Laryssa Blaha of Whitestone, N.Y., is chosen as Miss Soyuzivka 2002 (09/02/01)

Laryssa Blaha of Whitestone, N.Y., is chosen as Miss Soyuzivka 2002

by Andrew Nynka

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - If four contestants weren't enough to raise the anxiety of this year's participants of the Miss Soyuzivka contest on August 11, the four additional candidates that entered just before the registration deadline must have added to the uncertainty of the outcome. However, it did indeed provide for yet another wonderful Miss Soyuzivka pageant.

Miss Soyuzivka 2002 is Laryssa Blaha of Whitestone, N.Y., who at the age of 19 is preparing for her second year at Iona College, having achieved dean's list recognition. Ms. Blaha is a member of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM) and the SUM choir Prolisok, and participates in various sports, dance groups and clubs. Ms. Blaha is a member of Branch 86 of the Ukrainian National Association.

The Miss Soyuzivka contest is held annually at the Ukrainian National Association's Soyuzivka resort and is preceded by an evening dance from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with the judges' decision coming just after midnight. The evening featured the music of Tempo orchestra, who entertained the guests well into the night.

The judges, Alex Chudolij, UNA Advisor; Bohdana Puzyk, Soyuzivka activities director; and Marianne Wasylyk, former Miss Soyuzivka 1993, were presented with an obviously difficult consideration. As Saturday evening turned into Sunday morning, the judges arrived at a decision on the winner, but voted a tie for first runner-up.

Daria Krycki, first runner-up, of Clifton, N.J., has finished her first year at Lock Haven University where she is active in dance and physical therapy, and has achieved dean's list honors. Ms. Krycki is also a member of SUM, sings in her church choir, and is active in various sports, dance groups and volunteer activities. Ms. Krycki is a member of UNA Branch 269.

Lesia Bida, first runner-up, of Jenkintown, Pa., is starting her senior year at St. Basil Academy, where she is active in sports, language and drama clubs, and has an active interest in music. Ms. Bida has been inducted into the National Honors Society, the Who's Who and the principal's list. Ms. Bida is a member of UNA Branch 231.

Second runner-up Natalie Rojowsky of Brooklyn, N.Y., attends Pace University, where she is studying marketing. She is a member of SUM and sings in the SUM choir Prolisok as well as in the church choir. Ms. Rojowsky was valedictorian of the class of 1998 at St. George Academy. She is a member of UNA Branch 130.

The evening was emceed by Ms. Wasylyk and coordinated by UNA Advisor Stephanie Hawryluk.

| Home Page |