Hilliard Memorial School Grand Opening

Excitement filled the air on the day of the grand opening. It has been 7+ months since Cyclone Gita struck the island. The Seventh Day Adventists are the first of the schools to complete the construction on the buildings. The students are thrilled to be moving out of the tents and into a new building with new desks and chairs as well.

When we delivered furniture last week, Principal Katalina Matui invited us to attend the Grand Opening on Friday. We told her we would not miss it. We grow to love the principals, teachers, and students as we assess, organize, and deliver the needs of their school. 

We thought the grand opening would be a small event with the actual moving of furniture to the rooms. Boy, were we Surpised!  

Thomsons, Prime Minister Honorable Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva

          

The Prime Minister Honorable Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva attended and addressed the school. He thanked us in his talk and also personally. When he got up to tour the classrooms, he turned to us and motioned for us to join him and the other SDA leaders. Prime Minister came and shook our hands and also had us sit by him for the group picture of the honored guests. He was very kind to us.

Prime Minister sits in the royal chair. Here he addresses those in attendance

School choir sang a couple of numbers

 The Seventh Day Adventist President Saia Vaea Vea, the SDA Director of Education Piula Fukofuka, and District Director Heilala Fe'aomoeata were all in attendance. When the ceremony was finished and we had toured the new classrooms, we again were thanked for our generous donation. LDS Charities had provided the desks and chairs for all the new rooms ... some of the desks and chairs were from a donation last year. While we had lunch provided by the PTA, we were able to visit with President Vea and  Director Fe'aomoeata for 45 minutes. We hope to meet again on future projects. 

District Director Heilala Fe'aomoeata, Principal Katalina Matui, Thomsons, SDA President Vea

As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light in the lives of others.                         Thomas S Monson