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Chaves promotes education, plans on running for Miss France 2019
UPDATE: Jan. 22, 2019
Vaimalama Chaves, Miss Tahiti 2018 competed in the Miss France competition on December 15th in the Northern city of Lille, France at the Zénith de Lille event center.
At 24 years old, she was among 30 contestants with 7.3 million people watching across the world as she was crowned.
It has been 20 years since a Miss Tahiti was crowned Miss France, it has been a “curse” with Miss Tahiti’s always making it to the top 5, but never winning. Vaimalama broke the curse, winning Miss France 2019!
Original article
Representing her country through both brains and beauty, this year’s Miss Tahiti 2018, Vaimalama Chaves, strives to make her people proud and bring awareness to issues she stands for. Miss Tahiti is one of the most avidly awaited public events in the country and the most lavish and expensive regional event in all of the French Territories.
Chaves was born in Mahina, French Polynesia, but she represents multiple ethnicities, such as French, Chinese, and other ethnicities from Europe and Asia. This aspect caused her to stand out to judges and gave her an advantage in the competition.
As a child, Chaves watched the Miss Tahiti competition on TV and admired the way the contestants held themselves and represented a worthy cause. She describes some women who acted as role models and influenced her decision to run for Miss Tahiti.
“I always knew it (the pageant) because they are role models,” Chaves said. “They were everywhere, they are famous in our islands and they are amazing women and I decided to go over there because I wanted to show an example. It started with Hinarani de Longeaux in 2012, and also Mareva Georges who became Miss Tahiti in 1990 and became Miss France in 1991.”
In junior high, Chaves claimed that her classmates and adults judged her for her looks, not her personality or abilities. One day she decided enough was enough and and decided to run for Miss Tahiti to prove to everyone she was more than what people saw her as. And although some people disapproved of the idea, she pushed through the negativity, which resulted in her victory as Miss Tahiti 2018.
“There’s no word to say,” Chaves said. “It was just amazing. I was floating, and it was a crazy moment. Sometimes I wish I could do it again.”
In the podcast below, Kamryn Schultz talks to Vaimalama Chaves about becoming Miss Tahiti 2018.
Now that Chaves has won the title, many responsibilities go along with it. As Miss Tahiti 2018, Chaves’ platform relates to education. She believes education is the most powerful weapon people can use to change the world, and expands on how it starts with the children.
“My platform is education because for me it’s what most important in society,” Chaves said. “…I totally agree because children will be willing to do their job with all their hearts and they can find their way in medicine, maybe a cure against HIV or against cancers or they can be pilots that find their way in new technologic things. So what he’s doing (the child) is going to be happy and I would also like to help our society.”
Chaves also moves for representation, mainly to involve herself in social projects. She mainly deals with children in hospitals and how to make their stay easier. She promotes multiple islands via various videos to improve the images of her culture and people. She also participated in a three-week long summit against domestic violence and the rights of women across the islands.
Receiving the opportunity to become Miss Tahiti has taught Chaves many things. She shares what she learned in her role and how this experience changed her life.
“I learned how to be more confident and how to make decisions,” Chaves said. “In Tahiti we often are listening to our parents and what they say is what we have to do. Yet I had to learn to make my own choice even if it went against my parents. I am really happy to be here today.”
Chaves plans on running for Miss France 2019, along with 29 other misses from different countries. The candidates will travel to Mauritius, which allows the Miss France Organization to judge the contestants based on their beauty, talents, and platforms. The winner will be announced at the Zenith of Lille in Lille, France, Dec.15.
For more on past Miss Tahiti’s, read Evening in French Polynesia luau provides cultural entertainment. For more articles read COMMENTARY: Girl Talk-Self Image.
Scott Donaghe • Dec 11, 2018 at 10:46 am
Miss France Watch Party at the Alliance Française de Fresno THIS Saturday; Dec. 15th 11am -2pm. FREE to attend! We will be selling pizza, salad and drinks for $5.00. Come watch and see if our Miss Tahiti becomes Miss France 2019!
Located at 1477 E. Shaw Ave. Suite 126, Fresno, CA 93710
Elizabeth Sanchez Reyes • Dec 5, 2018 at 9:18 am
Miss Tahiti is a true inspiration to all young and old. Her stance on education and emphasizing how valuable it truly is will create a wave of motivation for younger kids who despise schooling. Vaimalama Chaves beautifully displays her pose and excellence through her words. She’s simply perfect to take on the role as Miss France.
Gisela Zavala • Dec 2, 2018 at 5:00 pm
I agree with Vaimalama when she says that education is a weapon. She is a great role model because of the fact that she values education. I hope she wins Miss France 2018.
Gisela Zavala • Dec 2, 2018 at 4:53 pm
I completely agree with Miss Tahiti when she said education is a weapon. It really is important that future generations have a role model like Vaimalama, who values education, to push them to really see how important education is. I really hope she wins Miss France 2018.
Karla Garcia • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:40 am
I want to thank Miss Tahiti Vaimalama Chaves for taking her time to visit California and us French students in Fresno. She is a very kind and genuine person. Her visiting us showed us that not only is she a beautiful person from the outside but in the inside as well. I wish her best of luck at running for Miss France, they would be lucky to have her.
Lizette Gaeta • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:35 am
I am extremely upset I missed out on the chance to meet her. From everything i´ve heard, she´s a beautiful person inside and out. Although I didn´t have the chance to meet her, i feel as if i know her. Ive read many articles, including this one and I see how much of a positive impact she makes on everyone. Everyone says she lights up the room as she walks in and i don´t doubt it.She has a pure and genuine personality and I truly hope she wins Miss France.
Ramon • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:16 am
she is kind and hard working i believe she can change the world.She is also a great inspiration for young children supporting there education.she is also amazing in many ways she has my full support for her.
Erick • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:16 am
Val is a awesome person and she is the candidate to win it i know it. She represents beauty, kindness, knowledge, and love. I really hope you win and come back to visit us soon. Best of luck
Tiffany Lugo • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:15 am
Miss Tahiti 2018- Vaimalama Chavez is the symbol for a strong women, for a survivor, for a fighter. She has the ability to shape the minds of young women. She is an example of someone who was told they couldn’t and she looked at them and said ” Yes I can.” It is important for girls to know that they are only getting hurt because they allow people to hurt them, they have power over how they will react. Vai not only took care of her appearance but showed that there is more to life than outside beauty, there’s education. It is the key to many things and sadly some people don’t have the privilege of obtaining it. I think the fact that that is her platform it shows the well-rounded person she is. I think she would make an amazing Miss France!
Destiny Banuelos • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:14 am
I had the pleasure to meet Vaimalama Chaves when she came to Central High School. She deserves to win Miss France because she really is an amazing and inspiring woman. She can be a role model to girls all around the world. If she wins or not, I know she will make a great difference. Good luck Miss Tahiti 2018.
prabhjot kaur • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:14 am
I am thankful to Miss Tahiti for taking time to visit our school. She has a beautiful voice and she deserves to win Miss France for all the goals she wants to pursue. I appreciate her attitude and the way she deals with others. Her English and French, both are awesome and I want to wish her Good Luck for Miss France competition.
Jayla Dixon • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:14 am
Vaimalama chaves is truly an inspiration to all that she has met. It was and honor for her to come to out school. Go Miss Tahiht!
Ianna Orozco • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:13 am
Miss Tahiti is a very inspiring person i was truly inspired by her and her story that she told us when she came to Fresno, California to speak to us also she is a very hard working person i see a lot in her and this competition is really huge and i hope she wins Miss France 2019 it’s going to be so cool to hear her beliefs and for her to change the world and make it a better place. I wish her the best of luck on become Miss France 2019 and seeing what she has in store for us to see of how great she is and what she is capable of doing to make this world a better place.
Aretzy Rodriguez • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:12 am
Miss Tahiti(Vaimalama Chaves is such an incredible and beautiful women, she really is a great role model to girls all over the world and she has inspired me to become a better me. One has to push all the negativity aside and do all you can to achieve your goal no matter what other say. I hope that Miss Vaimalama continues to thrive and ultimately achieve her biggest goal. Thank you Miss Vaimalama for being the great person you are.
Victoria Khanounsay • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:10 am
I am very thankful that I got to meet her and spend some time with her. She is a very inspiring woman and role model. She taught us to never doubt yourself and do what you want to do. Never give up Miss Tahiti! You showed us a great vibe!
christopher farmer • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:09 am
Im super amazed and proud to say Miss vaimalama chaves should win Miss tahiti 2018, She has been an inspiration to all across her city and across the country as she bravely stands up for whats right as a student growing up i dont want just a man screaming and yelling demanding a change i want a woman who will acctually walk for the change stand and fight for a change that is why she deserves this, deserves all love –
Andy • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:09 am
Vaimala is a dedicated and inspirational person. She worked and works hard. Even then she still has time to come and visit other places. Vaimala didn’t even seem to be tired after it all.
Hannah Headlee • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:08 am
Vaimalama Chaves is such a beautiful person inside and out. I’m really hoping she wins Miss France. Hearing her talk about her story and learning to love herself makes me want to pursue my dreams as she did her own.
Diego Juarez • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:07 am
The way how Miss Tahiti was talking about what and how she got to where she is right now is very inspirational. She talks about how she was in jr highs school and that she was inspired by other Miss Tahiti’s. And even though her dad said she cannot do it, it just pushed her to do it more. She is very strong and smart women and It was an honor for her to come to Central East High School.
Grayson Henard • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:06 am
Miss Tahiti is a truly inspirational person. Her stance on education is a wonderful platform to run on since education is so critical to how a society is formed. She deeply cares for her community and is a kind heart. Go Miss Tahiti!
Bonnie Guevara • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:06 am
Vaimalama has got to win Miss France! She is such an inspiration to the youth. I don’t see a better role model. I love how she genuinely cares for the people and she isn’t in it for the money. Her intelligence, kind heart, and beauty, not just physically but internally, are one of a kind. I wish the best for her at all times!
sarah tanjoco • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:06 am
Miss Tahiti is an inspiring and beautiful woman.She is so beautiful inside and out.Her story is so inspiring, I wanna be just like her when I grow up.She is absolutely brave and positive.I love that she spreads positive things about life and not caring what other people think and proving them wrong.She is so kind and sweet too.I really hope Miss Tahiti wins Miss France, I believe in her and I know she can do it!! GOOD LUCK!!
Jaime Chavez • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:05 am
Miss Tahiti Vaimalama Chavez is an inspiring person who i hope wins Miss France. She is beautiful both outside and in, with a kind heart and amazing personality. She stands up for causes she believes in and takes a stand.
Josiah Falcon • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:05 am
I am truly in awe that she cares so much for the kids. She is by far one of the strongest women I have ever come to know. She is truly an inspiring person and I wish her the best luck in the Miss France 2019!
Israel Gutierrez • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:02 am
Congrats vai you have a truly inspirational story you are a very strong person and have a very good soul.I hope you become miss France 2018 theirs no one as beautiful or as inspiring as you.
Matthias B. • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:02 am
I’m rooting for Miss Tahiti in every competition. I believe she has the power to change the world with words and kindness. Via Chaves for Miss France 2019!
Jacob Henry • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:00 am
It’s amazing that she was told that she couldn’t do the pageant yet she did it anyways and won. I am hoping that she wins Miss France. After that, she said she would rather run for Miss World because of what she can do in the world so I hope that she can win that as well
Ramon • Nov 30, 2018 at 11:00 am
Congrats vai you are an inspiration to a lot of women out there and a lot of men i am sure.You worked very hard to get where you are now and we are right behind you all the way till the end of your amazing journey.I would honestly be surprised if she didn’t win Miss France and i highly doubt she wont win, we support you all the way.
Israel Gutierrez • Nov 30, 2018 at 10:59 am
Congrats vai you have a truly inspirational story and the things she hopes to accomplish upon winning the title of Miss France. Rising above all the negativity people directed toward her and coming out with a stronger resolve just shows how steadfast she is in her beliefs to change the world for the better. I dearly hope she can accomplish these feats even if she doesn’t win the competition and continues to lead a life that inspires others to improve the lives of those who struggle to thrive.I hope you become miss France 2018 you are a true beauty
Mya Ariaz • Nov 30, 2018 at 10:58 am
I love how Vai referred to knowing about the competitions because they were role models. I love that she looked up to them even before she started running for Miss Tahiti. She also said she’s heard about it all through her island and its great to know that the word of these competitions are getting out to the public.
Tristan DiRedo • Nov 30, 2018 at 10:58 am
Vai Chaves is truly an idle. I was fortunate enough to meet her in person and she is one of the kindest and most talented people I know. She has such an amazing singing voice and an inspiring story as to why she decided to run for Miss Tahiti. The fact that in junior high she had the confidence to tell herself she is beautiful and that no one else could bring her down is inspiring. Her singing voice is amazing and the fact that she traveled to the United states to greet people, shows how kind of a person she is. In my opinion she definitely should be Miss France especially since she wants to become a teacher and education is one of the most important things.
Soriya Beverly • Nov 30, 2018 at 10:57 am
I love how she explains how diverse she is with her culture.I am happy that she won miss tahiti because she seems like a wonderful person whom will eventually change the world for the better in her own unique way.
Brendan Hau • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:34 am
I am truly inspired by her story and the things she hopes to accomplish upon winning the title of Miss France. Rising above all the negativity people directed toward her and coming out with a stronger resolve just shows how steadfast she is in her beliefs to change the world for the better. I dearly hope she can accomplish these feats even if she doesn’t win the competition and continues to lead a life that inspires others to improve the lives of those who struggle to thrive.
jaszmine bolden • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:34 am
i just want to thank Miss Tahiti for coming to Fresno California and taking to the Central East High School students we had a wonderful time meeting hopefully you come back again i really enjoyed having you here. GO MISS TAHITI!!
ofa • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:33 am
she is loving, kind, and a hard worker. she sees everyone equally and has never judged anyone one on their appearance. shes an amazing role model.
Lawson McAlister • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:32 am
Miss Vaimalama Chaves is a very inspiring person. She makes other people have hope and confidence when she tells her story about growing up and the challenges shes had to face. She wants to help kids and I think that that’s amazing. I haven’t had a chance to meet her yet but I hope to.
Jaylen Dixon • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:31 am
Miss Tahiti is a very amazing, smart, and kind woman. I really appreciated having you come to my school. You are such an Inspiration and I hope I could meet you again. I wish you the best of luck during your competition on becoming Miss France 2019.
Leslie • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:30 am
Miss Vaimalama Chaves is such a strong intelligent women. I love how she went after her dream of becoming Miss Tahiti so she could show people that she is such a great women inside and out. She really wants to win Miss France because she wants to help a lot of people and she wants to help change some things about our society to make it better. I think that she should win Miss France because she such a good role model and she could inspire a lot of women all over the world to go after her dreams.
Isabel Tapia • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:29 am
The current winner of Miss.Tahiti is absolutely stunning and inspiring. She didn’t wait around to be given opportunities, she went and made opportunities for herself. I believe that it is highly brave of her to find the strength and muster up the courage to go and take what she wanted, despite the portion of people who believed she didn’t have what it takes to win. She is strong, beautiful, and a role model for others that face the hardships on being judged by appearances as she did.
Alan Zavala • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:29 am
Vaimalama Chaves is truly a wonderful person. She genuinely wants to win to have the ability to help kids, help them accomplish the goals they have and even many more to inspire them to go above and beyond because education may be one of the most biggest tools in life. I missed the most important opportunity to meet her in person but from the articles and interviews that i have read and watched she’s such a selfless person and cares about others. It is honestly so inspiring to see someone who didn’t grow up perfect and was made fun of going against all odds and becoming Miss Tahiti 2019. she is confident,smart, inspiring and the most beautiful women i have ever seen i am rooting for her to win this competition and become Miss Tahiti 100%!!!!!!!
Natalia Guzman • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:28 am
I really hope Miss Tahiti wins Miss France because she acknowledges important issues in the world like domestic violence, woman rights and diseases that are affecting lots of people. She also deals with children’s stay in hospitals and that’s truly amazing. and lastly she is very strong when it comes to not letting the negativity getting to her and succeeded and became Miss Tahiti. I wish all the luck to Miss Tahiti!
Chloe Heard • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:27 am
The phrase, “Not all heroes wear capes” immediately came to mind. Vaimalama Chaves is such an honest, humble, kind-hearted person; one that is rare in this society today. All she thinks about is helping others, and how she can make a positive impact on others as well. She doesn’t think of what she’ll gain from helping others. She not only is helping people for now, but she is thinking of the future as well. Her strong will and abilities set her apart from everyone else, in a good way. She is an inspiration to me, and gives me hope that I will also be able to pursue my dream. I wish her the best of luck with Miss France, and will be supporting her all the way.
Emmanuel • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:27 am
Miss Tahiti is great inspiration she is truly some one to look up to for the kids the most important thing to her is education
Laila O • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:26 am
I’m very confident that Vaimalama Chaves will win the Miss France Competition. Her goal isn’t solely to be crowned Miss France, she is striving to prove a point to her past-self, all while setting an example for children/those around her. She has the brains to match her beauty, understanding the importance of education and the platform she has. She always speaks sincerely in interviews; never giving any glib responses. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that she goes far in the Miss France competition, because if anybody deserves to be a representative of Tahiti/France, it is her.
Charles C • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:26 am
Vaimalama Chaves is such a positive role model for us all. She is a great example of how you should never give up and to follow your dreams. Vaimalama is a great person, inside and out. I feel she has a really good chance on winning Miss France! This article was very interesting to read.
Jalani G • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:24 am
Miss Tahiti is a great person to look up to no matter what happens she keeps moving forward. When she was little people said bad things about her that she couldn’t get no were even her family. but look at her now she left and became Miss Tahiti. She even has people looking up to her and people she looking up to. I can tell that shes gonna make a big change in life.And no matter what happens she will always have our support. BECOME MISS FRANCE.
Spencer Manson • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:24 am
Miss Tahiti is one of the smartest and most beautiful and inspirational people in the entire whole. Her message have moved thousands across the world which is unbelievable for someone from a small island nation. She truly deserves to be crowned Miss France.
Leslie Chavez • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:23 am
Vaimalama Chaves such an extrodinary women From her beliefs, to work ethic, and a kind hearted personality. A girl that was criticized for her looks now Miss Tahiti.She took something negative and turned it into a positive instead of giving in to all the comments made about her she changed her perspective and everyone else´s.Competiting in Miss Tahiti was where Vaimalama wanted to prove who she really was someone who is beautiful inside and out.
Nailea Ibarra • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:23 am
Miss Tahiti is very inspiring to many young people. She is genuinely a good person who wants to help the world. You hear it in the podcast that she is confident, and genuinely wants to help the world. It’s amazing to see someone who wants to help spread awareness on how education is important for our future. I’m happy that she’s achieving her dreams, and inspiring others to achieve their own as well. She’s truly an amazing, beautiful person inside and out! I can’t wait to see the things she’ll achieve in the future! She definitely has my support!
Heaven Cabral • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:23 am
Miss Tahiti is such a great person at heart. She is such a inspiring person and a kind person. I wish i was lucky enough to have met her when she joined us at Central East High school from the stories i heard she was funny and comfortable with everyone even though she was around a bunch of strangers.What a journey she was traveled and what a women it has turned her into. Im sure her family must be proud for the daughter they have raised i hope she wins Miss France she deserves it.
Alana Castellano • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:22 am
Vaimalama Chaves is a wonderful person who decided be like her many role models that included past Miss Tahiti’s. She persevered and told herself that she is good enough to win Miss Tahiti. She wouldn’t accept what other people would say about her and would tell herself that they don’t determine her future. Vaimalama believes that education is one of the most powerful weapons you could use to change the world. She wants to inspire the people who can’t have enough hope for themselves. She wants to help children who are going through a lot of trauma and be able to make them be and feel better. She is an amazing role model that wants to help people and encourage people who don’t think they can make it in the real world.
Bodie Harris • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:21 am
Miss Tahiti is an amazing and beautiful women who brings positivity with her wherever she goes. I have great respect for how she takes time to visit places and meet with kids to bring positivity into their lives. Her hard work and courage show that she is a great inspiration to many. I wish her best of luck in the Miss France competition.
Edgar Aguilar • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:21 am
Miss Tahiti is an amazing person with great intentions. She grew up in a negative space at school but she didn’t let that negativity change her. She has rightfully won the title of Miss Tahiti not just for her looks but for her passion her will to show every one that she could be Miss Tahiti. She believes that any one can do anything and she proved it by becoming Miss Tahiti when every one doubted her in her life. She is strong willed woman and i cannot wait to see her win Miss France come December 15th.
Nicholas Polenz • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:21 am
It is great to see people in this world that are working to make things better like Vaimalama Chaves. She is very inspiring for young people who want to follow their dreams and want to make a difference. I do hope she wins Miss France so she can continue to spread her positive message.
Adam Vang • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:20 am
Miss Tahiti 2018 will leave a mark on the world. Her confidant personality and her perseverance is amazing to see. Chasing dreams is very hard to do when your peers are bringing you down. To go through all of that and come out on top is just awe inspiring. On top of that Miss Vaimalama Chaves is supporting education on her platform. Such a kind and great person. Rooting for you on Miss France!!!
Diego Arenas • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:19 am
Miss Tahiti is such a wonderful person. It still amazes me how she is good at English. Also like miss Tahiti 2017, I really appreciate her coming to our school to speak with us and share her culture. I am grateful that people like her are so involved in the community and give so much back to their fans and supporters. Truly an inspiration. Live on Vaimalama.
Haley Smith • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:18 am
Vaimalama Chaves should be looked to as a guide. Not only does she believe in relying on more than your looks, but she uses her platform to spread her positive beliefs on education which is vital for all future generations. This platform makes her perfect for a competition such as Miss France. Her humbleness has absolutely gained my vote.
Brandon • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:18 am
Miss Chaves is truly an admirable person. Her Inspirational actions and talents has made her very influential. She seems like a wonderful person and I hope she keeps up the amazing work!
crystal • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:16 am
Shes as beautiful as her heart!!
Jaylen Dixon • Nov 30, 2018 at 9:15 am
Miss Tahiti you’re an amazing, smart, kind, beautiful woman. I enjoyed having you come to my school. You’re very influential and I love you so much. I wish you the best on becoming Miss France 2018
Judy Alatorre • Nov 30, 2018 at 7:57 am
Miss Tahiti is such a beautiful soul! The words of inspiration that she shared were truly inspirational. Her singing and the song that she shared were beautiful. It was great to see her and i hope she wins Miss France. Vaimalama is so effortlessly nice and kind to those around her. Ill forever remember what she had to say. Thank you for coming to Fresno and shout out to Mr. Donaghe for setting up the event.
Roel Mendoza • Nov 30, 2018 at 7:45 am
Madame Vaimalama Chaves was inspiring to see here. She inspired many of us to push ourselves and move forward. She’s a kind and nice person. She supports the education and wants us all to succeed.
Roel Mendoza • Nov 30, 2018 at 7:44 am
Madame Vaimalama Chaves was inspiring to see here. She inspired many of us to push ourselves and move forward. She’s a kind and nice person. She supports the education system and wants us all to succeed
Marco • Nov 30, 2018 at 7:41 am
i just want say that you as miss France would be a good choice because of how you been through a lot and how your change how the world by spreading against domestic violence and the rights of women across the islands. You are truly and wonder full person i wish i could have meet you in central high school.
Alizay • Nov 30, 2018 at 7:40 am
Vaimalama Chaves is such an amazing role model for young girls to look up to. She has not disappointed her title as Miss Tahiti, using it to represent the people of Tahiti, encouraging children to seek an education, using her platform to speak out against domestic violence, and promoting women’s rights. She is a very strong woman and would make a wonderful Miss France!
Tyrell Dunn • Nov 30, 2018 at 7:39 am
Vaimalama is so inspiring and is such a kind person, she has my support
Yocelin Martinez • Nov 30, 2018 at 7:39 am
Ms. Tahiti is such a kind person and the fact that she was able to pursue through all the negativity is pretty inspiring, we could all try something that is said to be impossible for us. Not only is she kind but she is advocating for women rights on her island and it’s great that she stands up for social issues. Vaimalama also has such a lovely voice and a great ability to play the ukelele. I hope she wins Ms. France!!!
Gladys • Nov 30, 2018 at 7:37 am
Miss Tahiti is an inspiration. She went against doubtful people around her and strove to what she believed was right and truly wanted She’s such a beautiful person inside and out. She genuinely wants to win to have the ability to help kids, to help them accomplish their dreams through education. She’s such a selfless person. I am cheering for you Miss Tahiti!
Naomi Jahsi • Nov 30, 2018 at 7:35 am
Miss Vaimalama Chaves is truly inspiring. She really is making a change in society and helping to provide a better place and education for children. I highly respect her for her actions and dreams. I missed the opportunity to meet her in person, but from articles and interviews, she seems like a wonderful person.
Gevorg A • Nov 30, 2018 at 7:33 am
Mademoiselle Chavez has made a great impact on her arrival to Fresno. It’s important to know that her country of origin has been isolated for thousands of years, but it is now that she comes to share it with us. Such great culture that we can indulge in, and how we can relate to it. I especially enjoyed hearing her play the Ukulele and how she generously gives her time to speak with students in Central California. Bon voyage Vaimalama Chavez.
Kelsy Ornelas • Nov 30, 2018 at 7:32 am
It was such a wonderful experience getting to meet Vaimalama, she is so inspiring and having the opportunity to listen to her talk about her struggles and life in French Polynesia was amazing. I am truly thankful for getting to meet her and hear her story. I think she makes a great Miss Tahiti and would be an amazing Miss France!
Kaylie Clem • Nov 28, 2018 at 7:43 pm
Such a great article Kam!
Braven Blicha • Nov 28, 2018 at 5:31 pm
It’s so inspiring seeing someone who didn’t grow up perfect and was made fun of go against all odds and become Miss Tahiti and be in a battle for most likely to become Miss France is amazing I wasn’t able to make it and see her but of what i heard she is an amazing person and truly inspiring.
Allie Anderson • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:16 pm
Miss Tahiti- Vaimalama Chaves, Merci Beaucoup for coming out to California and making the time on your tight schedule to see us. (Central East High School) I’m glad I got an autograph signed and our picture taken like…5 times! I am also very thankful I got to eat with you at dinner at Hop PK and talk about each other and how to make food and drinks! I enjoyed it so much! You are such an inspiration to others around the world and you are such an amazing person, you are confident, beautiful, smart, and inspiring. I hope you win Miss France! I’m rooting for you!
Azariyah Hollins • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:13 pm
While reading and listening to this article I was very surprised to hear the Viamalama Chaves was talked about and judged because of her looks. There’s a lot of people that go through similar situations. If other people read about whats she went through then seen her outcome as Miss Tahiti she could inspire many more people, especially the the generation now. It’s also amazing that she takes education seriously. Education is a very powerful tool and may get you far in life.
Teigan Davis • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:13 pm
Vaimalama Chaves is a truly inspiring role model for everyone. The way that she promotes education and wants the world to become a better place helps inspire me to become a better person in general. I had the privilege to meet her in person and I can confidently say that she is a wonderful person and will be an amazing Miss France.
Adelyn H • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:12 pm
I can not think of a better contestant to become Miss France than Vaimalama Chaves (Miss Tahiti). She inspired me to learn more about France, and the other places that speak French, such as Tahiti, Canada, Chateauroux, etc. Miss Chaves helped show all the students she met that anyone can become what they want, and all they have to do is try, learn, and dream big. It was amazing to have a chance to meet Miss Tahiti Vaimalama Chaves. I wish her all the luck in the world!
Damian Carrillo • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:12 pm
First I want to Thank miss Tahiti for being an amazing inspiration because she has shown to follow your dream when others want to put that dream down but she had confidence and she overcame and is now known as Miss Tahiti, which she is currently running in the Miss France competition. I am also thankful because she has come to visit our very own school (Central East High School) . She has showed what a great person she is and the talents she has and has brought to us . I hope that she comes to visit us at the Polynesian Luau to meet and greet her since I didn’t get to see her when she came to Fresno. So I wish her luck and I hope she becomes “Miss France 2019”!!
Jasmin Angon • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:11 pm
It was a honor to meet Miss Tahiti 2018 I hope to meet her again but this time as Miss France 2019
She is a inspiring,beautiful and smart person. She has a very well kind heart. She is very passionate.
Emily Zermeno • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:10 pm
The fact that she ran for “Miss Tahiti 2018” to prove everyone wrong about how looks and how they do not matter. She went against her FAMILY to prove them she can do it. Vaimalama did it, she won Miss Tahiti and now she is proving that dreams do come true if you have confidence. Now that she has won she wants to show how important education is an I love it. I honestly hope she wins “Miss France 2019”.
Arianna Perez • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:09 pm
Although i did not meet Miss.Tahiti it’s clear that she is a beautiful lady inside and out, she’s kind and so full of life and everywhere you see her whether it be in person, videos, television,etc. you can see how wonderful she is because she’s always so positive, and i thank her a thousand times for visiting Central East High School.
Annie herring • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:09 pm
Miss Tahiti is a an amazing person and it was really cool and nice of her to visit our high school in Fresno California and she has such an amazing voice. She has such an amazing personality and she is so sweet. i wish you the best of luck in the miss France competition. i would like to say thank you to Vaimalama Chaves for being such an amazing inspiration to all the people because she is true example of how people should follow our dreams.
Luke Valdivia • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:08 pm
Vaimalama is a great person to inspire people that anything is possible.I am extremeley greatful that she took time and visited our school and having her first time in america at our school.Even tho i did not go to the meet and greet i am still thankful.I wish you the best of luck on winning miss france.
Kari Hale • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:07 pm
Thank you so much for coming to our school Miss Tahiti! You have inspired me to inspire others and to follow my dreams. When I think out beauty pageants I get flashbacks to when I was in them as a child and I always saw them as a judge of beauty and talent. Now I see that there’s more to it than that, there’s attitude, compassion, and many other things that go into them. We are all rooting for you here at Central High School and we hope you enjoy the competition. We are all praying that you win because you deserve it, also because if you win we wont have to do a French midterm. But that isn’t the only reason we are rooting for you , you are smart, kind, beautiful, compassionate, talented, and you actually listen to people. Good luck in France, you have all of Central High School and my family behind you, hope you win.
Daniella Munoz • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:07 pm
Miss Tahiti-Vaimalama Chavez is such an inspiring person she came to California for the first time just to meet students from a High School a lot of people would not take the time of day to do that although I do wish I were to have the chance to meet her I wish I did because it would have been an amazing experience!!!
Elona Boonmy • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:06 pm
It’s extremely kind that she wanted to set a good example for us kids and I feel that she did because it’s really inspiring to see that anyone can achieve so much just by trying your best. Merci beaucoup for visiting our school!! Although I didn’t get the chance to meet you I am still grateful you took some time to visit. Nous Vous Applaudissons!! Do your best and I promise to do the same!!
Ofelia Calderon • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:06 pm
It was a wonderful experience to meet Miss Tahiti here at Central East. She has proven to herself and to everyone else that she is a great role model and many people are inspired by her. She is great model because she worked hard to become Miss Tahiti and till this day she still works hard to get were she wants to be. Hopefully she comes back to Fresno and comes back to central. Thank you Miss Tahiti for your visit and come back soon.
Amelia K • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:05 pm
I agree with the article because it was very well researched and backed up with a lot of evidence. In the beginning of the article and in the sound track she says that her dream was too become one of thee pageant girls. This was well represented as following your dreams in the future.
Guneet Aujla • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:05 pm
Miss Tahiti came to my school and she was very sweet and she even sang to us. She deserves to win the Miss France competition because of all she wants to accomplish.
Alan Gutierrez • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:04 pm
Congrats!!!! To Miss Tahiti 2018. AKA Vaimalama Chaves. She is and incredible person. Who has gone through lots. She looked up to past Miss Tahiti. But her dream to be Miss Tahiti was Junior High. She said people didn’t want her to do it. But she showed that you can’t let people put you down and follow your dreams. So she is an inspiration to students and younger people. To follow their dreams. She is also very funny. Has a great personality. I hope her the best of luck to win Miss France. You will because your funny, great , and have an amazing personality. Goooddd lucckkkkk MIss Tahiti!!!!! :).
Semaj London • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:02 pm
So I might have not ever seen her but from the things I have heard about her she is very cool and I really want to know more about her and seeing her backstory has made me want to meet her even more and want to ask how she was able to look past all the negativity and come up and succeed
Colton Fields • Nov 27, 2018 at 2:01 pm
It´s truly inspiring to see a woman go against what others made of her and chase after a dream, and even more so to see that dream achieved. It´s amazing to see someone so intent on promoting education to better our world, and I know she is going to be an amazing Miss Tahiti, and maybe an amazing Miss France.
Carlos Aguilera • Nov 27, 2018 at 1:58 pm
I wish you the best in your competition Miss Tahiti your a really beautiful and kind lady. It was an honor to have you at my school and I wish you the best in life and have faith believe in yourself. I wish you the best and hope to see you as ” Miss France 2019″. You really deserve it, Thank you.
Jovanna Castanon • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:58 am
First of all, I would like to say thank you to MissTahiti for being such an amazing inspiration to all people because she demonstrated how we should follow our dreams and believe in ourselves by having “confidence” and she proved to everyone that she could be anything she proposed to herself and now Vaimalama Chaves is “Miss Tahiti 2018”.
I’m so glad for having the opportunity to meet her and I hope she would be “Miss France 2019” .
Jamarion Carter • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:57 am
Thank you miss Tahiti for coming to our high school in Fresno,California.It was an awesome to have you there.I wish u can come back and wish you the best luck to win miss France.And thank u for the autograph i love the comment.
Sydra Flores • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:57 am
Merci beaucoup for making time in your schedule to come to our school (Central High School). I am so thankful for meeting you and to getting to know who you are. When I think of beauty competitions, i just think of looks and body sizes and the smiles… you made me see another side of this type of things. Life isn’t about beauty or looks, its about how you can make a change with honest answers and making a success self. When you had said you wanted to teach after being Miss Tahiti 2018, it made me so happy and feel strong because I’ve decided to put myself in a path to become a teacher. You’ve made me feel so much better about myself and made me so much powerful. Thank you Miss Vaimalama Chaves. and Good luck at Miss France !
Egypt Moultrie • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:56 am
Miss Tahiti visited my school and I really enjoyed her visiting. She sang beautifully. I hope she wins Miss France. She talked about her learning about studying business. She has a very well kind heart. She was very passionate. The crowd she had was having fun, laughing with her.
aleena silvas • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:54 am
i believe that Miss Tahiti (Vaimalama Chaves) is an inspiration to everyone because she is very funny and that she would do whatever it takes to make her country a better place and a great place to live at. With that meaning she made me see something important even though people can judge all they want it wont ever stop me from achieving my dreams because i am me and no one would ever stop that. I enjoyed Miss Tahiti’s visit to Central high school she was a joy to be around and i do hope she would become Miss France.
Sara Q • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:53 am
Vamalama Chaves has certainly proven herself to all those who have doubted her. She is now Miss Tahiti! which is a big step from many people putting her down for the way she looked. Miss Tahiti is different then the other contestants she does not just care about the beauty she cares about education something so important to the people of her country. She is there for her people for her country! She is a kind and generous woman. My vote definitely goes to her ! Who better for Miss France then a woman fighting for woman rights , helping her country in educational purposes, and overall running the pageant not for the fame , But to prove something . An inspiration !
Sukhleen Kaur • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:53 am
Merci beaucoup for coming to meet us here in Fresno, California. I had a fun time meeting you and I can’t wait for when you come next year. It was nice hearing you sing for us, you have an amazing voice. You have all of our support and I hope you the best for Miss France 2019.
sadie • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:53 am
she is a very good candidate she is very helpful nice and funny she has came a long way, she told us a lot about her family and were she was raised. she really taught us about self empowerment and we really nee to believe in our self’s
Julia Vargas • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:52 am
Vaimalama Chaves is an amazing and inspirational person. She has a great personality and is very funny. She worked hard and sacrificed many things to get to where she is today and I really admire her and her courage and bravery. Miss Tahiti is the most beautiful and amazing person I’ve ever met. I really hope she wins Ms. Tahiti and all my hopes are with her. An extraordinary person like her deserves to win something that means so much to her. She deserves it to win this competition. I hope all Vaimalama’s dreams come true and she is now my role model.
Katelyn Baker • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:52 am
Go Miss Tahiti! We are cheering you on and are wishing you luck here in Fresno. You are such an inspiration to every girl and boy trying too show that they can strive to rise above their struggles to reach their goals. We had an amazing time getting to meet you and hear about you. Also, your musical talent was impeccable and it was amazing to be able to sing with you for a few minutes. Good luck!
Victoria rodriguez • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:52 am
Thank You Miss Tahiti for coming to Fresno Califorina we are all very happy that you came to Central East high school and meeting and talking with us . she will make a grate and amazing Miss France . she is very nice and inspiring . I love how she is very confident and i she is very very pretty . Thank you so much for visiting us in Fresno Califorina .
Katelyn Baker • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:51 am
Go Miss Tahiti! We are cheering you on and are wishing you luck here in Fresno. You are such an inspiration to every girl and boy trying too show that they can strive to rise above their struggles to reach their goals. We had an amazing time getting to meet you and hear about you. Also, your musical talent was impeccable and it was amazing to be able to sing with you for a few minutes. Bonne chance!
cecilia • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:51 am
It was so nice to get to meet someone who’s placement in life is so high. Not only being of a higher status than I but to see someone who got their status to do some good in the world. Not only does Vaimalama define beauty but also shows me and all of my classmates, or maybe even the world how important your own intelligence is. Thank you for allowing Miss. Tahiti to visit our school and I would hope to see her around again. Safe travels!
syriah • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:51 am
it was such an honor to meet her,im glad that out of all places in the world she would come here to Fresno.and she is such an inspiration to me and everyone else here thank you so much.
syriah • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:50 am
it was such an honor to meet her,im glad that out of all places in the world she would come here to Fresno.and she is such an inspiration to me and everyone else here thank you so much
Diana Her • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:50 am
I really appreciate that this website has done this. It has brought a awareness to the french country’s. I have learn new things about Miss Chaves. I really support the things she is trying to do and did. She is a new role model to me and others girls now. She open herself to us and I´m glade because now many people will feel that they are not the only ones.With reading this I know she would win Miss France. I support her all the way.
Breanna Johnson • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:49 am
It was a true honor to meet Miss.Tahiti and getting to know more about her was amazing.She was very kind and was really funny and the songs she sang were lovely along with her voice.She is really pretty and i’m happy that she decided to come to our school and meet the french classes.She truly deserves to be Miss.France in my opinion and i wish her luck in her long adventure. Merci Beacoup Miss.Tahiti for coming to Fresno.
Scott Donaghe • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:48 am
Merci beaucoup for covering Miss Tahiti’s visit to Fresno, California. We are very proud that we were able to have her come to Central High School and speak and meet with students. Her English and French are both amazing and she will make a great Miss France should she win on December 15th. Our plan is to bring her back to Fresno for our Evening in French Polynesia Luau on Friday April 12th 2019. If any of your readers would like to watch the Miss France competition, the Alliance Française de Fresno will be showing it at our offices on Saturday Dec. 15th 11am -2pm. Our address is 1477 E. Shaw Ave. Suite 126 across the street from Red Lobster. The Alliance Française is the organization that sponsored her trip to California, along with the Miss Tahiti Corporation and Air Tahiti Nui.
Julia • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:47 am
Miss Tahiti was a great guest at Central high school in Fresno California and it would be great for her to come back as Miss France I think that she deserves to win Miss France because she will put a lot of focus on education and helping people become stronger so that we can work together and make a lot of positive changes which I appreciate.
Faaryn Hakim • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:47 am
Miss Tahiti would be amazing as Miss France if she were to win. She was very inspirational to the students she spoke to at Central High School in Fresno, California. She has a kind heart and she is beautiful. We are all very happy that we got the opportunity to meet Vaimalama.
isabella de la fuente • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:46 am
Miss.tahti is a great person because she has a beautiful heart and she never thought she could do anything like this and she did. Everyone judges on her looks and not her abilities. She proved them all wrong I think it’s important to have an education because that can take u after then looks. She’s doing a great job
Audrie Genova • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:45 am
Miss Chavez is an amazing woman and I believe in her ideas in knowledge is a good weapon to have weather to prove a point or even just to defend yourself. she is a very beautiful woman who has worked hard for her dreams and I believe that she could win miss France.
Angelina • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:45 am
It’s really inspiring to see such a strong women achieving her dreams. I admire her revealing her own experience with other students, and the fact that she decided to ignore their opinions and build herself up on her own. I wish her much more success.
Juliana • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:44 am
She is very inspiring and is very confident in herself. I wish i was that confident in myself as she is with herself.
Alondra • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:44 am
You can hear it in her voice that she is very happy.
Akash Sidhu • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:43 am
She is very inspiring and kind and I enjoyed her talking about the obstacles she will face running for Miss France.
Henry Gee • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:39 am
This is the most awesome competition. I hope Miss Tahiti wins. She is the kindest, generous person I’ve ever met. We’re rooting for her.
Ravneet Kaur • Nov 27, 2018 at 9:38 am
Miss Tahiti – Vaimalam Chaves is one of the most inspiring people I have read about. The thing that I most like about her personality is that she really supports the education system. Being a student I want to achieve my goal when I grow up and reading articles that help me achieve my goal is great. I really hope that Madame Vaimalama Chaves wins Miss France 2019. I mean there is no reason for her to not win.