Amata Congratulates 2026 Malofie Congressional Art Competition Winners

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

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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

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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:

1^st Place Winner: Ms. Eve Filomena Snow

Tafuna HIgh School

2nd Place Winner: Mr. Joshua Utuone

Fagaitua High School

3^rd Place Winner: Ms. Christina Hudson

Tafuna High School

4^th Place Winner: Mr. Amosa Feagaiga

Leone High School

5^th 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

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