New Miss ASCC Promotes Cleanliness in American Samoa

By James Kneubuhl, ASCC Press Officer
November 28, 2011

Having successfully competed for the title of Miss American Samoa Community College (ASCC) 2011-2012, Pearl Faimafili Paopao Sheck wasted no time in attending to the responsibilities that come with the honor. Only a week after the Pageant, she participated in the Student Government Association Retreat held this past weekend, and for the remainder of the semester she will undertake additional duties performed by the reigning Miss ASCC.

During the competition, Ms. Sheck announced her platform (a theme or agenda she hopes to pursue during her reign) as “Cleanliness in American Samoa”, and she recently shared her vision of how to fulfill that goal. “It’s not just a title, it comes with responsibilities,” she says of the designation. “I strongly believe that by being Miss ASCC I can hold programs not only for the student body and student clubs, but also for the community to help me promote my platform. There are so many ways I can promote cleanliness, and I will pursue them one at a time. I hope to serve our community in any way I can in order to make a change.”

Asked how she chose her particular platform, Ms. Sheck describes the decision as “challenging”, but says she ultimately looked to the theme of the Pageant to make an informed choice. “Looking at the Pageant theme, ‘Our Past, Our Legacy, Our Story’, I came to realize that our environment is a part of our story. For many years, our people and our government have tried to promote the health of the environment but yet there is still very little change in it”, she reflected. “Now with the increase of technology, I believe that we are somehow losing our value for things we take for granted, such as our environment. That’s why I’ve decided to promote cleanliness on island. “

Now 19, Ms. Sheck was born in Gataivai, raised in Fitiuta, Manu’a, and now resides in Petesa Uta. Her parents are Rev. Atina'e Fuisami and Mrs. Tolufale Paopao Sheck, and she also acknowledges Rev. Tusi and Mrs. Afutoto Seanoa as her “spiritual parents”. The third child among four siblings, she has two brothers, Reupena and Puleimau, and a sister, Bithiah. Ms. Sheck participates in the Petesa Uta Youth, Choir, Worship Team, Band, as well as her Congregation. She attended Tafuna Elementary and went on to graduate in 2010 from Tafuna High School ranked second in her class (Salutatorian) out of 400 plus students.

“I decided to become a contestant for the Miss ASCC because I wanted to experience this lifetime opportunity and take the challenge,” she says. “I am very grateful to become Miss ASCC as a representative of the Brotherhood club. One thing I learned throughout my preparation of the pageant is that when things get tough, never lose faith in God. During every night of rehearsal with the Brotherhood, practice would start with the Lord and end with the Lord. I am very thankful to everyone who helped with my success. That includes my designer, coach and advisor Moesha Bird, all my supporters, my Sheck, Paopao, Fano and Baxxide families, the businesses who contributed, and everyone who kept me and the Brotherhood in their prayers.”

In addition to her Miss ASCC responsibilities, Ms. Sheck will continue to pursue her Liberal Arts major. She hopes to complete a BA degree off island, and possibly serve as an officer in the Army. “As I continue my education, I want to achieve my MA or even PhD in Law”, she says. “I want to become a successful Lawyer to serve justice to our people. As one wise man said, you’re never too old to stop learning.” As she learns to handle the challenges of her new title, Ms. Sheck has received encouragement and advice from the 2010-2011 Miss ASCC, Toefuataina Ta’ai. “She said that it was a lifetime experience, and that I should at least enjoy myself as I work to try and make a change,” Ms. Scheck explains. “In addition, she said I should cherish every moment I have as Miss American Samoa Community College because time passes by really fast. “

As she prepares for the next 12 months of service to the College and the community, Ms. Sheck says she already feels some nostalgia for the fun and challenge of preparing for the Pageant. “With the competition over, I somehow miss the bond we contestants had during the preparations. I feel like some of the weight has been lifted, but I greatly miss it. Even though I’m honored to wear the crown, I still feel like an ordinary girl who just succeeded at something that I hadn't expected to achieve. My good fortune makes me reflect on my favorite verse from the scriptures, John 14 vs. 14, ‘Ask anything in his name and you shall receive’”

ENDS

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