Congressman Faleomavaega congratulates High Chief Seiuli Dwayne Johnson for receiving the prestigious Horizon Award for his numerous contributions and volunteer work in educating, empowering, and enriching the lives of children worldwide.  This award is part of the Congressional Award program that was established by Congress in 1979.

 “Last Thursday night, I was honored by the Congressional Award to present the Horizon Award to Chief Seiuli Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as one of this year’s recipients,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “It was a memorable evening to honor those individuals and their foundations for their volunteer work in recognizing the service and achievement of our young people.  The Horizon Awardees, Seiuli Dwayne Johnson and Drew Christopher Brees of the New Orleans Saints, are wonderful examples of such service and inspiration to our youth.”

 “During my remarks, I reminded the audience of Dwayne’s cultural background as a Samoan chief who was bestowed the title Seiuli by the late Samoa Head of State Malietoa Tanumafili II.  Also, I acknowledged the contributions Seiuli has made not only through The Rock Foundation but to our Samoan youth and children worldwide.  His commitment and through the support of his mother, Ata Johnson, and his family, Seiuli is able to give much more of himself in bettering the lives of the youth and the communities they are from.  This was displayed in Seiuli’s speech by recognizing his very own inspiration, his daughter Simone.” 

 “We were also fortunate enough to recognize U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Sene Polu during my remarks where he and his family received a standing ovation for his service and contributions to his country.  This may not have been possible given the personal invitation by Chief Seiuli and his family for Sene, Rosie, and Charlie as well as Reverend Sui “Meki” To’alepai and his wife JoAnn to attend this remarkable event.”    
 
 “I want to take this opportunity to again personally congratulate Susuga Seiuli Dwayne Johnson for this honorable achievement.  I also want to thank his mother Ata for her support and for taking the time to accompany Seiuli to Washington, D.C. for the event,” Faleomavaega concluded.