Amata Congratulates 2025 Malofie Congressional Art Competition Winners

March 19, 2025 Press Release 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. Image 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” Image “Grandfather” Image “Pale Fuiono” Image 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 ### Issues : Congress