Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Staff Intern HOLYOKE There is Miss America, Miss Universe, Miss Teen USA, but there is also Miss Polonia Massachusetts. The 2009 pageant was the sixth year of the contest taking place. The pageant was run in Holyoke on Aug. 24. About 400 spectators attended the pageant. "The pageant is for unmarried ladies of Polish descent between the ages of 18 and 25 living or going to school in Massachusetts," Irena Gadecki, a member of the committee for the pageant, said. Five young ladies participated, coming from hometowns all over Massachusetts. Winner Anika Pecyna was from Webster. There also was a special appearance from Miss Polonia Massachusetts 2008, Amelia Sapowsky. Judges included Krystyna Leger, the CEO of Fortier Painting Inc., Mitch Moskal, the program director of the "Early Bird Polka Show" on WMUA 91.1 FM, State Rep. John Scibak, of the Second Hampshire County, Anna Wrzesinsky, who was Miss Polonia Massachusetts 2007, Jeannie Zapala, the commissioner of District 1 Polish National Alliance, and Carl Zieminski, a member of the Heritage Pops Orchestra. The pageant also gave out special awards in addition to crowning Miss Polonia Massachusetts 2009. There were awards for most photogenic, best personality, glamour and appearance in the bathing suit part of the competition. First runner up and winner of the personality award was Anna Rybnik from Quincy. Second runner up, Amanda Czeckowski of Weymouth, also won appearance in swimsuit. Lauren Kolodzinski from Florence won the glamour award and Libby Ariazi of Adams took home the photogenic award. Next year, the committee hopes to run the pageant earlier in the year so college aged girls who need to go back to classes earlier will be able to attend. | ||||||
