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Pohnpei joins the South Pacific Pageant in Apia

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): October 26, 2001 - Pohnpei State, for the first time, is sending a representative to Apia Samoa to participate in the 15^th Annual Miss South Pacific Beauty Pageant scheduled for October 26.

The representative, Serlinda Soukon from Kitti Municipality, was crowned on September 29, Miss Pohnpei 2001. Soukon is an 18-year old student in her final year at the Bailey Olter High School. She was selected from among contestants representing Pohnpei's five municipalities; Madolenimw, U, Kitti, Sokehs, Nett and Kolonia town.

The Pohnpei State Beauty Pageant was sponsored by the Pohnpei Visitors Bureau as the highlight of its Tourism Awareness Week, which was held the last week of September. The week featured a Tourism Symposium, Tourism Trade Exhibitions and a consortium of Cultural Programs and Local Talents.

It was the first pageant of its kind in the Federated States of Micronesia, the normal pageants have always centered on financial contributions or fundraisings. The two-day State Beauty Pageant was patterned after the Miss South Pacific Pageant with criteria that included; overview of local and regional issues, lavalava (sarong) contest, coconut category, interviews, and cultural/traditional items.

Miss Pohnpei and her delegation left September 18 for Samoa where she will compete with other Pacific Island representatives: Miss American Samoa, Miss Aotearoa (New Zealand), Miss Hawaii, Miss Niue, Miss Papua New Guinea, Miss Samoa, Miss Solomon Islands-Australia, and Miss Tonga.

Launched in 1986, the Miss South Pacific Pageant has given much emphasis to the promotion of the unique cultures and friendly South Pacific people and environment. According to the Pageant Information, the Miss South Pacific Pageant strives to recognize, promote and acknowledge the beautiful attributes and talents of the Pacific lady and her contributions to regional affairs. It also offers advice and assistance to the ladies of the Pacific in advancement as ambassadors and promoters of the Pacific as a unique holiday destination.