Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce  announces that Shalidiloya Faavaoga of South Pacific Academy will represent American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee® Championship on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

Shalidiloya earned second place in American Samoa's local National Civics Bee competition, hosted by the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The local competition was held on July 25, 2026, at South Pacific Academy, bringing together 30 young participants in a competition designed to strengthen civic knowledge, critical thinking, communication and community engagement.

Klein Garcia of South Pacific Academy earned first place, followed by Shalidiloya Faavaoga in second place and Morena Gurr in third place.
Due to travel arrangements, Klein is unable to make the trip to Washington, D.C. Shalidiloya will therefore travel to the nation’s capital to represent American Samoa at the National Championship.

For the Chamber, the opportunity represents something much larger than a competition. It gives a young person from American Samoa an opportunity to carry the Territory's name, culture and perspective onto a national platform.

AMERICAN SAMOA JOINS STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE NATION

The 2026 National Civics Bee Championship will bring together 52 middle school finalists representing all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and American Samoa.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation reports that more than 20,000 students from 240 communities participated in this year’s competition. Students advanced through competitions organized in partnership with chambers of commerce and other organizations across the country.

For the Chamber, the opportunity represents something much larger than a competition. It gives a young person from American Samoa an opportunity to carry the Territory's name, culture and perspective onto a national platform.

CHAMBER THANKS U.S. CHAMBER FOUNDATION FOR PARTNERSHIP

The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere appreciation to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for its partnership and for including American Samoa in this nationwide civic education initiative.

The expansion of the National Civics Bee to all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and American Samoa comes as the United States marks its 250th anniversary in 2026, creating an opportunity for young people from communities throughout the country and Territory to participate in civic education and engagement.

For American Samoa, that inclusion means a local student will stand alongside students from throughout the United States while bringing a uniquely Samoan perspective to the national conversation.

“We are grateful to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for giving our students this opportunity,” Gurr said. “Partnerships like this allow our children to see that where they come from does not limit where they can go.”

THANKING OUR PARENTS, SCHOOL AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY

The Chamber also recognizes that opportunities such as this are possible only through strong community support.

The Chamber extends its appreciation to the parents and families of the students who encouraged them, helped them prepare and supported their participation throughout the competition.

Special recognition is also extended to South Pacific Academy, its leadership and teachers. All three of American Samoa’s top local finishers — Klein Garcia, Shalidiloya Faavaoga and Morena Gurr — are students of South Pacific Academy.

The Chamber further thanks its members, sponsors and the American Samoa business community for supporting the local Civics Bee and investing in opportunities for the Territory’s young people.

“When our businesses invest in education and civic leadership, they are investing in the future workforce, entrepreneurs, professionals and leaders of American Samoa,” Gurr said. “These students will one day inherit the responsibility of moving our Territory forward.”

SPECIAL SEND-OFF AND BLESSING

Prior to Shalidiloya’s departure, the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce held a special send-off recognizing her achievement and the responsibility she will carry as American Samoa’s representative.

The Chamber was honored to have Lieutenant Governor Pulumata‘ala Ae Ae Jr. present on behalf of the American Samoa Government and Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula. The Chamber expressed its appreciation for his support and encouragement of American Samoa’s young people.

As part of the send-off, the Chamber shared Joshua 1:9 as a scripture of encouragement:

“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

The message reflects the Chamber’s hope that Shalidiloya will travel with courage, confidence and faith as she represents her family, school and Territory.

CARRYING AMERICAN SAMOA TO WASHINGTON

As Shalidiloya prepares to travel to Washington, D.C., the Chamber is encouraging the entire Territory to support her.

“This young lady will be walking onto that national stage carrying more than her own name,” Gurr said. “She carries her family, her school, her village and American Samoa with her.”

“Our message to Shalidiloya is simple: Go with courage. Go with confidence. Go with faith. Carry our flag proudly and show them what the young people of American Samoa can do.

2026 AMERICAN SAMOA NATIONAL CIVICS BEE WINNERS

First Place: Klein Garcia — South Pacific Academy
Second Place: Shalidiloya Faavaoga — South Pacific Academy
Third Place: Morena Gurr — South Pacific Academy

The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce congratulates all of the students who participated in this year’s local competition and wishes Shalidiloya Faavaoga safe travels and success as she represents American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C., on October 14.