Local High School Students Took First Place at Lau Samoa Competition

The Laumua Samoan Dance Group, comprising 40 high school students from Thurston County, won first place in the academics division at the inaugural La’u Samoa Academic & Samoan Cultural Competition on May 3, 2025. This event, held at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma, allowed students to celebrate their academic achievements while embracing Samoan culture through dance. Moeshana Maiava, the group's lead, highlighted the impressive growth of the team, which nearly doubled in size compared to previous competitions. The group showcased a diverse mix of participants, including students from Chamorro, Filipino, Mexican, Samoan, Tongan, Marshall Islands, and American backgrounds. Revived post-COVID, the competition aims to promote both cultural expression and academic success among youth, serving as a platform for showcasing their talents.

Maiava expressed pride in the students' dedication and their ability to represent their community. The event coincided with Asian Pacific Islander Month, further emphasizing cultural pride and unity. Winning first place in the academics division brought immense joy to the group, marking a significant achievement in their journey.