Amata Congratulates 2025 Malofie Congressional Art Competition Winners
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is delighted to congratulate the winners of the Malofie Congressional Art Competition for this year, and express appreciation to all the participating students, their teachers, this year’s expert judges, and the sponsors that make this opportunity possible for our students.
This year’s first-place winner is Deborah Vaiotu of Tafuna High School for her beautiful art titled “Motherhood.” This first-place art will be displayed for a year at the U.S. Capitol! She has also won a trip to Washington, D.C. to join all the other winners from the other congressional districts.
Congratulations also to Talanoa Lagafuaina of Tafuna High School, who is both second-place and third-place winner, with his art titled “Grandfather” and “Pale Fuiono.” Talanoa earned the DC trip last year, and shared his experience with the assembled art students.
“I am thrilled to congratulate the winners, and this entire group of 25 wonderful efforts!” said Congresswoman Amata. “I am delighted Congress can take part in promoting art in this way, but the event is made possible by our local generous sponsors and the time of our local artist judges and American Samoa’s educators.”
“I will enjoy seeing this beautiful first-place art displayed in the U.S. Capitol where thousands of people might see it in just one busy week in Washington. I’m so proud of the quality and effort and creativity of this year’s entire group, and every single one deserves praise.”
Each year, Congresswoman Amata and her local office work in partnership with the American Samoa Department of Education to select the top three standouts, and determine one to represent American Samoa in Washington. Any of American Samoa’s public and private high schools are invited to send entries for the competition.
Each participant will receive a plaque from Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, and received 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.
Winners for the Congressional Arts Competition
Ms. Deborah Vaiotu – Tafuna High School
Mr. Talanoa Lagafuaina – Tafuna High School
Mr. Talanoa Lagafuaina – Tafuna High School
“Motherhood”
“Grandfather”
“Pale Fuiono”
Congressional Malofie Arts Competition 2025
Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula & Lt. Governor High Chief Pulu Ae Ae Jr
Director Maefau Dr. Mary Taufete’e – Department of Education
Executive Director Ms. Marion Mageo of the Jean P Haydon Museum
Judges
Executive Director Mr. Ammon Fepulea’i – Department of American Samoa Arts Council
Mr. Trevor Kaituu – Local Artist & Coral Reef Education and Outreach Coordinator
OCI Program Director Mr. Voloti Malietoa - Art Department for DOE
Award Presenters
Governor’s Chief of Staff, Taito Ali'itasi Afuola-Mauga
Congresswoman’s District Director Uta Dr. Laloulu Tagoilelagi
Manumalo Baptist Academy
Director Mr. Papaalii Laulii Alofa
Instructor: Ms. Pearl Mendoza
Student
Rachael Park
Pacific Horizon School
Director Ms. Veronica Sooto
Instructor Ms. Cassandra Garcia
Student
Mikaela Ruth Dane
Tafuna High School
Principal Mrs. Tutuila Togilau
Art Instructor: Mr. Raymond Keleti
Students
Hina Tuinei
Namelia Leokina Paulo
Deborah Vaiotu
Helen Ah Ping
Talanoa Lagafuaina
Leone High School
Principal Mr. Patrick Danielson
Art Instructor: Mr. Tony Esau
Students
Mathew Vui
Logoipulotu Ape
Isileli Taliauli
Princess Vaoga
Evaselita Tevita
Taliloa Ioselani
Heilala Ikuvalu
Faatili Taofinu’u
Tauiai Sooalo
Felix Kuresa
Samoana High School
Principal Jemima Te’o
Art Instructor: Mr. Barry Patane
Students
Vaelani Junior Vaiuta
Baja Schuster
Polito Tatupu
Asherayne J Romero
Stephen Lee
Fiatamalii Esera
2025 Sponsors
Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines, CEO Mr. Joe Spraque
Starkist Company, CEO Mr. Eunhong (Edward) Min
American Samoa McDonalds, President Tautolo Charlie Tautolo & CEO Mrs. Dolores Tautolo-Galeai
Pago Pago Trading Company, President Mrs. Ella Gurr
Manu’a Store, Mr. Genhall & Mrs. Michelle Chen
American Samoa Telecommunications Authority ( ASTCA), CEO Mr. Chuck Leota
All Star Signs & Graphics, Mr. Case & Mrs. Tuai Mua
Island Business Center, CEO Tuala Kennedy Nofoagatotoa
Mrs. Gingerlei Lady Masina
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