Radford High School Steals the Spotlight at the Sold Out Festival
La'ie, HI – May 17, 2008 – For the past 16 years, high schools across the state make the trek to the Polynesian Cultural Center's Pacific Theater to participate in its annual Samoa Festival. This year, a sold out crowd of 2,775 were treated to a day of cultural arts, games, songs and dances of the "happy people" of Samoa. Unlike previous years, the Samoa High School Cultural Arts Festival was not judged, but served as an exhibition allowing each school to participate without the added pressure of competition.
With more than 400 students participating, this year's performing schools included:
- Kahuku High School
- Kapolei High School
- Radford High School
- Leilehua High School
- Waianae High School
The Samoa High School Cultural Arts Festival kicked off with the lauga o le feiloaiga (oratory presentation). Representatives from each school dressed in traditional Samoan costume and presented speeches in the Samoan chiefly language.
Following the oratory, schools showed off their teamwork and went head to head in a variety of fun Samoan games based on daily life skills, including banana peeling, coconut husking, fire making and basket weaving.
The day culminated in a series of cultural performances by each school that showcased different dancers including the sasa (sitting dance) and mauluulu (girls dance). The highlight of each performance was the taupou or princess dance. While the event focused on Samoan traditions, each school added its own modern flair. Each high school had exceptional presentations, but it was Radford High School's innovative choreography, music and high-energy production that proved to be the crowd favorite.
"The High School Cultural Arts Festival provides a positive outlet for these students and also help educate them about the Samoan Culture," said Pulefano Galea‘i, founder of the event. "Their involvement in their schools' Samoan club keeps them inspired to stay in school and be able to perform at the Polynesian Cultural Center's festival."
Each participating high school received $1,300 in cash as part of its participation in the annual festival. PCC board member Kalo Soukup generously donated the cash prizes. In addition, baskets were placed onstage during each performance and audience members were encouraged to donate to their favorite school. In all, the schools received more than $10,000 from festival sponsors and audience donations to help fund their club activities.
The Samoa Festival High School Cultural Arts Festival also included a special performance by Kanana Fou Congregational Christian Church American Samoa of Waipahu, Hawai‘i and Chaminade University.
Later this evening, the PCC's Pacific Theater will once again be center stage for the World Fireknife Championship finals competition during the intermission of the 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Horizons night show. The scores from each performance will be combined for the winning score, which will be announced at the end of the 8 p.m. show.
Sponsored by Henry S. Mataalii Company, Hawaiian Airlines, Turtle Bay Resort, Electric Pencil, Cirque du Soleil, Pepsi, Bank of Hawaii, Galumalemana Lester W.B. Moore, June Fabrics, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Western Union and the City and County of Honolulu, this annual competition draws spectators from around the world.
Video and photo clips are being posted throughout the competition on the PCC's website www.Polynesia.com in the "What's New" section so fans can track their favorites and share highlights with family and friends. Tickets can still be purchased for tonight's World Fireknife Championships finals to be held during the intermission on the Horizons night show at 6 and 8 p.m. Visit www.Polynesia.com for reservation information or call 800-367-7060. In Hawai‘i, call 808-293-3333.
Founded in 1963 as a non-profit organization, the PCC has entertained more than 33 million visitors, while preserving and portraying the culture, arts, and crafts of Polynesia to the rest of the world. In addition, the PCC has provided financial assistance to 17,000 young people from over 70 different countries while they attend Brigham Young University-Hawai‘i. As a non-profit organization, 100 percent of PCC's revenue is used for daily operations and to support education.
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Participating High Schools
Kahuku High School
Taupou – Krystal Apelu
Kapolei High School
Taupou – Adrianne Gaea
Radford High School
Taupou – Brianna Salanoa
Leilehua High School
Taupou – Tinei Tuitoelau
Waianae High School
Taupou – Laurissa Asuega
Oratory Participants
Michellae Timata, Kahuku
Felicia Faumuina, Kapolei
Thorne Lavata‘i, Radford
Alataua Tamafuta, Leilehua
Fitimaleafa Nansen, Waianae
Cultural Games Results
Banana Peeling
Girls
1. Leilehua
2. Kapolei
3. Waianae
Boys
1. Leilehua
2. Kapolei
3. Waianae
Basket Weaving
Girls
1. Leilehua
2. Kahuku
3. Radford
Boys
1. Radford
Coconut Husking
Girls
1. Waianae
2. Kahuku
3. Kapolei
Boys
1. Leilehua
2. Radford
3. Kapolei
Fire Making
1. Kahuku
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For media requests or photography, contact:
Amy Hennessey or Maria Quidez
808-531-0244
