Benjamin Liaga Wins Congressional Art Contest

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Congresswoman Aumua Amata congratulated the winner of the 2016 “An Artistic Discovery” Congressional Art Competition when she arrived in the territory Friday to attend the Flag Day celebration.

Benjamin Liaga of Samoana High School won the competition with his entry entitled Folauga.

In congratulating Benjamin, Aumua said, “His piece is a fantastic representation of our home, and fully displays the talent he has been given.”

Last Friday, thirteen students from high schools throughout the territory gathered in the Rex E. Lee Auditorium to submit their artwork, and compete for the honor of having his/her work displayed in the tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for the year.

Second Place went to Fa’asao/Marist’s, Cassie Mahuka with her work entitled “Masina: The Goddess of the Moon,” and Sangster Loia of Samoana High School placed 3rd with his work entitled “Tilafaiga and Taema.”

During the awards ceremony following the competition, participants received various prizes including cases of wahoo and gift cards, donated by the business community.

The winner, Benjamin Liaga will attend a reception in Washington D.C. on June 23, 2016 honoring the winners from each Congressional District across the nation.

Each winner will have their work hung in the tunnel that connects the House office buildings to the U.S. Capitol building, allowing tens of thousands to view the pieces throughout the year.

Congresswoman Aumua Amata and staff thank the following individuals and businesses for making this year’s art competition a reality:

Happy World, Manu’a Store, McConnell Dowell, Paramount Builders, Star Kist Samoa, Bluesky American Samoa, Tropik Traders, Nana’s Company, KS Mart Inc., Happy Trucking, Samoa Tuna Processors, Florence Saulo & Associates, Neil ACE Hardware, Skyview, and Samoa News.

Aumua said, “I want to once again congratulate our winners, and all of the other participants.

“It is always a pleasure for me, whenever I am walking over to the Capitol, to see our young people’s artwork hanging on the wall, as it always gives me a little taste of home. I am proud of the talent our students have, and want to encourage them to continue reaching for their goals.”

“I also want to thank this year’s sponsors for their generous contributions, and without whose efforts this event would not have been able to take place.”

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