Ukrainian National Association estate crowns Miss Soyuzivka 2007 (10/08/06)

Ukrainian National Association estate crowns Miss Soyuzivka 2007

by Bohdana Puzyk

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - On Saturday, August 12, a half-century-old tradition took place at the Ukrainian National Association estate, Soyuzivka: the Miss Soyuzivka Contest. This year there were six candidates competing for the title of Miss Soyuzivka 2007.

The candidates were:

Nicole Berezny, daughter of Paul and Janet Berezny of Peapack, N.J. She loves music and is a winner of NATS Vocal competition. She is also a member of the Syzokryli Dance Ensemble. She began attending Rutgers University this fall as a freshman.
Laryssa Liteplo, daughter of Paul and Emilia Liteplo of Brooklyn, N.Y. Currently a junior at Goucher College in Maryland, she is a member of the Syzokryli Dance Ensemble. She also is a dedicated volunteer at Don Miller Aids House and Amnesty International.
Kerri Miszko, daughter of Andrew and Louann Miszko of Accord, N.Y. She has been an employee of Soyuzivka for the past four years, from being a waitress to bartending. During this time she has finished high school and attended college. Currently she is waiting to be accepted into the Police Academy.
Deanna Rakowsky, daughter of Ihor and Oxana Rakowsky of Maplewood, N.J. She loves fencing and dancing with the Syzokryli Dance Ensemble, and is a member of Plast. She began attending Boston College this fall as a freshman.
Stephanie Skujins, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Skujins of Staten Island, N.Y. She loves sports and plays on a soccer team. She is attending Kingsborough College full-time, while working at Cushman and Wakefield.
Roxolana Wacyk, daughter of Ihor and Marta Wacyk of Tarrytown, N.Y. She loves swimming and dancing with Syzokryli Dance Ensemble. She was salutatorian of her graduating class and began attending Harvard College as a freshman this fall.

The judges for this year were Lidia Chopivska-Benson, herself a former Miss Soyuzivka; Bohdana Puzyk, director of Children's Heritage Day Camp; Andrij Cybyk, guest choreographer for the Syzokryli Dance Ensemble. The UNA coordinator of the event was Stefania Hawryluk.

In keeping with tradition, the "zabava" (dance) was held outside under the stars, and Tempo was the orchestra. At midnight, Roma Lisovich, UNA treasurer, introduced the contestants to a very large and excited crowd. The contestants themselves were nervous and eager. As always, it was hard to know who the winners would be, since all of the young ladies were very talented and accomplished academically, not to mention beautiful.

The winners were announced and Miss Rakowsky won the title of Miss Soyuzivka 2007, with Miss Wacyk as first runner-up and Miss Liteplo as the second runner-up.

After the ladies were crowned, Michael Kozuipa, second vice-president of the UNA, danced with Miss Rakowska as the new Miss Soyuzivka, Nestor Paslawsky, manager of Soyuzivka, danced with Miss Wacyk and Mr. Cybyk danced with Miss Liteplo.

After the first dance, family members as well as guests rushed forward to congratulate everyone for participating in the contest. At that point flashes were lighting up the sky as all the contestants posed for pictures.

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