As we witness the celebration of Avele College's 100th year anniversary a cascade of Samoan proverbs floods the mind, echoing the sentiments of celebration and unity. Our coverage of the prelude to this momentous occasion and its unfolding spectacle this week resonates deeply with these inspirational proverbs.

One proverb that comes to mind is “E lele le toloa, ae ma’au ile vai,” which encapsulates the essence of Avele’s centenary journey. It speaks of the enduring connection to one's roots, likening it to the toloa bird's return to its nurturing waters. Just as the toloa finds solace in its origin, so too do thousands of former students flock to commemorate a century of nurturing at Avele College.

Reaching a centennial milestone is no small feat. It's a testament to resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment. Avele College stands as a beacon of excellence, shaping generations of Samoans who have made indelible marks both locally and globally.

Anniversaries serve as poignant junctures for reflection, gratitude, and homage to those who've paved the path. The festivities not only honour the past but also bridge generational divides, uniting those who graduated from the school 50 and 60 years ago with recent graduates in a shared tapestry of experiences.

The Organising Committee's commendable gesture of recognising former students' achievements across diverse fields underscores Avele's profound impact. From sports to academia, from local leadership to international acclaim, former students of Avele College have left an indelible imprint on society.

As part of the festivities, they incorporated an award ceremony to recognise individuals who have attained prominent positions in various fields, both within Samoa and internationally. They acknowledged and honored individuals who have risen to become Cabinet Ministers and even Prime Minister, as well as those who have assumed leadership roles in different religious denominations in the country. 

Pioneer educators, who devoted their lives to teaching and mentoring students at the college, were also recognized among others. What's particularly noteworthy is that current students were present during the award ceremony. Undoubtedly, this experience served as an inspiration for them, showing that they too can achieve greatness as they pursue their education at Avele.

One of the highlights of the celebration is the inclusive participation of descendants of Avele College alumni who have passed away. These individuals, whether or not they themselves attended the college, join in honouring their loved ones' memory during the anniversary festivities. They understand that their departed relatives would have been part of the celebration had they been alive. 

Undoubtedly, these descendants have been privy to the rich stories and experiences shared by their loved ones about their time at Avele, which undoubtedly shaped their lives and contributed to their success. Without hesitation, they proudly march alongside thousands of Avele alumni down Beach Road in Apia, adorned in white and green attire with yellow necklaces and seis. This display of unity truly touches the heart, evoking feelings of joy and pride as people come together in solidarity and harmony to commemorate their shared heritage and accomplishments.

Unity, the cornerstone of this celebration, emanates a warmth that touches the soul. In a world often fragmented, witnessing such cohesion is both uplifting and inspiring.

With that said, we extend our congratulations to Avele College on their anniversary, reaching the significant milestone of 100 years. Together, we recognise the leaders who laid the foundation and advocated for the establishment of the school. To the organising committee, we commend you for your diligent work and dedication in orchestrating this week's festivities. 

Witnessing the array of events and programs unfold before us, fills us with pride for your efforts. Well done! As the famous Samoan proverb goes, "Ta fia Falealili fua," typically used by those not from Falealili to express admiration when the people of Falealili accomplish a remarkable task. Undoubtedly, Samoans near and far, observing the updates and celebrations of Avele College's 100th Anniversary, share this sentiment.

Even our Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, expressed his desire to attend Avele College during his youth in his address at the opening ceremony on Tuesday. He admired the "Avele spirit" instilled in all students who passed through the college. Similarly, the Kings Representative to the Cook Islands, Sir Tom Masters, fondly reminisced about his own enriching experience as a student at Avele College.

And whoever came up with the theme of the anniversary, urging all Avele College students, past and present, to "Always remember God" as they come together for this grand celebration, is a genius.