As reported by Matangi Tonga Online, Miss ‘Eua Masani, Sitita Hamilton Va’enuku (24) was crowned the Miss Heilala 2023 at midnight, last night during the Miss Heilala Ball at the Sir Sofele Hall in ‘Apifo’ou, Ma’ufanga.
Voted as Miss Popularity by her fellow contestants, she is the first local girl to win the national pageant after many years when overseas contestants have taken the crown.
Sitita received her sash from Hon. Frederica Tuita and was crowned by the outgoing Miss Heilala, Yehenara Soukop, to a cheering full house. Sitita won the pre-pageant interview and stage interview and was first runner up in the talent and tau’olunga (solo female dance) categories.
A graduate of Liahona High School, she is a certified ICT and microsoft specialist and is currently employed as an office administrator for the Tonga Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served her church mission in Brazil and New Zealand.
Miss Heilala wins a cash prize of $10,000 pa’anga and two return tickets on Fiji Airways to any destination on their network, among other prizes.
Other prize winners were:
- First runner-up, Miss Bou’s Fashion, Mele Luisa Meredith
- Second runner-up, Miss Tonga Australia, Monica Vave
- Third runner-up, Miss Malo e Lelei Travel, Loketi Serenity Mahoni
- Fourth runner-up, Miss Tuitui Fashion, Sabne Lata Ma’ilei
The Miss Heilala contestants showed a strong bond and companionship, and brought joy and united families and friends to Tonga, in this happy event, following the long isolation of Tonga during the covid pandemic.
Other prizes were awarded by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu.
