The newly crowned Miss American Samoa, Matauaina Gwendolyn Toomalatai, plans to use her reign to stop the alarming spread of diabetes, one of the non communicable diseases which is plaguing the territory.
The 23-year old from Onenoa swept most of the awards of the 2017 pageant Friday night at the Lee Auditorium to win the crown over five other contestants.
Aina, as she is known to family and friends was sponsored by Lalelei Boutique at the Laufou Shopping Center.
She attended Matatula Elementary School and Pearl City High School in Honolulu.
She said in an interview on Samoa Sunrise before the pageant that she returned home to run for Miss American Samoa.
And had centered on diabetes awareness as her platform.
Play Audio
On Friday night Matauaina won Miss Photogenic, Best talent, Traditionally Inspired Wear, Siva Samoa and Best Interview.
Her interview question was” How has being a part of this pageant empowered you and what way will you empower other women if crowned?
Here’s her answer.
Play AudioTauaina-interview
The other award winners were
Salamasina Aumua/Miss O &O – Best Sarong, Best Pre Pageant Interview and MASI Award.
Feiloai Thompson/Miss Family & friends – Miss Personality
Sharane Smith,/Miss NAPA Auto Parts – Best Float
1st Runner Up: Salamasina Aumua/Miss O&O
2nd: Shalom Vasai:/Miss Paradise Pizza
3rd: Annie Masoe,/Miss MC’s Auto Shop
4th: Feiloai Thompson,/Miss Families & Friends
5th: Sharane Smith/Miss TAOA Auto Parts
The judges were Leifi Aliitama Sotoa-Director of Territorial Energy Office, Fiti Leung Wai – Owner, SSAB Pago, Lupe Aumavae Tauanu’u-former Miss American Samoa/Miss South Pacific, Francine Gaisoa-Tautua mo Oe and Ben Sauvao-Tutuila Store.
