WHIPPANY, N.J. – On Saturday, January 20, the Parents’ Association of the Newark, N.J., branch of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization held the annual Plast Debutante Ball at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany, N.J. The debutante ball is a traditional event at which each debutante is formally presented to the community as a young lady.
Marta Sygida Kowal and Borislaw Bilash served as this year’s masters of ceremonies and formally opened the event by welcoming the debutantes, their families and guests. After being formally introduced, each debutante was welcomed as she was escorted through the center of the ballroom.
This year’s debutantes included young ladies from the Newark branch of Plast (which is based at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey in Whippany): Sofia Gundersen (escort Mark Turchyn), Olena Krawec (escort George Kuritza), Avalina Michel (escort Stephan Bilyk), Sofia Shyprykevych (escort Christian Maik) and Ivanna Starozytnyk (escort Andrew Stelmach).
The debutantes in their flowing white gowns danced with their escorts to a choreographed arrangement by Andrij Cybyk. Each debutante also joined her father in a special waltz.
Following dinner, more guests arrived and danced the night away to the music of Tempo and Hrim, including the traditional 30-minute “Kolomyika.”
The success of this memorable annual event was made possible by members of the organizing committee: Anya Tershakovec Tomko (chair), Alexandra Tershakovec Zawadiwsky, Natalia Voronka Bilash, Christina Gnoy Stasiuk and Ms. Kowal (head of the Parents’ Committee).