Miss Moso’oi crowned in scholarship competition

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Miss Mountainview, Nellie Mercy Tuigamala is American Samoa’s Miss Moso’oi 2022.

The 20-year-old was crowned on Saturday night at the Moso’oi Festival of Arts pageant organized by the the Agency for Better Living Endeavors (ABLE).

The pageant was held at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium.

Contestant #2 Miss Lolomaletaio Tumua displays her dress made of flowers during the Ofu laula’au category. [photo: Dora Luamanu]

Tuigamala, who is a student at the American Samoa Community College, won the Best Talent, Best Interview, Best Puletasi, Best Siva Samoa and was also named Miss Internet.

The first runner up was Miss Ieta Lafitaga sponsored by The Foeletini Foundation. The two consolation prizes were presented to Miss Lolomaletaiotumua Faoliu and Miss Lena Uiagalelei who also won the Best Ofu Laula’au category.

Contestant #3 Miss Ieta Lafitaga displaying her dress made of flowers to the audience on the night of the Moso’oi Pageant. [photo: Dora Luamanu]

The major sponsor for this event was Bluesky, recognizing the importance of prioritizing the youth of American Samoa and investing in the empowerment of our young women.

The ABLE Arts festival included a scholarship pageant for young women attending the American Samoa Community College, while also showcasing the Samoan arts. A private auction of pf the artwork went entirely to the artists.

Contestan #1  Miss Lena Uiagalelei won the Best Ofu Laula’au category. [photo: Dora Luamanu]

Miss Moso’oi and the first runner up won a variety of prizes including the scholarship by BlueSky with ASCC, gym memberships, laptop, gift certificates cash prizes and much more.

The new Miss Moso’oi is currently studying pre-law with the goal of becoming a lawyer specializing in environment. She’s passionate about climate change and its detrimental effects on the small island countries.

Contestant #4 Miss Nellie Tuigamala is American Samoa’s Miss Moso’oi 2022 won the Best Talent, Best interview, Best Puletasi, Best Siva Samoa. [photo: Dora Luamanu]

 “Living on an island we see first hand, the impact the of sea level rise and natural disaster and I want to be able make changes in this area and our fight against climate change.”