East Brunswick High Senior Wins Multiple Crowns

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ —Ysabella Sapienza, a senior at East Brunswick High School, had quite a fall.

She was a key member of the East Brunswick High girls volleyball team that went 24-1 and captured conference and sectional championships. For her performance on the court, Sapienza was named All-Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) First Team.

Sapienza also competed in the Miss Philippines USA 2021 competition, where she was crowned Miss Young Philippines USA 2021 at a Nov. 21 event held at the City National Grove of Anaheim, California.

During the Question and Answer portion of the pageant, Sapienza was asked the question: "what is the most important issue your generation is facing today?"

Sapienza's response: "I believe the most important issue we are facing today is technology. There are a lot of ups and downs (to technology). It creates a lot of opportunities, but it also has had a lot of negativity for our younger (children). I believe we should use technology in a positive way, to uphold our generation and to help raise the younger generation."

That answer was one of several factors that ultimately helped Sapienza earn the crown. Her biography no doubt was impressive to judges, as well.

In addition to being a standout on the volleyball court, Sapienza and her mother also started a foundation called Train of Love and Kindness, according to her biography on the Miss Philippines USA website.

The foundation focuses on children with hydrocephalus, cleft lip and palate, and who suffer from malnutrition.

"We decided to create this foundation after we helped my cousin who was born with cleft lip and palate and underwent two surgeries, and we saw the smile on his face," Sapienza told the pageant website. "It gave us an immeasurable happy feeling of wanting and loving to help. We believe we can try to help others any way we can."

Sapienza entered the competition with two platforms: educating Americans about the importance of keeping a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about child molestation in the Philippines.

"I joined this pageant to not only win the crown, but win the opportunity to spread kindness to others and make a meaningful awareness that will enrich, protect and save lives," Sapienza said. "My advocacy is not only personal, but it is my passion, and it is rewarding just knowing that I can make a difference."