Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Rising local poet Hazel Leo achieved an impressive hat-trick last week by claiming victory in the 5th Annual Territorial Competition of Poetry Out Loud for the third consecutive year!

This year’s event brought together students from 10 high schools, including five private schools, to showcase their poetic talents. Last Friday, ten finalists captivated the audience with a vibrant, emotionally charged, and eloquently delivered poetic face-off at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) Multi-Purpose Center.

The judges faced a formidable challenge as each contestant delivered their selected poems with confidence and flair. Each was tasked with reciting three poems in three rounds, making the competition an intense display of talent and passion.

Ultimately, it was Hazel's performance that stood out the most. The three poems she skillfully recited were "Don't Let Me Be Lonely at the Airport Security Point" by Claudia Rankine, "How to Write a Poem" by Laura Hershey, and "Life in a Love" by Robert Browning.

Rising local poet Hazel Leo with her trophy after winning the 5th Annual Territorial Competition of Poetry Out Loud last Friday at the ASCC Multi Purpose Center. This is the third consecutive year that she has won the competition and will be traveling to Washington, D.C., to compete in the Poetry Out Loud National Finals from May 5-7 — marking her third appearance at the prestigious event. [courtesy photo]

Johnson Ailima of Fa’asao Marist High School secured second place, while third place was awarded to Lama Jake Petelo of Manu’a High School.

The other finalists included Ulutaumamao Fuimaono of Samoana High School, Alexandra Isaako of Tafuna High School, Pamata Mapu of Kanana Fou High School, Fuarosa Molesi of Leone High School, Chloey Sylveerine B. Sandi of South Pacific Academy, Peau Tu’u Sila of Fagaitua High School, and Ersi Tang of Pacific Horizons High School.

"All praise and glory to God Almighty for His grace, protection, and the many blessings in our lives," Hazel said, expressing her gratitude. "Many thanks also to my parents and family for their love and support, my school, and last but not least, my fellow contestants."

She added how pleased she was that the contestant from Manu’a High School placed in the top three, acknowledging the effort it took to travel such a long way to participate.

With her victory, Hazel earns the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to compete in the Poetry Out Loud National Finals from May 5-7—marking her third appearance at the prestigious event.

Hazel’s journey began in 2022, when she participated in the Territorial competition as a Freshman and secured third place. She claimed the top spot as a Sophomore in 2023, defended her title as a Junior in 2024, and has now triumphed once again as a Senior in 2025.

When asked about her approach for this year’s nationals, Hazel shared, “This year is my last, and I’m giving it my all. I plan to expand my performance by embracing a variety of poetry styles and delving into different themes.

“In the past, I played it safe, choosing poetry that was familiar and conveyed positive or humorous themes. This year, I want to explore the stronger emotions in the poems I’ve selected—emotions like anger, fighting for a cause, and standing up against societal oppression.”

Hazel, a senior at Iakina Seventh-Day Adventist Academy, hails from the village of Masefau. She is the second of three daughters born to Alofau Leo and Tala Ropeti-Leo. She inherits her love of reading and writing from her mother Tala Ropeti-Leo, who worked as an intern here at Samoa News after high school.

Reflecting on her journey and enduring love for poetry, she reminisced, “I was always the girl who loved literature and books more than numbers, and when I first learned about poetry in first grade, I was intrigued.

“From then on, I started performing poetry in front of my school in both English and Samoan. When I was younger, my mother would help me write poems, and I would perform them. Practicing from such an early age helped shape me into the poetry-loving person I am today.

"While poetry may seem complex to some, taking the time to sit down, read it carefully, and analyze each word reveals its deeper meaning. It has the power to unlock emotions you may never have experienced before … poetry holds a very special place in my heart."

She reflected on her two trips to Washington, D.C., describing them as both challenging and inspiring, as she faced fierce competition from the best budding poets representing all 50 states and territories. The experience was also an eye-opener, offering her a firsthand glimpse of life in a vibrant, bustling city—a stark contrast to the serene and pristine natural beauty of her village in Masefau.

She described the experience as incredibly memorable, especially for someone from a rural village in American Samoa. Being immersed in the metropolitan glamour and excitement of the nation’s capital was a remarkable and transformative opportunity for her.

"There is so much I’ve gained from this experience," she shared. "It has helped me grow not only as a performer and poet but also as a student. Poetry Out Loud taught me to express myself openly and to embrace mistakes when speaking in front of an audience, instead of fearing them.

"It also opened my eyes to the perspectives of countless individuals and poets. The poems I read and performed came from all over the world, and through them, I’ve learned about diverse cultures and societies. Overall, Poetry Out Loud is an experience overflowing with knowledge, and I will forever be grateful for these past three years."

Created by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Poetry Foundation, Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program designed to inspire the study of great poetry. It provides free educational materials and promotes the art of poetry performance by awarding cash prizes to participating schools across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. The program also empowers students by helping them master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and explore literary history and contemporary themes.

When asked about her future plans, she shared, "I pray that God guides me in becoming a paralegal and helps me work my way toward becoming an attorney. I will always treasure my experience with Poetry Out Loud because it has strengthened my stage presence, boosted my confidence, and sharpened my communication skills—qualities that will help me become a great future American Samoan attorney.

"I will truly miss this experience as I graduate this year, but I believe God is using it to shape and prepare me for my next academic or career journey."