The Asian reporter., June 05, 2017, Page Page 9, Image 9

Community
June 5, 2017
THE ASIAN REPORTER n Page 9
Madison High School princess
cherishes Tongan heritage, traditions
By Maileen Hamto
The Asian Reporter
ele Kavapalu, Madison High School’s Rose
Festival princess, considers family, faith, and
community central to her life of service. To
celebrate being named to the 2017 Portland Rose Festival
Court, Mele chose to honor her church and family, in an
act of gratitude for their unconditional support.
“Being a Pacific Islander, I celebrate my ethnicity by
involving myself in church gatherings, performances,
singing, and dancing,” she said. “I gave [our reverend] one
of the bouquets of flowers I received from one of my Rose
Festival Court representatives.”
In pure Mele fashion, the celebration concluded with
more giving: She went on to practice with church members
for the congregation’s annual celebration.
As a Portlander who is deeply immersed in her Tongan
culture, Mele relishes the opportunity to educate others
about traditions on the islands. She said she is most proud
of the great familial bond among Tongans as they
maintain a close connection to the culture that nurtures
the Polynesian community on the mainland.
“In the Tongan community, we cherish the value of
respect. Wherever you go on the islands, there is always a
welcoming smile or random gesture of a food offering from
the people,” Mele said. “I also love how the culture is alive
during celebrations that include delicious food, skillful
dancing, and the sensational home vibe.”
Mele’s journey to become Madison’s Rose Festival
representative started her freshman year, when she was
recognized as the “Most Likely to Become a Rose Festival
Princess” by her classmates. Her successful run was
inspired by Abigail Reyes Santiago, Madison’s 2016
princess.
“I heard the program would offer once-in-a-lifetime
opportunities and I wanted to add diversity to the list of
names of Madison princesses, along with Abigail,” said
Mele.
“After all, our school is one of the most diverse schools in
the city. When senior year came around, I told myself,
‘why not?’”
Mele’s achievements at Madison are well rounded —
from sports to community service, from music to
academics. She serves as president of the Madison
student body and volunteers for Madison Red Cross,
Photo/Prince Charming Photography
Photo courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation
M
TONGAN PRIDE. Mele Kavapalu rides a carousel in Seaside, Ore-
gon during an outing with this year’s Rose Festival Court. Kavapalu, who
considers family, faith, and community central to her life of service, is ex-
cited to represent the Polynesian community in one of Portland’s most vi-
brant and enduring institutions. The Portland Rose Festival’s Queen’s
Coronation takes place Saturday, June 10 at Portland’s Veterans Memo-
rial Coliseum.
College Possible, and Gear UP. She also plays for her
school’s symphonic band.
For Mele, her achievements in volleyball trump all
others. She was awarded the honor of “Most Spirit” in
2013 as a freshman and earned the “Most Inspirational
Award” as a senior. This past season, she was also team
captain and received all-league honorable mention in
varsity volleyball.
Continued on page 16
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