SVU HONORS STATE MISS CZECH AND SLOVAK AWARDEES

In effort to recognize state winners in the annual Miss Czech and Slovak USA Program, SVU provided each young woman who participated in the national program with a student membership. The outstanding talent, high scholastic achievement, and commitment to preserving the Czech and Slovak cultures of these state winners makes them outstanding future members and leaders in SVU. The membership presentations were made to the honorees during the 44th annual Wilber, Nebraska Czech Festival. In addition, the 2004 reigning queen, Miss Erin Tycz of Tabor, S.D. was given a student membership. The annual 3-day celebration of Czech and Slovak heritage draws over 60,000 people from throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe. Wilber, NE was recognized by the U.S Congress as the ?Czech Capital of the U.S.A.?

John Fiala, Miss Czech and Slovak USA Pageant Founder and National Chairman along with Dr. Cecilia Rokusek, SVU Board member and national board member for the Pageant, presented the student memberships to the state winners at the grand finale held on August 7th.. The pageant held on August 6th and 7th drew packed crowds. Contestants were judged on the following: 1) private and public interviews; 2) a talent presentation; 3) an authentic or American designed kroj; 4) commitment to preserving the Czech and Slovak cultures; and 5) overall ability to represent the mission of the program and the ability to be a spokesperson for it.

This initiative is a significant one because it draws into our SVU organization bright and articulate individuals who are well connected to their Czech or Slovak roots. The 2005 national ?Miss Czech and Slovak USA? is Anicka Grignon from Miami, Florida. Anicka was sponsored by the Miss Florida Czech and Slovak Association and the North Miami Czech-Slovak Cultural Club that hosted our 2005 Spring SVU Meeting. Our sincere congratulations to Anicka and the first runner -up Catherine Dowling, Miss Kansas sponsored by the Wilson Kansas Chamber of Commerce. Second runner-up was Natasha Florian, sponsored by the Nebraska Czechs, Inc. We are pleased to report that Anicka Grignon has consented to organize a student panel for our 2006 meeting in Ceske Budovice. She will inspire others to also become involved.

SVU Press Release

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