Amata Welcomes 2024 Malofie Congressional Art Competition Winner Talanoa Lagafuaina for His Capitol Visit
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed the 2024 winner of the Malofie Congressional Art Competition, Talanoa Lagafuaina, to the U.S. Capitol this week for the opening of his artwork on display.
Artistic Discovery
Talanoa, of Tafuna High School, won American Samoa’s competition for the second straight year. Winners from congressional districts all over the nation were invited to the Capitol to see each of their artwork on display, and attend a national reception.
Talanoa in Congresswoman's office
“Congratulations again to Talanoa, our deserving and talented winner. I appreciate all of the competition participants, and our goal is to have a fun and educational event,” said Aumua Amata. “The winning artwork is displayed where thousands of Capitol tour groups each year will see the rows of work by skilled young people all over the country. During session, Members of Congress walk by the display wall between their offices and voting. It’s wonderful to see all the creativity and attention to detail. Thank you once again to this year’s sponsors for their generous contributions allowing us to have the yearly competition and provide this opportunity for our students.”
Talanoa with his art display
Congresswoman Amata’s office works in partnership with the American Samoa Department of Education to hold the competition, select several standouts, and determine one to represent American Samoa in Washington. American Samoa’s public and private high schools are invited to send entries for the competition.
Participants receive a Congressional Certificate from Congresswoman 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.
Winners:
1st Place – Mr. Talanoa Lagafuaina, from Tafuna High School
2nd Place – Mr. Tavale Aumua, from Leone High School
3rd Place – Ms. Anarosa Tolai from Leone High School
Judges:
Mr. Duffy Hudson
Ms. Keniseli Lei Fanolua
Ms. Isabella Ah Mu Mageo
Leone High School
Principal Dr. Patrick Danielson
Art Teacher: Mr. Tony Esau
Students:
Vise Feagaiga
Tavale Aumua
Anarosa Tolai
Mavaega Ma’a
Amosa Fegaiga
Logopulotu Ape
Jerry Luki
Tafuna High School
Principal Mrs. Tutuila Togilau
Art Teacher: Mr. Raymond Keleti
Students:
Talanoa Lagafuina
Deborah Vaiotu
Hina Tuinei
Fagaitua High School
Principal Dr. Suaese “Pooch” Taase
Art Teacher: Mr. Vaimili Tyrell
Students:
Kendra Uele
Blessing Lemalu
Hadrian Uili
Jasmine Alefosio
Ioana Apelu
Acknowledgements:
Governor Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga and Lt. Governor La’apui Eleasalo “Salo” Va’alele Ale
Director Dr. Talauega Samasoni Asaeli – Department of Education
OCIA – Art Department, Mr Voloti Malietoa
Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata’s District Office & Washington D.C Office
ASTCA Communications
Manu’a Store
StarKist Samoa
BlueSky Communications
Island Business Center
KS Mart
Happy World
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