Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Miss Sei Pageant took place last Saturday at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium, in Utulei. Five contestants vied for the crown, with Miss Bayka Autumn Taumaoe of Nu’uuli, a Tafuna High School class of 2023 graduate and currently a student at ASCC winning the title.

SEI is the acronym for Sisters Embracing Inclusivity, which is the Western Zone Group under the umbrella of the Sosaiete o Faafafine i Amerika Samoa’s (SOFIAS).

An annual pageant, Miss SEI’s contestants have an age limit of 18 to 25 years old. The money from this pageant goes to fund future SEI and SOFIAS events.

SOFIAS is divided into the Eastern and Western zones, each having their own set of officers and advisory board, and who in turn are supported and regulated from a SOFIAS board of officers and advisors.

SEI featured entertainment from the well known Mr.Cowboy Sam Chookon, who shared the stage with Marion Malena, a former Miss SOFIAS and Miss Island Goddess and the creator of the popular FaceBook page, ‘American Samoa Over the Years’, as well as other local entertainers.

First runner up was Miss Simone Desiree, and the Second runner up was Miss Fa’i Medici.

The MC of the night was Miss Princess Auva’a with her partner Charles Asalemo.

The Miss SEI Pageant’s main sponsor was “BLUESKY COMMUNICATIONS”.

“We could never have done this event without the support from them,” SOFIAS’ leadership noted.

The night was filled with fun and laughter, and as the newly crowned Miss SEI stated, “It was definitely one for the books.”

Look out for a major SOFIAS event planned for this year — the very first PASIFIKA QUEEN OF QUEENS PAGEANT in November.

[courtesy photo]