Don Bosco Technical College hosted a triple celebration at their Alafua campus on Friday.

The celebration marked their School Feast day, the welcoming of girls as part of the school and lastly the graduation for the 2019 class, which could not be held last year due to the measles epidemic.

The celebration started with a mass where the school sought divine blessings for the New Year. Principal, Mane Su’a, said it is always good to start the school year with a mass.

During the celebration, 75 students received certificates in Basic Trade Skills and 49 students received certificates of Essential Emergencies by Red Cross.

“The certificate of Essential Emergency by Red Cross is now a requirement for T.V.E.T. courses taken here in Alafua,” he said.

As for the graduating class, nine students graduated with certificates of Automotive Engineering, 13 in Welding and Fabricating, nine in Plumbing and Sheet Metal, 13 in Engineering and five in Carpentry and Joinery.

“Ninety five (95) percent of the graduating class have been rewarded with full-time jobs from the employers where they were sent to observe for five weeks,” said Mr. Su’a.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Peter Junior Falemai’i, thanked the Principal and staff for their support.

 “My years as a Don Bosco student have finally come to an end today,” said the 21-year-old.

“I want to express my gratitude to our Principal Mane Sua and also to all the teachers at Don Bosco for helping out with my learning and for accepting me as part of the school.”

He said he would forever remember Don Bosco because of what he has learned and also for everything that has happened during his school life.

 “One day, I came to school and I only had $2 in my pocket, and I asked our Principal for help and he gave me $10 tala. I came to pay it the next day but he didn’t accept it,” he said, smiling.

“The virtues taught at Don Bosco I will forever carry in my heart and the memories I will cherish,” he said, wishing his fellow graduates all the best.

There are 25 staff members at the school with a roll of nearly 200 students.