Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is delighted to announce the winners of the Malofie Congressional Art Competition for 2023, and say thank you to everyone involved.

This year’s first-place winner is Talanoa Lagafuaina of Tafuna High School, and he also won second place. His first-place art will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol. Congratulations also to third-place winner, Talimalolo Taliauli of Leone High School.

Congresswoman Amata and her local office work in partnership with the American Samoa Department of Education to select these standouts, and determine one to represent American Samoa in Washington.

“Congratulations to our winners for their beautiful art!” said Congresswoman Amata. “I look forward to seeing the first-place art displayed in the U.S. Capitol, where Members of Congress and many thousands of people touring the Capitol will see it. Thank you so much to every student who takes part and expresses themselves through art, as I appreciate and enjoy each one.”

Each year, American Samoa’s public and private high schools are invited to send entries for the competition. Schools represented this year include Leone High School, Tafuna High School, Nuuuli Vo-Tech High School, Pacific Horizon, and South Pacific Academy.

“Thank you so much to each of the parents, teachers, and other leaders at our schools, and I hope every student enjoyed and learned from the experience!” continued Amata. “Thank you especially to our generous sponsors for making this opportunity possible. I’m so proud of our wonderful young people and look forward to their bright futures.”

Each participant receives a Congressional Certificate from Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, and various prizes from sponsors. Congresswoman Amata extends her warmest fa’afetai to the many businesses and individuals who donated and helped make this year’s Congressional Art Competition special for the students.

This year’s Arts Competition were Mrs. Regina Meredith Fitiao, Mr. Ammon Fepuleai  and Mr. Voloti Malietoa.

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata expresses her appreciation to all involved with making the 2023 Congressional Art Competition a success. “Thank you so much to each of the parents, teachers, and other leaders at our schools, and I hope every student enjoyed and learned from the experience! Thank you especially to our generous sponsors for making this opportunity possible.”  [courtesy photo]

THIS YEAR’S WINNERS

1st and 2nd place – Mr. Talanoa Lagafuaina, Tafuna High School

plac3rd e – Mr. Talimalolo Taliauli, Leone High School

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS

Leone High School: Principal – Dr. Patrick Danielson; Art Teacher – Mr. Tony Esau

Students – 1. Anamarie Lutu, 2. Falesau Mua, 3. Talimalolo Taliauli, 4. Ilalio Sefika, 5. Malo Ino, 6. Caroline Atau, 7. Tracy Tone, 8. Siagatonu Siagatonu, 9. Adonai Tinae.

Tafuna High School: Principal – Mrs. Tutuila Togilau;  Art Teacher – Mr. Raymond Keleti

Students – 1. Talanoa Lagafuaina, 2. Rose Amuia, 3. Litia Miracle Laifaga

Nu’uuli Vo-tech High School: Principal – Dr. Valasi Apulu; Teacher – Ms. Talileleia Fiatamaita’i Tasi

Student – 1. Etuale Sefika

Pacific Horizon School: Principal – Director Caroline Tuiolosega; Art Teacher – Ms. Mary Bordonaro

Students – 1. Kahanalei Moliga, 2. Jackie Zhang

South Pacific Academy: Principal – Dean Benjielyn Lacaulan

Student – 1. Kim Mee Shen Jin