dearest invitees,
The Philadelphia YSA Ward is thrilled to open our doors again and welcome YSA from all over to the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection. Join us for an enthralling weekend of activities, excellent food, a General Authority devotional, and dancing the night away. As we learn more about our eternal identities and divine potential, you can expect many chances to meet new people and experience the holiday magic of Philadelphia.
The hallmark of our weekend is the Saturday evening ball at The Arts Ballroom, a luxurious, grand venue in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia. This evening event will occur between 7 pm - 12 am; space is limited, so sign up now! More information about The Arts Ballroom can be found on their website at
The gala costs $35 per person for those who register before November 1st. The price increases to $45 on November 1st. This price will help to cover the cost of provided meals and activities and is nonrefundable. If cost is a limiting factor in your ability to attend, please email us at phillyysagala@gmail.com.
We do hope you will humbly accept our invitation and grace us with your presence.
warmest regards,
Your Friends in the Philadelphia YSA
2024 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
2023 General Authority:
Elder Vai Sikahema
Church Service
Elder Vaiangina Sikahema was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 3, 2021, at age 58. At the time of his call, he had been serving as a member of the Tenth Quorum of the Seventy in the North America Northeast Area.
Elder Sikahema has served in various Church callings, including full-time missionary in the South Dakota Rapid City Mission, ward Young Men president, bishop’s counselor, bishop, counselor in a mission presidency, counselor in a stake presidency, stake president, and Area Seventy.
Professional Life
Elder Sikahema received a bachelor of arts degree in broadcasting and communications from Brigham Young University. In 1986 he began his career as a professional American football player, becoming the first Tongan to play in the NFL. He played for the Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and Philadelphia Eagles. Upon retiring from football in 1994, he started his broadcasting career for NBC 10 Philadelphia as the station’s sports director and later their morning news anchor until his retirement in 2020.
Personal Life
Vaiangina Sikahema was born in Nuku‘alofa, Tonga, on August 29, 1962. He married Keala Heder in 1984. They are the parents of four children and several grandchildren.
