The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) will hold its 84th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 15th beginning at 10 a.m. in the Taeaoafua Gymnasium at Kananafou. The administration, faculty and staff of the College will be joined by community dignitaries as well as the families and friends of the 82 prospective graduates who will receive their degrees and certificates. The spiritual portion of the ceremony will be presided by Pastor Francis Lolesio of the Assembly of God.

        The keynote speaker for the Commencement is an alumnus and former employee of ASCC, Daniel Elisara Helsham now serves as Director of the American Samoa Department of Agriculture, having been appointed in 2025 by the Pula and Pulu administration. In this role, he leads efforts to strengthen local food systems, advance food security, empower farmers, and promote sustainable agricultural practices across the Territory.

        Helsham is a graduate of Fa'asao Marist High School (class of 2000) and earned his Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from ASCC in 2006. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Chaminade University in Honolulu, and later completed a Master of Science in Agricultural Communications from Texas Tech University in 2022, combining his background in communication with his dedication to agriculture, education and community resilience.

        Before his current leadership role, Helsham spent over a decade as a media specialist with the Agriculture, Community, and Natural Resources Division of ASCC (a/k/a the Land Grant Program). In that role, he supported the Land Grant mission by communicating research in accessible ways, strengthening extension and community outreach, and promoting programs that serve farmers, families, and youth. His work with Land Grant highlighted sustainable agriculture, youth development, health and wellness, and community resilience, helping advance long-term food security.

        A proud son of American Samoa, Helsham traces his roots to the villages of Leone, Iliili, Fitiuta in Manu'a, communities that continue to shape his commitment to service and building a stronger future for American Samoa. His Christian faith serves as a foundation for his life and work. He is the son of Aigamaua Paul Helsham and the late Dr. Irene Adeline Faletai Tafao-Helsham, an ASCC administrator whose own legacy of leadership and services continues to guide his work. He is married to Katrina Helsham, and they have a son, Titus, while anticipating the arrival of their second child this September.

        “Mr. Helsham represents a fine example of what can be achieved by an individual pursuing their true interests and dreams, with an emphasis on a better future for our home,” reflected ASCC Dean of Student Services Dr. Emilia Le'i. “He is sure to offer an engaging keynote speech to our spring 2026 graduates.” For more information on the 84th ASCC Commencement Ceremony, contact the Division of Student Services at 699-9155, ext. 0004.