Apia, SAMOA — The Samoa Observer is reporting that American Samoa’s Department of Human Resources has described Miss Samoa Haylanni Kuruppu as being resilient and inspiring during her recent book launch in Pago Pago.

Director of Human Resources, Lynn Pulou-Alaimalo made the comments as Ms. Kuruppu’s new book “Haylanni, journey to Miss Samoa” was launched recently in the territory.

Ms. Pulou-Alaimalo said they were fortunate to have Ms. Kuruppu talk about her book and the challenges that she overcame as a young person, especially during her journey in the lead-up to her crowning as Miss Samoa.

“I know that writing and publishing a book requires a lot of hard work and that is resilience. Her resilience can definitely inspire the youth and our participants to remain strong and resilient if they want to be successful,” she said.

Miss Samoa was given the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at the last session of the Summer Youth Employment Program, which is coordinated by the Department of Human Resources.

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