Five beauties will vie tonight for the title of Miss American Samoa, to be held at the Governor H. Rex Lee Auditorium, where the contestants will be showcasing their loveliest sarongs, evening wear, traditional wear —and of course, their talent.

The theme for this year’s pageant is “Malu o Aiga ole Tausala Samoa” (Pride of the Samoan Woman).

 The five contestants looking to be the next “Miss” are Lorraine Kirsten Polu Fano sponsored by TMO (Tautua Mo Oe); Anne Mendoza sponsored by PCS-TV; Tina Mase sponsored by Dal’s Creation; Anneliese Sword sponsored by Tradewinds Hotel and Daryleen Moi sponsored by Diva’s Creations.

Miss American Samoa Eleitino Maaelopa Tuiasosopo will be giving her crown away tonight to one of these young ladies.

MISS TMO, LORRAINE POLU FANO

A strong supporter of community events in the territory, Tautua Mo Oe is involved in the pageant, sponsoring Lorraine Kirsten Polu Fano. Francine Gaisoa said that TMO’s President, her father Frank Gaisoa Sr, is all about family and it’s with that drive he’s proud to be sponsoring Lorraine, as she is family. 

Francine said when they first met up with Lorraine “we were really impressed with how she carries herself, the way she converses, her points on certain issues, her potential of being a leader.  She’s a beautiful young girl, and all of that makes her a great candidate for tonight’s pageant. We wish her all the best.”

Ms TMO told Samoa News that her motivation to participate in the Miss American Samoa pageant was that she wants to represent her hometown and her culture, and to use the title as an opportunity to get herself out of her comfort zone. “It was a very challenging process to get over my shyness,” she told Samoa News.

Lorraine 20, is from Fagaalu and Faleasao, Manu'a. Born in Seattle, Washington she is the daughter of Manutafea Ifitoto Fano and Foaese Polu Fano.  A Kanafou High School graduate, Lorraine is currently enrolled at ASCC, majoring in Health Science and Nursing.

MISS PCS TV, ANNE MENDORA

Miss PCS TV, Anne Mendora 19, an ASCC student who is also a dance instructor.

She said that her involvement in the pageant is a great opportunity for her to compete   with other “young, vibrant, brave and beautiful young ladies of American Samoa.” A graduate of Tafuna High School, Anne is an athlete whose team nailed the ASHAA championship game in basketball in 2013.

 Her goal is to become an infantry soldier in the US Army as she believes that “serving my country with pride—there is no greater thing in life.”  

Owned by Bill Hyman, PCS TV (Channel 11) creates local productions, including two  moderated religious discussions each week. One is in Samoan "O le 'Ato Feva'ilia'i," and the other in English, "Question Time." Both shows feature one Baha'i on the panel and one or two Christian ministers. Both programs are available world-wide free of charge for re-transmission.

MISS DAL’S CREATIONS, TINA LOFISAU MASE

Sponsored by Dal’s Creation, Tina, 21 is an Administrative Assistant at the LBJ hospital in the Engineering Facilities-Support Services. A graduate of Tafuna High School, Ms Dal’s Creation is the daughter of Siaosi and Elepise Mase from Ili’ili. The second eldest of the siblings, she’s also a student at ASCC.

Tina said she’s excited to participate in the pageant tonight and is honored and humbled to be sponsored by Dal’s creations. “Role models are portrayed as leaders, whom people want to mirror.  However, it is the struggles and triumphs that the journey gives which are what we need to look at, to motivate each other and know that we also have abilities to do as well.” Tina said she will do her best in her efforts to win the crown and she will make it a favorable and memorable occasion.

MISS TRADEWINDS, ANNELISE FA’AITUMALO SWORD

An educator at the South Pacific Academy in the media field, Annelise Fa’aitumalo Sword, 26 is sponsored by Tradewinds Hotel. “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever is her favorite Bible verse, which she said stands as a testimony in her life. Growing up in the Assemblies of God (AOG) working in worship team, Sunday school, dance, drama and American Sign Language ministries, she also served in the Teen Challenge Discipleship program for three years.

She discovered a love for the communications and broadcasting field at the age of 12, when she aired her first radio program on FM104.1 a Christian radio station her parents started.

She is currently a co-owner in the business with her mother and uncle. “This is why I pursed my BA in mass communication at Dixie State College and Evangel University.

She said that no matter where she travels, American Samoa is the only place she calls home. She enjoys being a teacher at SPA and is very proud of her namesake Annelise T.H Sword.

 Annelise’s sponsor, Tradewinds Hotel is a well-known tropical haven where guests can find peace and relaxation in style and comfort, with superior service reflecting the spirit of American Samoa, and dedicated staff who provide the very best service. 

MISS DARYLEEN SALEAFAINA MOI

From Faleniu and Fagamalo, Daryleen, 20 is the daughter of Kerupia and Faaeseina Moi, and a proud member of the Latter Day Saints (LDS) church.

 A soldier in the US Army, Daryleen holds an AA degree and will pursue her academic field by attending Chaminade University in the fall, for a Bachelors degree in accounting.

Daryleen took the oath of enlistment just last month to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and aims to be successful in everything that she does. She hopes to work and care for her parents in the future, as how they cared for her.

The doors for the pageant will open at 6pm with the show to kick off at 7pm.