Ukrainian representative crowned queen of World Bazaar in Virginia (07/22/01)

Ukrainian representative crowned queen of World Bazaar in Virginia

by Olena Boyko

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Antonina S. Antosha, representing Tidewater Ukrainian Cultural Association (TUCA), was crowned queen of World Bazaar 2001 on June 8, in Virginia Beach. Each year in June the Multicultural Alliance of Virginia Beach sponsors the World Bazaar, a two-day multicultural, multiethnic festival of performances, exhibits, crafts and food on the boardwalk of world famous Virginia Beach.

In order to find an individual who will preside over the World Bazaar and represent the alliance, a queen's contest is held the previous evening. Candidates are judged in three categories: presentation, poise and quality of speech, display of native costumes and evening dress.

Ms. Antosha, lovely in a vivid Ukrainian costume and dazzling in evening wear, captivated the audience as she flawlessly delivered her speech, with humor and warmth, about Ukraine, the struggle for democracy, the difficulty of battling the Soviet legacy, and the unbelievable reality of being chosen as an exchange student. Among the youngest contestants, Ms. Antosha showed most poise and confidence in the presentation and display of her costume. Upon capturing the crown, Ms. Antosha exhibited her graciousness and infectious personality, thanking the organization, her sponsors, her host family and the Ukrainian community for giving her what she called "the best moment of my life."

Ms. Antosha, a resident of Konotop, Ukraine, is an exchange student at Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, finishing her junior year with high honors. The International 4-H Club and the Virginia 4-H Club sponsored her year-long stay. Freda Pohrivchak, teacher of Russian at Kellam High School, introduced Ms. Antosha to the Tidewater Ukrainian Cultural Association. Ms. Antosha spends her spare time on poetry, singing, drama and guitar. She also tutors fellow students in Russian and is fluent in three languages.

On Saturday, June 9, Ms. Antosha, with Lee Dydiw dressed as a Kozak and bearing the Ukrainian flag, led the Parade of Nations to open the World Bazaar. Ukraine was well represented, in addition to a cultural exhibit and artifact-selling table, Echoes of Ukraine, an artistic ensemble organized by Olga Cehelska, performed on the main stage. As director of OMC Studio, Dr. Chehelska not only provided the costumes but also taught her American piano students Ukrainian dances that they performed to much appreciation and applause.

This has been a walk-on-air experience for the TUCA organization, a cohesive group of dedicated members. A major focus of TUCA's mission is to teach students, visitors, medical and especially military personnel from Ukraine visiting in the Richmond, Williamsburg and Virginia Beach areas. The TUCA includes them in its activities, invites them into members' homes and exposes them to Ukrainian American lifestyles. For many visitors from central and eastern Ukraine, this unexpected meeting with Ukrainian Americans has crystalized their own sense of their Ukrainian identity. It has proven to be an enriching experience for all.

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