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Changeover at the Colonial Encampment: RCPP Installs Danielle King as President
- Joey Cummings
- Jul 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 28
July 11, 2026 - Fifty "colonists and loyalists" descended on the Tafuna home of Peter and Margie Tafiti on Saturday, July 11th, for what may be the most theatrical Changeover dinner in Rotary Club of Pago Pago history.
The theme, a tongue-in-cheek nod to the United States of America's 250th anniversary of independence, set the tone from the first invitation. Guests were summoned by proclamation, welcomed as colonists and loyalists alike, and treated to an evening that balanced genuine Rotary ceremony with plenty of laughter -- and concluded with the installation of Danielle King as the club's incoming President.
A Year Worth Celebrating
The program featured Outgoing President Raymond Dāvid who gave brief remarks; reflecting on a year that by any measure was one of the club's most active and impactful.
And the numbers bear that out. Over the 2025-2026 Rotary year, the club:
Donated 15 modern hospital beds to Hope House
Installed 8 new trash barrels in Lions Park; a joint project with Lions Club of Pago Pago
Distributed approximately 1100 dictionaries and Early Childhood Education storybooks to third graders and kindergarteners across American Samoa
Inducted approximately 120 students into Interact and supported six active clubs through the year
Hosted the Annual Rotary Golf Tournament
Restocked 12 high school emergency hygiene cabinets
Sent 2 students to New Zealand for RYPEN camp
Conducted Four-Way Test presentations at 12 high schools across the territory
Participated in Earth Day cleanup with Territorial Bank of American Samoa
Honored 12 outstanding students at the Annual Four-Way Test Awards Banquet
Welcomed District Governor Kristen Hwke and a delegation of 7 New Zealand Rotarians for a friendship visit
Partnered with the Utah Army National Guard for an Epic Day of Service cleanup at Pala Lagoon Swimming Center
Participated in TAOA Senior Citizens Day with a program, award, and donation
The club also made generous donations to the Lions Golf Tournament, Shriners Golf Tournament, and TAOA Senior Citizens Day.
Honoring Those Who Served
President Raymond concluded his remarks with gifts. Each outgoing board member received a hand-crafted wooden tanoa -- a hand carved traditional Samoan bowl that carries deep cultural significance as a symbol of service. Each tanoa was engraved with the board member's name and an acknowledgment of their dedication to the club.
The evening's most prestigious recognition went to Treasurer Justin Tuiasosopo, who was named Rotarian of the Year. The honor was richly deserved. Justin's financial stewardship and enthusiastic support of club projects throughout the year made him a cornerstone of everything the club accomplished.
Long Live the Queen
What followed dinner was the evening's most comedically dramatic moment -- and one that had been carefully kept secret from nearly everyone in attendance.
Emcee Faafua Cummings announced it was time for the raffle drawing; conducted via a deck of playing cards. And then, with perfect dramatic timing, she called out for the Queen of Hearts.
"Is there a Queen of Hearts in the house?" she called. "Going once... going twice..."
From the back of the encampment came a voice: "LONG LIVE THE QUEEN -- THAT'S ME!"
The crowd erupted as Peter Crispin -- one of the club's most beloved and longest-serving members, resplendent in full Queen of Hearts regalia -- made his way through the gathering, with Margie Tafiti dressed as his bannerman leading the way. The Queen took the lectern and delivered a hilarious address that skewered colonists, loyalists, and anyone who has ever paid five dollars at the club's Friday meetings hoping to draw a lucky QoH card to win the weekly raffle.
It brought the house down.
Peter Crispin takes on the roll of Queen of Hearts. The Queen of Hearts Delegation. The Crown & The Colonists Unite!
Rise of New Leadership
The Queen's remarks built to their conclusion with a call to rise for Lady Liberty herself. While Ulale and Archie sang the opening strains of "Proud to be an American", flag bearer Ryan and Uncle Sam (Vili Oney, perfectly cast) escorted incoming President Danielle King -- resplendent in full Statue of Liberty costume -- through the crowd to the front of the encampment. It was a magical moment in good fun.
Billy Young administered the oaths of office to Danielle and the incoming board of directors. Outgoing President Raymond then placed the Chains of Office around Danielle's shoulders, completing the transfer of power. The moment was sealed with a symbolic exchange of Rotary banners -- Danielle presenting Ray with the outgoing theme "Unite for Good," and Ray handing over the new banner declaring "Create Lasting Impact."
In her first address as President, Danielle King spoke confidently. "I am really honored to have everyone here tonight," she said. "It's a celebration of what we accomplished this year -- and an opportunity to look ahead to what we can accomplish together in the year ahead."
Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam with the Flag Bearer Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam in their grand entrance. Billy Young administers the oaths of office to Incoming President Danielle King.
District Accolades
The evening also brought a moment of district-level recognition for one of the club’s most dedicated members. Immediate Past President Moeroa Hardman, unable to attend the District Changeover in person, was honored with two prestigious awards: the Dr. Catherine Hamlin Award and a Paul Harris Fellow – Rotary’s highest individual honor. Incoming President Danielle King shared the news with the assembled guests, reading from a letter by District Governor Kirsten Hawke, who wrote that Moeroa “consistently steps up and organises amazing events for her community – the kind of quiet, reliable dedication that keeps Rotary’s service promise alive.” The room responded with well-deserved applause for a Rotarian whose contributions have been felt far beyond Pago Pago.
With Gratitude
An evening like this doesn't happen without many hands. The club extends its sincere thanks to:
Peter and Margie Tafiti for the gracious use of their beautiful home
GHC Reid & Company for their generous donation of Vailima beer
Malie and Mike Tolmie for providing the bar and drinks for the evening
The Tool Shop team for directing parking and keeping the evening running smoothly
Melanie for the magnificent charcuterie spread
Sadie's by the Sea for catering the meal
Ulale for providing the music that kept the right mood all evening
Silvemar Distor for capturing the evening in photographs
The staff of Vila's Snack Bar for serving drinks and snacks throughout the night
The 2026-2027 Rotary year is well underway with lots of community service projects in progress. Join us any Friday for lunch and fellowship at 12:15pm. Contact us for more information.
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