The National University of Samoa’s University Prepatory Year held their prize giving ceremony on Thursday night with the Graduation cere on Friday, where Leisina Grace Rasmussen was awarded the Misa Telefoni Trophy for achieving the Top Overall Foundation Student of 2025.
The Misa Telefoni Reztlaff Trophy for Top Overall Foundation Student was presented by Foloi Lesatele of the Retzlaff Family Trust. The trophy is accompanied with a cash prize, a Bible engraved with Ms Rasmussen’s name, and signed copies of Misa Telefoni’s books.
Ms Rasmussen also received the SROS Plaque for Top Foundation Science Student and also won the Top Foundation Technology Student award.
Rasmussen shared the Top Foundation Chemistry student with Fotuomanaia Meleisea.
Her Top Foudation Computing award was shared with Jade Carmelita Belford-Scanlan.
Speaking to SGN after the ceremony Leisina said the moment felt unreal, and it all just sank in when she walked onto stage.
Leisina had studied at the Church Coll of Samoa (Pesega College) from Year 8 to Year 12 and graduated last year as the valedictorian and dux of 2024.
Leisina says her faith played a big part in her success.
“My faith helped me to stay calm during stressful times..”
“Whenever I struggled, I remembered my mother’s words: “How bad do you want it?”
A reminder that Ms Rasmussen says had pushed her to keep going, especially when she had to give up time with her friends to study.
Leisina is the middle child between her brothers, Samna and Xavier. Her proud parents are Karleen Rasmussen and Derek Rasmussen.
Her family settled in Samoa in the mid-2000s. Her father works at Digicel, and her mother runs a lodge in Mulifanua.
“Their support and hard work has inspired me throughout this journey..”
An inspirational young lady Leisina is also a sailor with Samoa Sailing and participated at the 2024 ILCA (International Laser Class Association) 4 youth championships last April.
Going forward the Top Overall Foundation Student for 2025 said she’d like to study Electrical Engineering at University next year.
