Miss Susana o Samoa, Sonia Piva, is your new Miss Samoa 2018-2019. 

She was one of nine contestants who vied for the title during the pageant finale at Don Bosco Hall at Salelologa, which was packed by supporters, families and friends. Ms. Piva takes over from outgoing Miss Samoa, Papali’i Alexandra Iakopo. 

She is the daughter of Maria and Terry Piva of Australia, Fagali’i and Salelesi.  

The incoming pageant queen also won the National Tourism Award, Best Puletasi and Best Interview categories. 

The other contestants included Dolores Cassandra Satiu Cufi (Miss Salimu Fagaloa), Lanuola Giselle Tuiletufuga Price (Miss Samoa Melbourne), Norah Lio Setu Aloianai (Miss Samoa Victoria), Levalasi Vivian Su’a (Miss Le Naumati Creations), Georgina Mulipola (Miss CCK), Erin Noelani Taefu (Miss Samoa Australia), Christie Retalila Temareti (Miss Samoa South Wales) and Cecilia Tufuga – Fatu (Miss Samoa New Zealand).

Dolores Cassandra Satiu Cufi (Miss Salimu Fagaloa) was named Miss Personality, while Levalasi Vivian Su’a (Miss Le Naumati Creations) was named Miss Photogenic, Best Sarong, Best Traditional Wear. 

Miss Internet was Georgina Mulipola (Miss CCK), and Best Talent was Cecilia Tufuga – Fatu (Miss Samoa New Zealand). 

Erin Noelani Taefu (Miss Samoa Australia) was named fourth runner up, Christie Retalila Temareti (Miss Samoa South Wales) third runner up, Levalasi Vivian Su’a (Miss Le Naumati Creations) second runner up and Cecilia Tufuga – Fatu (Miss Samoa New Zealand) first runner up. 

Piva stayed with Salelologa Methodist Rev. Samuelu Areta and his parish over the week long activities for the contestants in Savai’i. 

The announcement of the new Miss Samoa was welcomed with cheers and applauding by a crowd of people, who made their way to the stage when the newly crowned Piva did her first official Samoan dance as the winner. 

Speaking minutes after the crowning, the new Miss Samoa was in tears and told the Samoa Observer “the overwhelming feeling of joy that goals were met, is quite fulfilling”. 

“Each of the contestant was totally deserving and we all worked hard. I am so happy to have met everyone,” she said.  

“I am ready to serve our people and I couldn’t have done this without God’s grace and favor upon me." 

“I also want to thank all my families, all Areta family for their support as the host denomination, the contestants, my parents, each and everyone who played a role to where I am now...thank you." 

“I am ready to take on the crown and its responsibilities,” said the newly crowned Miss Samoa. 

On the stage to congratulate her was her proud mother who was in tears. 

“This is my little girl and she has claimed the title and with all humility I am ready to hand her over to Samoa, to service her reign as the crowned Miss Samoa."

“I am proud of all the hard work put into this, she’s a God fearing lady,” said Maria Piva. 

Sonia’s brother Anthony aid his sister is a hard worker. 

“She left home (Melbourne) to come here for good and greater things and this is the reward. I am proud of the results of her labor, the sleepless nights, the work put into preparation is not easy, but she did it.” 

The new Miss Samoa is from Melbourne, Australia who visits her mother’s families at Fagalii and Salelesi every year and has been working as an assistant secretary to the Pacific Games Organising Committee Chief Executive since March this year. 

In an article that was recently published on her in the Samoa Observer, Sonia said she feels the expectations of her Samoan family and her pageant platform focuses on education. 

She is currently pursing a bachelor of education degree as well as doing an online course on health care for the disabilities. 

"Education is the key to prosperity. I have always been passionate about teaching. Coming to Samoa I have volunteered to help the Peace Chapel Primary School and it has opened my eyes to how much more we could do as I am a firm believer that there is always room for improvements,” she added.