Missionette Pa’au Represents American Samoa at the Cherry Blossom Festival in the Nation’s Capital
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is pleased to announce that her dedicated assistant Missionette Pa’au was selected by the American Samoa Society to represent American Samoa at this year's Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. Missionette was coronated Saturday at a ceremony in Alexandria, Virginia, as Cherry Blossom Princess.
Dancing the Taualuga.
Missionette Saifagaloa Pa’au, age 23, is the proud daughter of Reverend Lalomauga and Saifagaloa Pa’au, who has ministered the word of God in the village of Fagaalu for the past 20 years and still is. She was born and raised in the territory of American Samoa, and hails from the beautiful villages of Gatavai & Faga’alu of Tutuila, Matautu Tai of Apia and Fitiuta of Manu’a. She dedicated this day to her late grandmother Feagaimaali’i Malagamaali’i Lauolive To’omalatai Tavai.
Missionette speaking on the Festival’s theme Empowering Women.
In a yearly tradition, the National Conference of State Societies (NCSS) selects U.S. and international young women to represent their state or territory as princesses during the Cherry Blossom Festival. The selected individuals have a busy week of educational, leadership, and cultural activities and events, which include a Congressional reception, a grand ball, and visits to foreign embassies, followed by other events throughout the year. Missionette, along with the other princesses, will be honored Wednesday at the Congressional Reception.
Cherry Blossom Princess.
Missionette is a graduate of the American Samoa Community College (ASCC), where she earned her AA degree in Health Science. Prior to that, she graduated Samoana High School and Matafao Elementary School. Today, she works for Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata as a staff assistant at the Capitol. She currently lives in Maryland with her two lovely aunties Faasulu Vili and Leafaina Yahn, together with their two cats Matai and Oscar.
Cherry Blossom Festival 2022.
Due to circumstances, she has not had an opportunity to visit her home in American Samoa since moving to the states in 2019. Missionette grew up in a family where God always comes first, and she was encouraged to be respectful, soft-hearted, kind, and loving. She is the youngest daughter among four sisters and one baby brother. She is a Christian and is an active member of the First Samoan Congregational Christian Church of the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) led by Reverend Apisaloma and wife Lora Toleafoa.
From left, Mika Aga, Missionette and Grace Pa’au, and Isapela Coggins, President of the American Samoa Society of Washington, DC.
Most recent Cherry Blossom Princess Rosemary Williams and new Princess Missionette Pa’au.
“I am enjoying this new journey, and I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to my parents, aunties and uncles, siblings, best friend, and church family for supporting me always,” said Missionette. “Most of all, I am thankful to our Lord and Savior for all the ways that He has blessed me. I am truly honored and humbled to represent American Samoa in the Cherry Blossom Princess Program.”
From left, her cousin Elina Tavai, sister Grace Pa’au, Missionette, and her aunt Leafaina Yahn, Chief of Staff for the congressional office.
As a part of the strong Samoan community in the Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland area, Missionette was selected by the American Samoa Society, led by Isapela Coggins, President of the American Samoa Society of Washington, D.C., to represent American Samoa.
American Samoa’s Cherry Blossom Princess.
“I’m delighted that Missionette was selected as American Samoa’s cherry blossom princess for this year’s festival. It’s well-deserved, as she’s a blessing to our office, and represents our islands well,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Our Samoan community in Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland is supportive and close-knit. A special thank you to the American Samoan Society and President Isapela Coggins for all they do to promote American Samoa, our people, and especially our welcoming culture in the nation’s capital. Congratulations to Missionette as you represent our beautiful islands and our culture at the festival.”
Missionette at Saturday’s coronation.
American Samoa Society event.
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