“Nua, the best house”
Name: Paul Mahlon Faleapuna Tu’ivai
Year of entry to THS: 1979 and skipped P-Form so I am part of the MIGHTY CLASS of 1978 (was in THS Forms 1-4 before family migrated to the USA)
House: Nua the best HOUSE
Parents: Ma’a Faleapuna Tu’ivai of ‘Ohonua/’Eua, Nomuka,Felemea/Ha’apai & Vikavao Siulolo Manumatanga ‘o Vailahi ‘Ilolahia Tu’ivai, of Masilamea/Tongatapu & Ha’ano/Ha’apai
What did it feel like to pass the entrance exam to THS?
It was a culmination of many hours of “po ako” and many weekends spent preparing for the test that when the announcement came across A3Z I felt a sense of relief and excitement. I entered THS from Tonga Side School with 8 other classmates. The Dux for our entry year was also part of our intake class from Side School- Tsutomu Nakao Jr.
The home I grew up in had a few THS ex-students. The first one being Violani ‘Ilolahia Wills, Lita ‘Ilolahia Howard, Vasiti ‘Ilolahia (sister), Seluvaia ‘Ilolahia, Siulolo ‘Ilolahia, and Fataki ‘o Tonga ‘IlolahiaI was in the best house of Nua, and I led Nua House’s marching at the opening of Parliament in 1981 and we won. I was also engaged in the Drama Club, and the German Language Extension Program that was held at ‘Atele.I have many fond moments from Tonga High School. One was in 1981, when I was amongst those selected by the late Crown Prince Tupouto’a at the time (who later became Tupou V) to be a member of his selected Sea Cadet Program, then being given the honours to lead our House – Nua to win the Marching Competition that year. I have many memorable moments, but, one in particular was collecting the mail for the School (Form Duties), taking the School Bicycle and delivering and collecting the mail from the Post Office.I loved the Science subjects which were my favourite, but the teacher that left an impression was the late Finau Tutone who was my 3rd and 4th Form Teacher. I took pride in wearing the THS uniform and being identified as a THS’er. (BTW BRING BACK THE SHORTS)
My advice to current and future THS students, take the time to enjoy the journey. Be aware of the experiences and most of all remember that education is simple, a platform to open your mind up to the possibilities of the world.
My ambition in life includes giving better access (free internet, electricity, etc.) to ANY student in Tonga to the world of possibilities. Create pathways for exporting our greatest commodity- OUR PEOPLE.Tonga High School was a great incubator of learning the basic lessons that would propel me in all my future endeavours education and profession wise. There were 5 traits I call the “THS 5”.
- Punctuality– Late is not an option for success
- Passion– Enthusiasm at Tonga High brought out the best in any effort
- Persistence– Failing is not an option, simply a set back
- Purpose– Tonga High School is a standard
- Pride– Taking pride in our School automatically set your compass of decorum
I wouldn’t trade my time spent with my classmates, form teachers, teachers, staff. Although I only spent Form 1-4 before migrating to the USA- I have memories and life lessons that are priceless. “Ki He Lelei Taha”Regardless of your schooling, social status, or belief- remember we are all HIS children. Don’t let the prestige, status, or even the culture of being a THS’er cloud your purpose and your direction. Learn to build not destroy, love not to hate, and share not be greedy.
Where is Paul Maloni Tu’ivai today?
Paul “Mighty Paul” Tu’ivai is a Tongan born American known for his work in Radio and the Music Industry. An award-winning pioneer in Radio-then “Big Paul” became the first Tongan On-Air Personality on commercial Radio in the United States. Another of his many “first” soon followed joining Priority Records creating the position of National Director of Street Marketing (responsible for Fridays Soundtrack & Mack 10’s Debut release) becoming the first Pacific Islander Executive in the mainstream music industry. He won his first National GAVIN Award for “Independent Marketing & Promotions Company of the Year” – for his work for Fox Studios, Warner Bros, Sony, Columbia Records, Ruthless Records, Capitol Records, MCA, and newly formed Universal Records. Universal Records would bring him on as the West Coast Regional Director Marketing & Promotions pivotal in the launching of careers such as Lil Wayne, Cash Money Records, Nelly, Akon, Chamillionaire, Amy Winehouse, and India.Arie to name a few. His responsibilities grew with the acquisition of the legendary MOTOWN Records label where he worked with Teena Marie, Temptations, Boyz II Men, and Smokey Robinson on their catalogue and new releases during his 15-year career with Universal.Mr. Tu’ivai has been developing and working on launching a FinTech company that he looks to change the way the world transacts. Mr. Tu’ivai joined K.A.V.A Talks in 2020 as the Director and is currently developing the expansion of their mission to include educational and practical work in the Pasifika diaspora globally. Mr. Tu’ivai also is the VP of the Pasifika Film Festival, founder of PASIFIKA IN Club on the new Clubhouse Platform where he shares and mentors those looking to get a foot hold in Entertainment.
“I look forward to reuniting with old friends and classmates next year. Thank you all of those I got to know and fellowship with while at School.”
Paul Mahlon Faleapuna Tu’ivai Mighty Class of 1978
RoadToFaaimata 