At the Miss ASCC 2009-2010 Pageant held this past Saturday at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC), despite some formidable competition, Miss Lalomoana Fa’ata’eloto Desiree Vaeao emerged as the new title holder. 

“It shocked me, because I felt that all the contestants had the potential to win,” said Lalomoana, whom her friends and family call Moana for short. “All the contestants did an excellent job, so I’m very thankful to be crowned Miss ASCC, and hopefully I will set a good example for my fellow students.”

Born and raised in American Samoa to parents Tepatasi Savali Vaeao and Naomi Maveaga Vaeao of Iliili and the only girl in a family of four brothers, Moana attended Lupelele and Manulele elementary schools before graduating from Tafuna High School.  Currently majoring in Liberal Arts at ASCC, she attends church at Capstone Assemblies of God in Tafuna and also serves in the Army Reserve.  After ASCC, Moana hope to attend Chaminade University in Honolulu to pursue a Bachelors degree in Administrative Services. She would also like to further her military service career by attaining the rank of Warrant Officer.

When asked what goals she will strive to fulfill as the College’s official spokesperson at cultural and social events, Moana reflected, “I want to be the voice of the students at ASCC, become a good role model, and help students that are in need.”

Every contestant in the competition for the Miss ASCC title needs a strong support system behind her, and Moana expressed her thanks to her whole family, her supporters in the Anti-Legendary Club, the members of Capstone Assemblies of God who offered prayers and encouragement, and to her Pastor Fiti Mamea and his wife Etevise Mamea. “Lastly, I would like to thank my mom Naomi Mavaega Vaeao for being there for me,” she said, “and I would like to dedicate this achievement to my late father. I wish he was here to witness it but I know that he is proud of me.”

The Pageant takes place once a year thanks to the collaborative efforts of the ASCC Student Services Division, the Student Government Association, the Student Clubs, and private community sponsors. Moana, a member of the Anti-Legendary Club, will reign as Miss ASCC until the next Pageant takes place in late fall 2010. As the runner up winners this year, Miss Anoa’i Filoialii took first place, Miss Tasha Leatio’o second, Miss Joyce Auau third, and Miss Rittalei Siliga fourth.