Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Miss American Samoa 2023-2024, the lovely Judy Fa’afetai Taunu'u was given a sendoff dinner on Wednesday evening at Tradewinds Hotel, before she left the Territory on Sunday to participate in the 2024 Miss Pacific Pageant, which is being held for the first time since its inception in 1987 in The Pleasant Island, Nauru.

It is also the first time the regional event will be hosted in Micronesia.

According to American Samoa Miss American Inc. (MASI) President Simeafou Imo, the sendoff dinner initiative was a way to thank and acknowledge government, sponsors and individuals who donated and assisted in Judy’s preparation for the upcoming Miss Pacific Pageant, and to wish her good luck.

The event was attended by the Governor’s Office Chief of Staff Loa Tauapai Laupola, Visitor’s Bureau Executive Director Taimalelagi Minnie Tuia, members of the MASI Board of Directors, representatives of the various institutions and businesses who are sponsoring Miss American Samoa and friends and relatives.

The evening’s program started with a service conducted by Pastor Filipo Tuigamala after which Miss American Samoa Judy Faafetai Taunu'u addressed the gathering and thanked the sponsors.

Miss American Samoa Judy Faafetai Taunu'u with her niece and two older sisters, and Pastor Filipo Tuigamala during her sendoff dinner event at the Tradewinds Hotel on Wednesday evening. [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau]

She also acknowledged MASI officials who helped in her preparations with special mention of former Miss American Samoa and Miss Pacific Matauaina Toomalatai who has been coaching her for the upcoming pageant in Nauru.

Matauaina Toomalatai won the Miss Pacific crown in Nadi, Fiji ending a 15-year drought. The last time American Samoa won the title was in 2002 when Lupe Kenape Aumavae was crowned in the Cook Islands.

Wednesday evening’s sendoff dinner also showcased various outfits that Judy is wearing at the pageant and in the various pre-pageant events that the contestants are attending.

The organizers described Judy’s preparations in two of the pageant’s category.

According to MASI official Niko Tupou, Judy will bring an element of surprise to the Miss Pacific Islands stage with a sarong featuring invisible ink that is only visible under UV lights.

The sarong illustrates the pageant’s theme, “Sustainable Beauty Beyond the Reef,” and advocates for the American Samoa preservation of the turtle or “I’a Sa” which is hand painted and complemented by traditional elite Samoan designs and motifs, which are done in invisible ink.

For the talent category, Judy will perform Samoan traditional dance and progress on to a mix of Pacific island dances including Tahitian, Tongan and Hawaiian inspired and performed in a more contemporary style.

In an exclusive interview with the current Miss American Samoa before she left the territory, she stated that she believes she is ready for the task ahead and that she will give it her all.

She revealed that her favorite category is the sarong because of the beautiful effect of the traditional designs done in invisible ink and because it links closely with the pageant’s theme.

She expressed her excitement at the opportunity to represent American Samoa in this prestigious event and to meet young ladies from other eight Pacific islands, which are participating.

Asked about her future plans, the soft-spoken 23-year old who hails from Fagasa and Nu’uuli told Samoa News that she intends to join the U.S. Army and to continue her education so that she can achieve her goal of becoming a lawyer.

Judy acknowledged with thanks the generous support and sponsorship of Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga, Lt. Governor Talauega E. V. Ale, Visitors Bureau of American Samoa, Department of Health, All Stars, GHC Reid, Cost U Less, Cecilia’s Restaurant, Talofa Inc., Sue Tavake, and Bluesky Communications CEO Justin Tuiasosopo.

Miss American Samoa Judy Faafetai Taunu'u departed for Nauru on Sunday accompanied by MASI President Simeafou Imo and officials via Samoa, to Nadi, Fiji then on to Nauru.

The 2024 Pacific Pageant is scheduled to take place at the Sports Complex in Yaren, Nauru on February 3 and 4.