Ridley High soon-to-be junior Leilani Felicity Valdehueza Hencinski was crowned “Miss Philippines 2022″, writes Peg DeGrassa for the Daily Times.

She was crowned June 18 at the 47^th Annual Independence Ball in Trevose, celebrating the 124^th year of Philippine independence.

She was selected by the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia, representing 23 member Philippine organizations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York.

 Leilani participates in cross country, track, indoor track, mock trial, Mini-Thon and Wright’s Legacy.

She and her family belong to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, where she is an altar server.

Leilani hopes for a career as a lawyer or in criminal justice.

Her Filipino mother helped Leilani learn about her background and culture and enabled the teen to gain dual citizenship.  Her father is a 1982 alumnus of Ridley High School.

“Since I was a little girl, I felt proud of it and I always enjoyed learning about the food, clothing and culture of the Philippines. I love it all!”  the new Miss Philippines said.

For her platform project, Leilani is collecting clothes, food, toiletries and household items for Filipinos overseas living in poverty.

Read more at the Daily Times about Leilani Hencinski and her new role as Miss Philippines.