Community Briefs Compiled by Samoa News Staff KAYLA SAUAFEA CROWNED MISS ASCC 2008-2009 Kayla Sauafea, daughter of Sonny and Marlene Sauafea of Fagatogo, was crowned Miss ASCC 2008-2009, during the Miss ASCC pageant on Saturday, April 26 at the college's gymnasium. First runner-up was Pesio Gibson, daughter of Henry and Seepa Gibson of Mapusaga Fou; second runner-up was YeiJe Lee Fuimaono, daughter of Rev. Asaua and faletua Mrs. Della Fia Fuimaono of Ili'ili and the third runner-up spot went to Laura Maez, daughter of the late Robert Maez and Emma Maez of Saipipi, Savai'i. The fifth contestant was Luatimu Toilolo, daughter of Iereneo and Faitele Toilolo of Leone. In events held during the week that preceded the pageant, Kayla, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, claimed the Miss Taupou and the Miss Popularity categories. Contestants were required to dress in formal puletasi and sash all last week for the Miss Popularity contest. On Thursday and Friday, as part of the Miss Taupou category, contestants dressed in traditional Samoan wear and performed the traditional Samoan 'ava mixing duties required of Miss ASCC during her reign. Added to the siva and formal puletasi showcased Saturday night, Kayla garnered the Miss Taupou award, winning two out of four categories. Miss Fuimaono claimed the Miss Talent Award but shared the Miss Photogenic Award with Miss Maez. The addition to these awards, contestants also competed in sarong wear, evening gown and interview during the pageant. The pageant also featured a siva from reigning Miss American Samoa Faasilitama'ita'i Shanette Tilo, an ASCC student and a farewell speech and siva from outgoing Miss ASCC Anneliese Sword. PARENTS INVITED TO ATTEND FREE EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS Parents of American Samoa are invited to attend free workshops hosted by PICED's A. S. Parent Information Resource Center (ASPIRC) that focus on helping students to achieve academic success. "Our main purpose is to educate parents to be more involved in their children's education," said ASPIRC program coordinator Moe Masoe. ASPIRC has been working for several months within the island's villages to share information on how parents can help their children achieve academic success. They have visited Poloa and most recently Fagaima where six different 'Mafutaga O Tina'-including Methodist, CCCAS, Catholic and others-met for the workshop. Six facilitators work with parents in the areas of parent leadership, school readiness and child development. Parents who complete the course receive certificates. ASPIRC's programs and services include training, course materials, Internet use and access to computers at ASPIRC. Several workshops have been lined up for next week: Tuesday at Vailoatai CCCAS (9 a.m.-1 p.m.); Thursday at the Usoagalelei Lago'o guesthouse in Faga'alu (9 a.m.-1 p.m.); Friday at Aua and Saturday on Aunu'u island. Masoe said, "parenting is the most important job in the territory" and if parents really want to do well as mothers and fathers "they will want to improve their parenting skills and increase involvement in their children's education." For more information, call ASPIRC at 699-9822. Reach the reporters at news.newsroom@samoatelco.com. © Osini Faleatasi Inc. dba Samoa News reserves all rights.