Twenty-four-year-old Tofoipupu Josephine Unutoa begins her reign as Miss American Samoa after winning the crown from seven other contestants Saturday night.
Sponsored by Kailani Designs, she also won the Stage Interview, Sarong, and Ava Ceremony categories.
The daughter of Matamatafua Unutoa and Asinate Fuimaono Pine, she is a 2018 graduate of Samoana High School. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Southern Oregon University. She is a commissioned officer of the U.S. Army and currently serves as a compliance officer with the APRA Office. She hopes to pursue a law degree and is currently studying toward that goal under the Department of Legal Affairs Pipeline Law School Admissions Test Program—with the ultimate goal of one day becoming the Attorney General.
Her interview question on Saturday night was: “What does failure mean to you and how has it helped you grow?” Here’s her answer.
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Taputailo Fe’a, sponsored by Vailuu & Sons Inc., was first runner-up. She also won Miss Internet and Pre-Pageant Interview.
Fuamailelagimanuiaolenuu Tago, sponsored by Moana Chips, was second runner-up.
PC: MASI FaceBook
Nuu Letoe, sponsored by Tausala America was third runner-up. She also won the Talent category and Traditionally Inspired Wear. Fourth runner-up was Hermione Simanu, sponsored by Pule Pule Creative Arts. Hermione also took home the titles of Miss Personality and Siva Samoa.
Esethi Taito, sponsored by Maimoaga Designs/Families and Friends, won Miss Photogenic and the MASI Award.
The other contestants were Salavatia Lauvao, sponsored by Stevens & Sons, and Malialole Hafoka, sponsored by Alofa Faasamoa, An Whut, and Caleb Designs.
Former Miss American Samoa Pauliana AngelfromHeaven Felise Vitale gave an emotional farewell speech before she passed the crown to Tofoipupu. Former Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands, Moemoana Safaatoa Schwenke performed a siva. Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula gave remarks at the start of the long drawn out pageant. It was after 12:30 a.m. Sunday when the results were announced. Congratulations to the new Miss American Samoa and all the contestants!
Other Photos: Marcella Fitisone
