Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is delighted to congratulate the winners of the Malofie Congressional Art Competition for 2026, expressing appreciation to all the participating students, their teachers, the expert judges, the sponsors that make this opportunity possible for our students, and the American Samoa Council of Arts, Culture & Humanities.
First Place Winner
This year’s first-place winner is Eve Filomena Snow, Tafuna High School for “The Beauty from One Generation to the Next.” Her first-place art will be displayed for a year at the U.S. Capitol! She has also won a special trip to Washington, D.C. to join all the other winners from the other congressional districts.
Congratulations also to Joshua Utuone, Fagaitua High School, who earned second place with his two-part artwork “The Deed of Cession,” and third place Christina Hudson, Tafuna High School with “Taema and Tilafaiga.” Rounding out the top five are fourth place, Amosa Feagaiga, Leone High School, and fifth place Kayla Letufuga, Leone High School.
“What a wonderful job by these winning students, and by the entire group of 26 participants. I love their beautiful artwork and their enthusiasm, and I’m so pleased with them all,” said Congresswoman Amata. “It was a special delight to be here in person for this competition. This event is a favorite of mine, and it is only possible especially though our local generous sponsors, as well as our artist judges, the art teachers and all American Samoa’s educators.”
“I will enjoy seeing Eve Filomena Snow’s beautiful first-place art displayed in the U.S. Capitol soon,” Amata continued. “I want to say a special thank you also to American Samoa Council of Arts, Culture & Humanities for welcoming us and helping make this a meaningful celebration of art and creativity.”
Each year, Congresswoman Amata and her local office work in partnership with the American Samoa Department of Education to select the top standouts, and under congressional rules, then determine just 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 receives a plaque 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.
Malofie Congressional Arts Competition 2026
______________________________________________________
Special Acknowledgement:
Honorable Governor Pula’ali’i Nikolao Pula & Lt Governor Pulu Ae Ae Jr
Honorable Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen
Pastor Suipi Taala
American Samoa Department of Education
American Samoa Office of Instruction & Curriculum – Art Department
American Samoa Council of Arts, Culture & Humanities Executive Director Ammon Fepuleai
Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata’s DC & District Offices
Judges:
Executive Director Marion Mageo
Ms. Pua Tofaeono
Ms. Keniseli Fanolua
Winners:
1st Place Winner: Ms. Eve Filomena Snow
Tafuna HIgh School
2nd Place Winner: Mr. Joshua Utuone
Fagaitua High School
3rd Place Winner: Ms. Christina Hudson
Tafuna High School
4th Place Winner: Mr. Amosa Feagaiga
Leone High School
5th Place Winner: Ms. Kayla Letufuga
Leone High School
Participants:
Samoana High School
Art Teacher: Mr. Barry Patane
Students:
Tatupu Leutele
Meilyn Leleai Tracy Moeoge
Maluai Vitale
Chau M Dang
Asherayne Romero
Layla Leota
Isabella Tavai
Tele’a James Tua
Tafuna High School
Art Teacher: Mr. Raymond Keleti
Students:
Carilyn Anesi
Charity Talisa
Christina Hudson
Siliana Savini
Eve Filomena Snow
Leone High School
Art Teacher: Mr. Tony Esau
Students:
Amosa Feagaiga
Saveliana Faaulusau
Leone Vavao
Kayla Letufuga
Janenoreen Poliko
Anovale Savea
Ilo Faumui
Fatauao Feleti
Fagaitua High School:
Art Teacher: Mr. Tyrell Vaimili
Students:
Joshua Utuone
Gabriella Paleso’o
Soniah Sootaga
Soterosa Tautua
Sponsors/Special Recognition:
Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow
BlueSky Communications CEO Mr. Tangavel Barlen Lutchmoodoo
ASTCA CEO Mrs. Folasaitu Sorepa Fata Thomas
StarKist Samoa CEO Edward Min
Manu’a Inc
Mr. Ricardo da Rosa
Island Business Center
###