Miss Samoa LA, Jessika Laletupe Ki, believes in using Samoan cultural practices such as dance and song to promote discipline and hard work among youth.

A high school graduate from Salt Lake City of Utah and the eldest child of Michael and Sina Ki, the 19-year-old contestant is employed by Delta Reservations and aspires to be a flight attendant. 

But now that she is part of the 2022 Vodafone Miss Samoa Pageant, she is keen on promoting Samoan dance and songs and using its cultural aspects to promote hard work and discipline.

"I learned to love dancing through my grandmother Pulouoleola, she introduced me to dancing and to love our culture at a very young age," she said. 

"I was the President of our Polynesian Club in high school and with that responsibility and passion for dancing and culture, I made it my goal to see the beauty of our Samoan culture through dance and songs.

One of her lifelong dreams is to also open a studio for young Samoan and Polynesian boys and girls to learn the fundamentals of Samoan dancing.

Ms. Ki told the Samoa Observer that she would also like to focus on mental health especially on youth in Samoa. 

She also acknowledged her parents and families as well as her sponsor Samoa Ua Tasi. 

With the country’s 60th Independence anniversary also coinciding with the one-week of activities for the pageant, Ms. Ki said she felt honoured to be on the island and being involved in the program.

"I am honoured to be here because it's my  first independence meeting with the elderly at Mapuifagalele. 

“Sitting for the first time at the ava ole feiloaiga, welcome ava ceremony as a guest at N.U.S and a special guest to open Teuila United Soulz netball tournament.

“Travelling to Savai’i for the first time, meeting young students of Manumalo Baptist school at Salelologa and attending Sunday services at Vailele EFKS and Siusega Catholic church makes this experience a memorable one. 

“Blessings from the Sisters at Mapuifagalele were profound, thank you Samoa for such a beautiful experience.”

Ms. Ki is contestant number 7 in the Vodafone Miss Samoa Pageant with the eight contestants going head to head in the finale on Saturday night at Gym 1 Tuanaimato. Her topic in the pre-pageant interview was on education.