Maria Loun selected as Miss Soyuzivka 2000 (08/29/99)

Maria Loun selected as Miss Soyuzivka 2000

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - The rain did not dampen the excitement in the air as everyone awaited the announcement of Miss Soyuzivka 2000 on Saturday, August 14. In the meantime, the five candidates were being interviewed one at a time by a panel of four judges - Len Staruch, Gregory (Hritch) Hrenovets, Stefan Szkafarowsky, and Sonia Semanyszyn. The five candidates each interviewed with the judges from 15-20 minutes on various topics such as current events in Ukraine, questions about the UNA, art, music, and Soyuzivka.

After midnight the energy was high as our mistress of ceremonies Marianka Wasylyk first called the judges on stage, then Stepha Hawryluk, advisor to the UNA, Branch 88 secretary and coordinator of the event. Miss Soyuzivka 1999 Renata Kosz came up to make her final farewell speech. In her speech, she encouraged young women to think the impossible and go for their dreams, and to not let anyone or anything stand in the way of those dreams. She also announced that for the Miss Soyuzivka 2001 crowning, she would like to have all the former Miss Soyuzivka's present and also start up a scholarship fund so that the young women who place will have some financial help for their educational endeavors.

The five candidates were then called up on stage. They were: Christine Szpak from New Jersey, Diana Vasylyk from Florida, Tanya Singura from New Jersey, Taissa Tomaszewski from Connecticut and Maria Loun from Pennsylvania. The drum roll started and the announcements made: second runner-up, Miss Singura; first runner-up, Miss Vasylyk and Miss Soyuzivka 2000, Miss Loun. The girls were each given a "crown," a flower wreath and a bouquet of flowers. Then each one was escorted onto the dance floor to begin the traditional "Miss Soyuzivka Waltz."

Miss Soyuzivka 2000, Maria Loun, has recently completed her associates degree at Manor College and is going to further her education at Temple University in Philadelphia where she will be majoring in graphic design and art. She is also a summer employee at Soyuzivka. First runner-up Miss Vasylyk is entering her first year of college at Broward Community College. She is also a summer employee at Soyuzivka. Miss Singura, the second runner-up, is a teacher in New Jersey and also is the social activities director at Soyuzivka, as well as the webmaster of the resort's website. All very excited, the girls were honored to be chosen and hope to help Soyuzivka in anyway they can.

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