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2012 AmSam Cherry Blossom Princess named

Miss Dolly Virginia Garrison who has been selected as the 2012 American Samoa Cherry Blossom Princess by the American Samoa Society of Washington, DC, Cong. Faleomavaega reported to the media this week.

The American Samoa Society of Washington, DC is a nonprofit organization which is a member of the National Conference of State Societies (NCSS) who sponsor the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC.

Ms. Dolly Garrison, who is 19 years of age, will be crowned this weekend during a coronation ceremony at the Fort Meyer Community Center in Virginia, sponsored by the American Samoa Society and the Samoan community in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to Dolly for her selection as the American Samoa 2012 Cherry Blossom Princess and I thank her for representing the people of American Samoa in this year’s Cherry Blossom festivities in our nation’s capital,” Faleomavaega said.

“As part of the Cherry Blossom Princess Education and Cultural Exchange Program, Dolly will be participating in a weeklong program with other Cherry Blossom princesses from across the United States and around the world representing their respective state or country and I have no doubt Dolly will proudly represent our territory well.”

Ms. Garrison is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Garrison of Maryland. She is also the granddaughter of Toaali’i “Lopaki” Robert Palmer from the villages of Fagatogo and Vaitogi. 

Born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, Dolly was a 2011 graduate of Grace Christian Academy of Maryland where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA and High Honors.  During high school, she served in several leadership positions such as Class President during her 9th and 10th grade years. She was also inducted into the National Honor Society, and was conferred several awards including the Service Award, Citizen Award, and Joshua Award.

Currently a freshman at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois where she is on academic scholarship, Dolly is pursuing a double major in business and marketing with the goal of eventually earning her Master’s degree.

Beyond her academic achievements in high school, Dolly also excelled as an athlete, playing Varsity volleyball, basketball, softball, and track for her high school and receiving many “All League” awards.  She was also a swimmer in the Prince-Mont Swim League for 11 years.

On top of all of her extracurricular activities at school, Dolly also contributed regularly to the community as part of her church, Lifestream Church of the Nazarene. She also served with her church on a mission trip to Costa Rica in March 2011and has represented her church at the District and Regional levels for the Festival of Life Competition for both basketball and volleyball; she was selected for the All Star Team in 2009, 2010, and 2011.

“Again, I congratulate Dolly for her selection as Cherry Blossom Princess and I am thankful that she will have the opportunity to benefit from such a unique experience and program,” Faleomavaega stated.

“I am proud of Dolly’s achievements and I would like to thank her for being a fine example to our young Samoans around the world.  I also would like to commend and thank her parents, grandparents, and family members who have played a vital support role in her education.  I pray for her continued success in her academic pursuits and an enjoyable year ahead as American Samoa Cherry Blossom Princess.”

“Last but not least, I want to recognize and thank Iiga Apaula Kuresa Brown, President of the American Samoa Society of Washington, DC for her leadership over the years, and the organization members for their continued efforts to represent our territory each year in the annual Cherry Blossom festivities in Washington, DC,” Faleomavaega

Source: Faleomavaega media release