07/08/2026
Talent has never been my favorite category to compete in. It’s one of the most subjective parts of pageantry because every contestant brings something so unique to the stage. How do you compare a vocalist to a pianist, a dancer to a ventriloquist, or a violinist to a spoken word artist? Every talent tells a different story.
This year was different.
For the first time, talent became my favorite part of competition because it wasn’t just about performing. It was about sharing a piece of who I am.
My talent was a fusion of Samoan Nifo Oti and Ori Tahiti dance, and every part of it held meaning. From the choreography to the music, every movement represented my upbringing, my culture, my family, and the Polynesian communities that have shaped me into the woman I am today. The music begins softly before building into an explosion of energy, and I feel like that mirrors so much of my own journey.
Walking onto that national stage, I wasn’t just representing a title. I had the privilege of representing my heritage, my community, and the beauty of Polynesian culture.
More than anything, my goal was simple. I wanted to entertain. I wanted the audience to feel like, for 90 seconds, they had been transported to the islands of Polynesia through music, movement, and storytelling.
Hearing people tell me afterward that they wanted to get up and dance with me, that they felt the energy of the performance, and that they were smiling from beginning to end meant more to me than I can put into words. There is no greater compliment than knowing your performance brought someone joy.
That is what I will remember most.
I am so incredibly proud of this talent and so grateful I had the opportunity to share a piece of my culture on the Miss Volunteer America stage. It will always be one of the greatest honors of my life🤍❤️
Tony Alcosiba
