Amata Announces Malofie Congressional Art Competition Winners for 2023

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.

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Congratulations to 2023 Congressional Art Competition first place Talanoa Lagafuaina of Tafuna High School

“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.

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Thank you to all involved with our 2023 Congressional Art Competition

“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.

Our Judges for this year’s Arts Competition:

Mrs. Regina Meredith Fitiao

Mr. Ammon Fepuleai

Mr. Voloti Malietoa

The Winners of this year’s Arts Competition:

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

3^rd place – Mr. Talimalolo Taliauli, Leone High School

SCHOOLS:

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

Acknowledgements:

1. Governor Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga and Lt. Governor Talauega Eleasalo “Salo” Va’alele Ale
2. Acting Director Dr. Teresa Leiato Atuatasi – Department of Education
3. OCIA – Art Department
4. Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata’s District Office & Washington D.C Office
5. MANU’A STORE
6. STARKIST SAMOA
7. BLUESKY COMMUNICATIONS
8. ASTCA COMMUNICATIONS
9. ISLAND BUSINESS CENTER
10. CHEAT DAY
11. COST U LESS
12. HAPPY WORLD INC
13. HEAVEN’S TOUCH BEAUTY & SPA
14. SADIES BY THE SEA GOAT ISLAND CAFÉ
15. TO ALL PARENTS, FAMILIES & FRIENDS – THANK YOU!

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