When one journey ends, another begins.

That’s precisely the case for the newly crowned Miss Samoa, Priscilla Olano, who tells the Sunday Samoan she is ready to embark on her new journey as the Face of Samoa for the next 12 months.

Ms. Olano was crowned at Tuana’imato on Friday night, overcoming seven other contestants in the Miss Samoa Pageant. 

Yesterday, Ms. Olano stood at the Samoa Tourism Authority Compound delivering one of many more speeches she will give during the next year.

“I’m honoured to have won the title Miss Samoa,” she said. 

“And I give all the glory to God for He made this happen for me.”

She also thanked everyone who supported her during the past two weeks before the pageant. 

“It wasn’t easy; there were a lot of expectations and it was very challenging but I am where I am now because of your love and support.”

Finally, Ms. Olano said the most important thing she got out of the pageant was the fellowship she developed with the other contestants. 

“It has been fantastic getting to know the girls, and spend time with them.”

Maria Olano, Priscilla’s mom was speechless, when she was asked for a comment.

“I am happy for Priscilla,” she told Sunday Samoan. “No words can describe how we (parents) feel about this great achievement. But we have God to thank for this. This is all His work. He deserves all the glory and praise because we believe that He made this happen for Priscilla.”

Priscilla is the eldest daughter of Paratiso and Maria Olano’s seven children. 

“She practically raised her younger siblings and was like a mother to them.”

The proud mom said that contesting the Miss Samoa Pageant was something they never thought Priscilla would do. 

“But we saw this as a platform to empower our youth and to make a difference. This is an opportunity for her to share what God has instilled in her and to shine so that people will be able to see God through her, because He started this good work in her.”

Her mother is well aware that this new journey is not going to be easy, but she believes that nothing is impossible with God. 

“I know this title comes with a lot of roles, responsibilities, challenges but it also comes with a lot of blessings. 

“But I know that if Priscilla let God be in charge of everything, her faith will help her throughout her journey.”