Miss Tahiti 2010 crowned - Lucie Poehere Hutihuti Wilson

Lucie Poehere Hutihuti Wilson, pictured here with Miss France 1991 Mareva Georges (left) and Miss France 1999 Mareva Galanter (right), became Miss Tahiti 2010 this past Friday. It was the 50th anniversary of the pageant and has gone through many changes since its inception. The latest being last year when the pageant was purchased by investor Narii Faugerat.

Born and raised in Laie on the North Shore of Hawaii, this young woman has had a long history of pageantry, winning countless competitions as a young girl and later claiming titles in Hawaii and Las Vegas. She has been performing at the nearby Polynesian Cultural Center for most of her life and recently was the nightly featured soloist at the evening show Ha, the Breathe of Life. In addition, she belongs to the Center's promotional team, representing the Center traveling throughout the country and trips to Asia and the South Pacific.

Lucie has excelled in academics and is majoring in International Business at Brigham Young University Hawaii. However, most have noticed how much she excels and stands out when she is performing. Her most recent Tahitian dance, or Ori Tahiti title was this past March at Heiva I Honolulu where she claimed the overall vahine title.

Lucie's parents Christian Wilson and Patricia Hutihuti have been ecstatic and extremely proud of her accomplishments. They have always encouraged her to build upon her abilities and strive to focus on enriching her own life, her family and those close to her.

Her younger sister, Kiana, an aspiring journalist at Kahuku High School, has been spearheading documenting activities and set up a special Facebook page dedicated to keeping friends, relatives, and the media abreast of happenings. She also is a member of the PCC's promotional team.

Pageant activities have been going on for several months, including preliminary pageants, interviews, photo shoots and rehearsals in Papeete, Tahiti and the surrounding areas. Twelve finalists competed at the culminating event that took place June 25, Friday evening at Place Toata, the same location where Heiva I Tahiti takes place each year.

Lucie succeeds Puahinano Bonno, Miss Tahiti 2009 and will next represent Tahiti and French Polynesia at the Miss France 2011 competition in December. Tehani Hautea Maono of Moorea, was awarded first runner up, and Mehetia Hsiao, also of Moorea, second runner. The Miss Heiva 2010 title went to Poerani Taiarui, of Hiva Oa in the Marquesas.

As a sponsor and extended family, Black Pearl Designs would like to congratulate Lucie (Poehere). As a featured model for us through the years, we've watched her grow into a beautiful, confident young women and wish her only the best.

Photos courtesy of Tahiti Presse.

RFO Tahiti TV interview