Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata congratulates Thessalonica Lagafuaina for representing American Samoa at the inaugural Close Up NextGen Roundtable: Decision 2026 in Washington, D.C.

“Congratulations to Thessalonica for representing American Samoa in this important national forum and contributing our territory’s perspective alongside students from across the country,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I am proud of her willingness to learn, engage in thoughtful discussion, and represent our islands with distinction.”

Held July 8–11, the inaugural NextGen Roundtable brought together young people from across the nation and U.S. territories to examine major public policy issues, engage in respectful dialogue, and strengthen the skills of informed civic participation.

The program was hosted by the Close Up Foundation in partnership with the Stanford University Deliberative Democracy Lab, Generation Lab, and the Hoover Institution’s Center for Revitalizing American Institutions.

“This is the first year Close Up held the Next Gen Roundtable, and I was honored to represent our territory at this conference,” said Lagafuaina. “This is my second time representing American Samoa for the Close Up program.”

Lagafuaina previously represented American Samoa through the Close Up Foundation in 2025, when she and 13 other students traveled to Washington, D.C., for a two-week civic education program. During this year’s conference, she met students from across the United States and neighboring U.S. territories, reunited with mentors from her previous Close Up experience, and met Close Up President Mia Charity.

Close Up is such a great opportunity, especially for our local kids, as it gives them the chance to see and meet other kids from around the nation and other islanders from nearby territories,” said Lagafuaina. “It also aids in developing an open mind, understanding more about the government, and getting a close up experience of so many historical monuments and places.”

Lagafuaina, a 2026 graduate of Tafuna High School, said the experience strengthened her understanding of government while creating friendships and connections that will last beyond the conference.

“Overall, I am grateful for the program and everything it had to offer; the lessons, skills, and many long term friendships,” she said.