Photos by Linny Folau

Miss Liahona Alumni, Ebony Nuku (24) was crowned Miss Heilala 2012-13 late last night July 27, at Pangai Lahi in Nuku'alofa.

Ebony, a local girl, lives at Fanga, and has a degree from the Brigham Young University, in Hawaii where she graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work, with a minor in International Cultural studies with an emphasis on Cultural Anthropology, She is currently involved in part time volunteer youth work, while assisting her father with his business in Tongatapu. She plans to return to University, and further her studies and pursue a Master of Social Work degree to become a qualified child counsellor.

Ebony was born in Australia, and was brought to Tonga at just two weeks old, and was raised here.

After the crowning, Ebony said that she was honoured to have won the Miss Heilala title, and wanted to become a good ambassador for Tonga.

The Miss Heilala’s prizes include $3,000 pa’anga and return tickets for two to Los Angeles, a return ticket for two to Vava'u, and other prizes. 

Runner up

The first runner up was Miss Black Pearl Suites Kathleen Walters, also a local girl from Nukunuku.

The second runner up was Miss Horizon Sun, Zola Fauolo from Utah; and the third runner up was Miss Bou's Fashion, Diamond Langi from New Zealand.

The crowning of the new Miss Heilala was attended by Hon Frederica Tuita. Also attending was Miss Heilala 2011 Liberty Afeaki with families of the seven contestants.

A Heilala float parade held this morning, Saturday July 28, concludes this year's Heilala Festival and Pageant in Nuku'alofa.