2011 Czech-Slovak Queens
The Nebraska Czechs, Inc. are proud to introduce the
2011-2012 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen Alexandria Knouse
The Nebraska Czechs, Inc. held their 49th annual Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen pageant in Clarkson, NE on June 18, 2011. Nine young ladies representing various chapters of the Nebraska Czechs, Inc. were vying for the State crown. Each queen was judged in four categories; private interview, oratory, kroj (costume) and talent before a panel of four judges. The panel of judges included MaryElizabeth Lackey of Aurora, CO; Pat Martin of Cedar Rapids, IA; Willie Skala of Grand Island, NE; and Sue Underwood of Wilber, NE.
2011-2012 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen Alexandria Knouse
The Nebraska Czechs, Inc. held their 49th annual Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen pageant in Clarkson, NE on June 18, 2011. Nine young ladies representing various chapters of the Nebraska Czechs, Inc. were vying for the State crown. Each queen was judged in four categories; private interview, oratory, kroj (costume) and talent before a panel of four judges. The panel of judges included MaryElizabeth Lackey of Aurora, CO; Pat Martin of Cedar Rapids, IA; Willie Skala of Grand Island, NE; and Sue Underwood of Wilber, NE.
2011 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen Candidates
Candidates pictured left to right are:
Olivia Johnson – Nebraska Czechs of South Central
Marie Bolin – Nebraska Czechs of Lincoln
Erica Spanyers – Nebraska Czechs of Wilber
Megan Jiskra - Nebraska Czechs of the Panhandle; Best Private Interview and Heritage Award
Alexandria Knouse –Nebraska Czechs of the Omaha Czech Cultural Club; 2011 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen, Oratory Award, Best Kroj & Best Talent
Alexandria Cerveny – Nebraska Czechs of York; Runner-up
Beth Langdon – Nebraska Czechs of Clarkson; Miss Congeniality
Claire Oborny – Nebraska Czechs of Butler County
Laura Shestak – Nebraska Czechs of Prague
Olivia Johnson – Nebraska Czechs of South Central
Marie Bolin – Nebraska Czechs of Lincoln
Erica Spanyers – Nebraska Czechs of Wilber
Megan Jiskra - Nebraska Czechs of the Panhandle; Best Private Interview and Heritage Award
Alexandria Knouse –Nebraska Czechs of the Omaha Czech Cultural Club; 2011 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen, Oratory Award, Best Kroj & Best Talent
Alexandria Cerveny – Nebraska Czechs of York; Runner-up
Beth Langdon – Nebraska Czechs of Clarkson; Miss Congeniality
Claire Oborny – Nebraska Czechs of Butler County
Laura Shestak – Nebraska Czechs of Prague
Ms. Alexandria Knouse representing the Omaha Czech Cultural Club was crowned the 50th Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen. For her talent she performed a vocal solo arrangement of Pisnicka Ceska by Karel Hasler, and a marching snare drum solo. She also won the Oratory, Talent and Kroj awards.
Her parents are Jim and Sandra Knouse of LaVista, NE, and she is currently attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Her aunt, Karen Kocourek and her cousin Maryanna Novotny-Rivas were also Nebraska State Czech Queens. Alexandria will represent the Nebraska Czechs, Inc at the Miss Czech-Slovak US pageant in Wilber, NE in August of 2012.
Alexandria wishes to become a full time Music Director/Worship Leader at a large Christian based Church and to share her music and faith in the Czech Republic. Her great-grandparents Karel and Cecilie Voda-Prazan were married in Hlinsko, Czechoslovakia in 1902. In 1906 Karel came to the United States and Cecilie came in 1907. While in elementary, middle and high school, Alexandria would represent her Czech heritage at cultural festivals by wearing a traditional Czech kroj, playing Czech polka music, baking homemade kolac and houska, and displaying many Czech artifacts. Every year her family gets together for a family Christmas party where they sing Czech Christmas carols and toast with Slivovitz and Beckoravka.
Alexandria’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because it has always been a huge part of my life, and the driving force that continues to hold my family close together.” Several years ago her extended family of 25 aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents took a two week trip to the Czech Republic to visit their home country. It was such a great time being able to meet all of those members of the family who still live in the Czech Republic, as well as to be able to see all of the beautiful landscapes, buildings, historical architecture and countryside where the family heritage began.
Her parents are Jim and Sandra Knouse of LaVista, NE, and she is currently attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Her aunt, Karen Kocourek and her cousin Maryanna Novotny-Rivas were also Nebraska State Czech Queens. Alexandria will represent the Nebraska Czechs, Inc at the Miss Czech-Slovak US pageant in Wilber, NE in August of 2012.
Alexandria wishes to become a full time Music Director/Worship Leader at a large Christian based Church and to share her music and faith in the Czech Republic. Her great-grandparents Karel and Cecilie Voda-Prazan were married in Hlinsko, Czechoslovakia in 1902. In 1906 Karel came to the United States and Cecilie came in 1907. While in elementary, middle and high school, Alexandria would represent her Czech heritage at cultural festivals by wearing a traditional Czech kroj, playing Czech polka music, baking homemade kolac and houska, and displaying many Czech artifacts. Every year her family gets together for a family Christmas party where they sing Czech Christmas carols and toast with Slivovitz and Beckoravka.
Alexandria’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because it has always been a huge part of my life, and the driving force that continues to hold my family close together.” Several years ago her extended family of 25 aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents took a two week trip to the Czech Republic to visit their home country. It was such a great time being able to meet all of those members of the family who still live in the Czech Republic, as well as to be able to see all of the beautiful landscapes, buildings, historical architecture and countryside where the family heritage began.
2011-2012 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen
Alexandria Knouse
Alexandria Knouse
2011-2012 Runner-up
Alexandria Cerveny
Alexandria Cerveny
Ms. Alexandria Cerveny, representing the Nebraska Czechs of York was awarded the Runner-up title. For her talent she presented an oral presentation on music, food and storytelling. The presentation included polka music, talking about how to make roast pork, dumplings and sauerkraut and telling different stories which are not only a part of Czech history, but also the Czech culture.
Her parents are Scott and Christina Cerveny of Aurora, NE. Alexandria currently attends the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where she plans to earn a degree in Management, with a focus in Human Resources with minors in Spanish and Marketing. She is a member of the Flag line that performs at every home Husker football game. She is a member of the Czech Komensky Club at UNL and the club’s secretary.
Alexandria’s ancestors came from Plzenskem, Czechoslovakia and Bozetice, Milevsko in the Prachen region. Her great-great-great-great Grandparents were married in Chicago, IL in 1869 and then moved to Nebraska in 1880 near Swanton, NE.
Alexandria’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because it is not just my heritage but a strong part of who I am. Keeping our family traditions alive is just one small effort compared to what my ancestors did for me. They left behind a land that they knew and loved for the “Land of Opportunity” and a better future.”
Alexandria has given numerous presentations to different organizations throughout the state to help spread the Czech culture and encourage people to learn more about their heritage.
Her parents are Scott and Christina Cerveny of Aurora, NE. Alexandria currently attends the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where she plans to earn a degree in Management, with a focus in Human Resources with minors in Spanish and Marketing. She is a member of the Flag line that performs at every home Husker football game. She is a member of the Czech Komensky Club at UNL and the club’s secretary.
Alexandria’s ancestors came from Plzenskem, Czechoslovakia and Bozetice, Milevsko in the Prachen region. Her great-great-great-great Grandparents were married in Chicago, IL in 1869 and then moved to Nebraska in 1880 near Swanton, NE.
Alexandria’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because it is not just my heritage but a strong part of who I am. Keeping our family traditions alive is just one small effort compared to what my ancestors did for me. They left behind a land that they knew and loved for the “Land of Opportunity” and a better future.”
Alexandria has given numerous presentations to different organizations throughout the state to help spread the Czech culture and encourage people to learn more about their heritage.
Best Private Interview & Heritage Award Winner
Megan Jiskra
Megan Jiskra
Ms. Megan Jiskra represents the Nebraska Czechs of the Panhandle. For her talent she performed a poem written by her,” The Jiskra Family Tree”, which she recited in Czech and then in English. Megan won the Private Interview and Heritage awards.
Her parents are Doug and Diane Jiskra of Swanton, NE. Megan currently attends Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO. She will graduate in December 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Science.
Megan’s ancestors came from the Mestecko region of Czechoslovakia, where her great-great-great-great grandfather was a miner. They came by boat to New Orleans in 1869 and traveled the Mississippi and Missouri rivers until they reached Nebraska City and then on foot to Wilber,NE.
Megan’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “I think it’s important for everyone to celebrate their heritage no matter where they came from. I love celebrating my heritage, whether it’s at a Czech festival somewhere, a posting on facebook, or practicing my Czech language skills.”
Megan is working with several of her family members to piece together their family’s heritage. Her grandparents have all the documentation of the family line and Megan plans to work with her grandpa in preserving the documents so that all future generations can understand them as well. Megan wishes to take classes so that she can speak the language of her ancestors.
Her parents are Doug and Diane Jiskra of Swanton, NE. Megan currently attends Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO. She will graduate in December 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Science.
Megan’s ancestors came from the Mestecko region of Czechoslovakia, where her great-great-great-great grandfather was a miner. They came by boat to New Orleans in 1869 and traveled the Mississippi and Missouri rivers until they reached Nebraska City and then on foot to Wilber,NE.
Megan’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “I think it’s important for everyone to celebrate their heritage no matter where they came from. I love celebrating my heritage, whether it’s at a Czech festival somewhere, a posting on facebook, or practicing my Czech language skills.”
Megan is working with several of her family members to piece together their family’s heritage. Her grandparents have all the documentation of the family line and Megan plans to work with her grandpa in preserving the documents so that all future generations can understand them as well. Megan wishes to take classes so that she can speak the language of her ancestors.
Miss Congeniality
Elizabeth Langdon
Elizabeth Langdon
Ms. Elizabeth Langdon represents the Nebraska Czechs of Clarkson. For her talent she performed a vocal solo singing Svestkova Alej (The Prune Song). Elizabeth won the Miss Congeniality award.
Her parents are Rowe and Sheryl Langdon of Clarkson, NE. Elizabeth attends the University of Nebraska at Omaha and plans to attain a degree in Architectural Engineering.
Elizabeth’s great-great grandmother came from the village of Doubravice and immigrated to the United States in 1904. Her great great-grandfather immigrated in 1874. They were married in Gregory, SD and settled in the Meadow Grove area.
Elizabeth’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because it is part of who I am and who my family is. They came to this country not knowing anyone and not being able to speak English. They overcame many obstacles and setbacks and were able to raise good families and have a good life.”
Elizabeth has enjoyed hearing the stories of her family’s customs and traditions that have been passed down through all the generations. These customs include the celebration with food and family on special occasions. She feels it is important to carry on the heritage of her community, which has a strong tie to their Czech heritage, and plans to be involved in the celebration each year.
Her parents are Rowe and Sheryl Langdon of Clarkson, NE. Elizabeth attends the University of Nebraska at Omaha and plans to attain a degree in Architectural Engineering.
Elizabeth’s great-great grandmother came from the village of Doubravice and immigrated to the United States in 1904. Her great great-grandfather immigrated in 1874. They were married in Gregory, SD and settled in the Meadow Grove area.
Elizabeth’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because it is part of who I am and who my family is. They came to this country not knowing anyone and not being able to speak English. They overcame many obstacles and setbacks and were able to raise good families and have a good life.”
Elizabeth has enjoyed hearing the stories of her family’s customs and traditions that have been passed down through all the generations. These customs include the celebration with food and family on special occasions. She feels it is important to carry on the heritage of her community, which has a strong tie to their Czech heritage, and plans to be involved in the celebration each year.
Claire Oborny
Ms. Claire Oborny represents the Nebraska Czechs of Butler County. For her talent she performed a piano solo playing “At the Spring” waltz.
Her parents are Chuck and Trisha Oborny of David City, NE. Claire currently attends Aquinas High School in David City. Her future plans are to work with computers or go into teaching.
Claire’s ancestors came from Studenec, Czechoslovakia. Claire’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because I want to know where my ancestors came from. I love knowing and love listening to my aunts and uncles talk about how much has changed since they have grown up.”
Her parents are Chuck and Trisha Oborny of David City, NE. Claire currently attends Aquinas High School in David City. Her future plans are to work with computers or go into teaching.
Claire’s ancestors came from Studenec, Czechoslovakia. Claire’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because I want to know where my ancestors came from. I love knowing and love listening to my aunts and uncles talk about how much has changed since they have grown up.”
Erica Spanyers
Ms. Erica Spanyers represents the Nebraska Czechs of Wilber. For her talent she sang a vocal solo of “Amazing Grace” , which she sang parts in English and Czech.
Her parents are Keith and Debbie Spanyers of Dorchester, NE. Erica is currently attending Chadron State College in Chadron, NE where she is studying agricultural business and accounting. She plans to open her own accounting business working with farmers and ranchers.
Erica’s ancestors came from Nove Sedlo and Velke Nemcice and immigrated to the United States in the late 1870’s.
Erica’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because of the respect I have for my grandparents. Hearing of the hard work of the Czechs and understanding their character and learning of the different foods and traditions is important to me.”
Erica learned to embroider and make kolace from her Grandma Homolka. Erica wishes to learn how to make liver dumpling soup, which is one of her favorites, so she can make it for her family some day. Everything Erica has learned she will be able to pass down to her children in order to keep the traditions going for future generations.
Her parents are Keith and Debbie Spanyers of Dorchester, NE. Erica is currently attending Chadron State College in Chadron, NE where she is studying agricultural business and accounting. She plans to open her own accounting business working with farmers and ranchers.
Erica’s ancestors came from Nove Sedlo and Velke Nemcice and immigrated to the United States in the late 1870’s.
Erica’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because of the respect I have for my grandparents. Hearing of the hard work of the Czechs and understanding their character and learning of the different foods and traditions is important to me.”
Erica learned to embroider and make kolace from her Grandma Homolka. Erica wishes to learn how to make liver dumpling soup, which is one of her favorites, so she can make it for her family some day. Everything Erica has learned she will be able to pass down to her children in order to keep the traditions going for future generations.
Laura Shestak
Ms. Laura Shestak represents the Nebraska Czechs of Prague. For her talent she performed the flute solo to “Song to the Moon” from Antonin Dvorak’s opera “Rusalka”.
Her parents are Larry and Teri Shestak of Crete, NE. Laura currently attends Peru State College and plans to become a teacher of special needs students.
Laura’s ancestors came from the Prague region, Melnik and the Central Bohemian region of Nepomuk, and immigrated to the United States in the 1860’s. Her ancestors were farmers in Czechoslovakia and her family is continuing the tradition as farmers in Nebraska.
Laura’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because it makes me who I am as a person. I am proud of being a Czech and knowing where my Czech ancestors came from. I continue to carry on the hard work ethic and perseverance my ancestors had.”
Laura has been dancing the Beseda since she was five years old. She has been a “Little Sister” to two different National Queens. She has participated in numerous children’s parades and Czech activities. Her love for dancing and promoting Czech activities will continue throughout her lifetime. The researching of her kroj has been important in preserving her heritage.
Her parents are Larry and Teri Shestak of Crete, NE. Laura currently attends Peru State College and plans to become a teacher of special needs students.
Laura’s ancestors came from the Prague region, Melnik and the Central Bohemian region of Nepomuk, and immigrated to the United States in the 1860’s. Her ancestors were farmers in Czechoslovakia and her family is continuing the tradition as farmers in Nebraska.
Laura’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because it makes me who I am as a person. I am proud of being a Czech and knowing where my Czech ancestors came from. I continue to carry on the hard work ethic and perseverance my ancestors had.”
Laura has been dancing the Beseda since she was five years old. She has been a “Little Sister” to two different National Queens. She has participated in numerous children’s parades and Czech activities. Her love for dancing and promoting Czech activities will continue throughout her lifetime. The researching of her kroj has been important in preserving her heritage.
Marie Bolin
Ms. Marie Bolin represents the Nebraska Czechs of Lincoln. For her talent she performed a clogging routine to a Czech polka.
Her parents are Kevin and Diane Bolin of Eagle, NE. Marie currently attends the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and plans to earn a doctorate in optometry. She plans to work at a practice that specifically works with children’s eye and visions problems.
Marie’s ancestors came to America in the late 1800’s and settled in Colfax County. Her great-grandpa left America in 1931 to meet his future wife in an arranged marriage in Mirotice, Czechslovakia. They returned to Nebraska and the family farm, where they raised their family.
Marie’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because my grandma, who is full Czech, has been an important figure in my life.” Marie remembers her great -grandpa’s Czech accent and the polka music he would play. Marie’s love of sewing has been passed down through the Czech women in her family, as they all enjoy sewing and fashion. Her grandma has many Czech items that she has told Marie stories about and been careful to tell Marie they are Czech and how she came by them.
Marie has learned to make traditional recipes from her Grandma, such as kolace, hoska and family Christmas cookies. Being a Czech queen has inspired Marie to learn more Czech customs and traditions. This has also encouraged her Grandma to bring out her diary of her visit to Czech and share stories. Marie has taught all of her male cousins how to polka !
Her parents are Kevin and Diane Bolin of Eagle, NE. Marie currently attends the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and plans to earn a doctorate in optometry. She plans to work at a practice that specifically works with children’s eye and visions problems.
Marie’s ancestors came to America in the late 1800’s and settled in Colfax County. Her great-grandpa left America in 1931 to meet his future wife in an arranged marriage in Mirotice, Czechslovakia. They returned to Nebraska and the family farm, where they raised their family.
Marie’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because my grandma, who is full Czech, has been an important figure in my life.” Marie remembers her great -grandpa’s Czech accent and the polka music he would play. Marie’s love of sewing has been passed down through the Czech women in her family, as they all enjoy sewing and fashion. Her grandma has many Czech items that she has told Marie stories about and been careful to tell Marie they are Czech and how she came by them.
Marie has learned to make traditional recipes from her Grandma, such as kolace, hoska and family Christmas cookies. Being a Czech queen has inspired Marie to learn more Czech customs and traditions. This has also encouraged her Grandma to bring out her diary of her visit to Czech and share stories. Marie has taught all of her male cousins how to polka !
Olivia Johnson
Ms. Olivia Johnson represents the Nebraska Czechs of South Central. For her talent she performed a trumpet solo, “Theme From The New World Symphony” by Antonin Dvorak.
Her parents are Jerome and Theresa Urbanek. Olivia is currently attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, majoring in English with an emphasis on writing. She plans to work in the publishing and editing fields, writing for newspapers or magazines.
Olivia’s biological ancestors worked in Prague in the tool and dye industry. They came to America and began their new lives as farmers in 1905. Olivia is proud that her stepfather’s family is Czech also.
Olivia’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because it is my identity. I find it incredible that my ancestors, the Beraneks, had enough courage to leave behind everything that they knew in Prague for a place so different. I wish I could meet them today, and thank them for their fearlessness.”
When Olivia became a part of the Urbanek family, her interest in Czech culture was sparked. They Urbanek’s are proud Bohemians, and they were a way for Olivia to discover her heritage. The family keeps the Czech traditions alive by eating traditional Czech food and going to all of the surrounding Czech festivals. Olivia is learning the Czech language at UNL, which helps her get in touch with her family’s culture.
Her parents are Jerome and Theresa Urbanek. Olivia is currently attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, majoring in English with an emphasis on writing. She plans to work in the publishing and editing fields, writing for newspapers or magazines.
Olivia’s biological ancestors worked in Prague in the tool and dye industry. They came to America and began their new lives as farmers in 1905. Olivia is proud that her stepfather’s family is Czech also.
Olivia’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her “because it is my identity. I find it incredible that my ancestors, the Beraneks, had enough courage to leave behind everything that they knew in Prague for a place so different. I wish I could meet them today, and thank them for their fearlessness.”
When Olivia became a part of the Urbanek family, her interest in Czech culture was sparked. They Urbanek’s are proud Bohemians, and they were a way for Olivia to discover her heritage. The family keeps the Czech traditions alive by eating traditional Czech food and going to all of the surrounding Czech festivals. Olivia is learning the Czech language at UNL, which helps her get in touch with her family’s culture.
Click here to see more photos from the 2011 pageant weekend