KERHONKSON, N.Y. – The annual Miss Soyuzivka Contest, marking its 50th anniversary, was held at Soyuzivka Ukrainian Heritage Center on August 13.
Irene Kulbida of Niskayuna, N.Y., was crowned Miss Soyuzivka 2017 with Teya Lucyshyn of East Aurora, N.Y., as the runner-up. Ms. Kulbida danced with Michael Koziupa, first vice-president of Ukrainian National Association, her first dance as Miss Soyuzivka 2017, while Ms. Lucyshyn danced with Stefko Drabyk, assistant manager of Soyuzivka as music by Tempo entertained the guests.
Irene Kulbida, Miss Soyuzivka 2017
Ms. Kulbida is the daughter of Lydia and Nicholas Kulbida and attends New York University. Irene is also active in the Ukrainian community by being a teacher’s assistant in the Ukrainian school and a member of both the Zorepad and Syzokryli Dance Groups. The recipient of both the Marriott Marquis and the Tisch Center Patron Scholarships, Ms. Kulbida enjoys photography, cooking, baking and jogging.
Ms. Lucyshyn is the daughter of Tamara and Nicholas Lucyshyn. She attends Hobart and William Smith College and Ms. Lucyshyn enjoys Ukrainian dance, is also very active in student government at her school and in Fight Against Cancer.
This year’s judges were Kathy Nalywajko, first vice-president of the Ukrainian Institute of America in New York, Anna Zaiachkivska, Miss World Ukraine, and Consul General of Ukraine in New York Ihor Sybiga.