationships between Avele College and other schools to avoid any more conflicts between us and other schools.”

Avele College students have a history of getting into brawls with peers from other colleges, which the head girl said she can still remember. 

"We all know why Avele is no longer allowed to be seen at the market place in Savalalo, and for me I want to change the attitude of the students and hoping for a better Avele college," she added.

Ms Simiti has been attending Avele College since Year 9.

The 40 appointed prefects include the head girl, a deputy head girl, a head boy and a deputy head boy.

The 40 prefects appointed for Avele College for this academic year include: Filoi Simiti (Head Girl), Rosita Iuta (Deputy Head Girl), Maina Afoa (Head Boy), Koneferenisi Elu (Deputy Head Boy), Laurabada Faresa, Matelina Semeli, Lanuola Uiese, Poinsetia Mavaega, Sefilina Leafi, Bernadette Apelu, Christeva Vuitaavale, Luaipouomalo Auvele, Mina Tuvale, Lily Taateo, Nerisa Olesa, Sarona Lupematasila, Maureen Italia, Taua Coffin, Sera Tonumaipea, Nowella Leituala, Seuifanua Neemia, Elisapeta Faifailoa, Tauvaga Kolena, Vainuupo Papalii, Robert Fogavai, Eleasaro Leaupepe, Faavae Faavae, Oteta Motu, Gordon Joseph, Seanoa Leiataua, Chrisnara Wong Sin, Faaolaina Faaulufalega, Lotofou Tulili, Junior Chu Ling, Livigisitone Fiavaai, Alo Timani, Kupita Niutovale, Ene Leamosa, Francis Kareni and John Wesley Wilson.