Congresswoman Aumua Amata congratulated the winners of the 2016 “An Artistic Discovery” Congressional Art Competition upon her return to the islands for the Flag Day celebration.
“I want to congratulate Benjamin Liaga of Samoana High School for his entry entitled Folauga,” said Amata. “His piece is a fantastic representation of our home, and fully displays the talent he has been given,” she stated.
Last Friday, thirteen students from high schools throughout the territory gathered in the Gov. H. Rex E. Lee Auditorium to submit their artwork, and compete for the honor of having his/her work displayed at the U.S. Capitol for the year.
Mr. Benjamin Liaga of Samoana High School won this year’s competition with his entry entitled “Folauga”, Second Place went to Fa’asao/Marist’s, Cassie Mahuka with her work entitled “Masina: The Goddess of the Moon”, and Third Place went to Sangster Loia of Samoana High School with his work, “Tilafaiga and Taema”.
During the award ceremony following the competition, the participants received various prizes donated by the business community, which included cases of wahoo and gift cards.
This year’s winner, Benjamin Liaga of Samoana High School will attend a reception in Washington D.C. on June 23, 2016 honoring the winners from each Congressional District from across the nation. Each winner will have their work hang 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 her entire staff would like to acknowledge and thank the following individuals and the businesses for their generous support in 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.
“I want to once again congratulate our winners, and all of the other participants,” said Amata. “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,” continued Amata.
“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,” concluded Amata.