UKRAINIAN DEBUTANTE BALLS: Ukrainian Association of Washington presents debutantes (04/09/06)

UKRAINIAN DEBUTANTE BALLS

Ukrainian Association of Washington presents debutantes

by Chrystia Shashkewych-Oryshkevych

WASHINGTON - Seven elegant young women were presented on January 28 to the Washington Ukrainian community at the annual Washington Malanka Ball.

The event was held at the Georgetown University Conference Center Grand Ballroom, with over 300 guests in attendance. The Ukrainian Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area sponsored the annual gala affair.

After the cocktail reception, co-president Sophika Nakonechny-Smith welcomed the attendees and then introduced her co-president, Ulana Baczynskyj.

Mrs. Nakonechny-Smith then introduced the Ukrainian ambassador to the United States, Dr. Oleh Shamshur. The ambassador received the traditional welcome with bread and salt presented by youngsters Zenon Nakonechny Smith and a bouquet from Julianna Romaniuk.

Ambassador Shamshur wished all a successful New Year and congratulated the debutantes, their parents and escorts. Also in attendance and representing the Embassy of Ukraine was Cultural Attaché Natalia Holub.

Ms. Baczynskyj introduced the members of the board responsible for hosting this event: Ms. Nakonechny-Smith (co-president and "the spirit of Malanka who brings all of us together year after year"), John Kun (treasurer), Irene Kost (secretary), Chrystia Shashkewych-Oryshkevych and Yaromyr Oryshkevych (debutante coordinators), and Oleh Voloshin.

Special thanks went to Bohdan and Lida Shevchik and Roman Goy for their technical assistance. Special appreciation went to Richard Smith for his marketing skills in advertising and promoting this event, as well as creating and printing the attractive programs.

The masters of ceremonies, Ms. Shashkewych-Oryshkevych and Dr. Oryshkevych began the presentation by first introducing the parents of each young lady. Each debutante then presented her mother with a rose of appreciation. The elegantly choreographed presentation that followed included a brief summary of each young lady's scholastic and extracurricular achievements. In addition, a special rose ceremony was included in memory of Oksana Belendiuk.

The debutantes were: Anna Koval, escorted by Daniel Deychakiwsky; Daria Hoobchaak, escorted by Danylo Demidenko; Yevdokiya Koroza, escorted by Andrew Oryshkevych; Adrienne Longina Shmorhun, escorted by Christopher Rizanow; Katherine Marie Romaniuk, escorted by Roman Chajkowsky; Maria Elizabeth Chopivsky, escorted by Andrew Antoniak; and Anastasia Rose Duzyj Whalen, escorted by Timothy Anderson.

Mrs. Shashkewych-Oryshkevych congratulated the seven young couples and expressed the hope that they will continue to cherish and promote their Ukrainian heritage.

When asked, the debutantes themselves described their evening as: "amazing," "exciting," "a fantasy," "magical," "absolutely unforgettable," "awesome" and "fabulous."

The Rev. Wasyl Charuk, spiritual director of St. Josaphat's Seminary, gave the benediction and everyone joined in singing a Christmas carol. Then Miss Chopivsky and Miss Whalen thanked the debutante coordinators for preparing them for their special evening.

Everyone enjoyed the gourmet dinner, which was followed by dancing to the music of Montreal's Zolota Bulava, who entertained the lively and energetic participants. The evening was heightened by the traditional "kolomyika" and all welcomed the New Year with a champagne toast.

It was a grand celebration for the seven young ladies as well as for their families and guests who came from near and far to witness a generations-long tradition to the benefit of our youth.

Malanka 2007 is scheduled for January 27 and young ladies interested in making their debut in Washington may inquire by e-mailing [email protected].

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