Lotonuu Taliaoa and Tunu Leasiolagi from Falealili have won the inaugural Mr and Miss Samoa Teachers’ Pageant 2018-2019.

The pageant was initiated by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C), in partnership with Business Systems Limited, which was also part of this year’s Teacher’s Day celebration. 

The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa Hall at Sogi was packed with teachers, principals, students and spectators who were there to see history unfold as the inaugural event started. 

The pageant attracted 13 contestants comprising two teachers (male and female) who together represented a district and competed in the categories of talent, interview and best teacher’s wear. 

This year’s pageant winners claimed the best interview award with Mr.  Faaleaoga Wayne and Miss Galumalemana Tuiamanu Lagaaia Asiata from Palauli winning best talent. The Best Teacher’s Wear category award went to Mr. Fofogafetalai Fuaava and Miss Toia Talo from Anoamaa 2 and Fagaloa. 

The Miss and Mr. Internet award and Miss and Mr. Photogenic award was both won by Mr. Pio Tevaga and Miss Faatuiese Manu from Faleata. 

Overall results had Mr. Fofogafetalai Fuaava and Miss Toia Talo from Anoamaa 2 and Fagaloa district as the first runner up, second runner up winners were tied between contestants Mr. Faaleaoga Wayne and Miss Galumalemana Tuiamanu Lagaaia Asiata from Palauli and Mr. Vasa Leuelu Talisau and Miss Punavaiola Tanielu from Faasaleleaga district. 

The third runner up had the Early Childhood Education (E.C.E.).

The aim of the pageant was to celebrate and promote the importance of teachers not only to students but to Samoa at large. 

The winners expressed immense gratitude towards all their supporters that helped them through preparations, and God for his guidance and blessings upon them.

“In all honesty it was not easy to organize everything, and to prepare with limited time only. There was lack of rest all due to the fact that there was such great support and commitment by everyone and so we did not want to let anyone down but we are happy to say, we made everyone proud. 

We both advise all students to put their education first because that is the key to a successful future for them,” said Lotonuu.

Tunu added that the pageant reminded them of the importance of their jobs as teachers, and the impact that they have on their students’ lives. 

The pageant was sponsored by Bluesky Samoa and Business Systems Limited which provided a donation of $20,000 tala and in kind prizes that was presented to M.E.S.C.  

The contestants in the inaugural event were: Mr. Sale Faletolu and Miss Tautofo Faauli Uesile from Itu o Tane district, Mr. Iesili  Mareko and Miss Faisealofa Puletiuatoa from Aleipata district, Mr. Fofogafetalai Fuaava and Miss Toia Talo from Anoamaa 2 and Fagaloa district, Mr. Pio Tevaga and Miss Faatuiese Manu from Faleata district, Mr. Fereti Tufanua and Afasene Aperila from Itu Asau district, Mr. Manila Saena and Miss Senetenari Palepua from Sagaga district, Mr. Aukusitino Leota and Miss Karen Sofia Anaya from Anoamaa 1 district, Mr. Vasa Leuelu Talisau and Miss Punavaiola Tanielu from Faasaleleaga district, Mr. Tioata Leleimalefaga and Miss Me Etuale from Vaimauga district, Mr. Malo Sagote and Miss Neomai Faraimo from Aana district, Mr. Vini Tapuvae and Miss Ella Faaofonuu from E.C.E., Mr. Faaleaoga Wayne and Miss Galumalemana Tuiamanu Lagaaia Asiata from Palauli and Miss Lotonuu Taliaoa and Mr. Tunu Leasiolagi from Falealili.