2012 Czech-Slovak Queens
The Nebraska Czechs, Inc. are proud to introduce the
2012-2013 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen Danielle Patzel
The Nebraska Czechs, Inc. held their 50th annual Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen pageant in Clarkson, NE on June 16, 2012. Nine young ladies representing various chapters of the Nebraska Czechs, Inc. were vying for the state crown. Each candidate was judged in four categories; private interview, oratory, kroj (costume) and talent before a panel of three judges. The panel of judges included Amanda De Hoedt
of Iowa City, IA; Anne Jans, Waterville, MN; and Jim Warren of Gretna, NE.
2012-2013 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen Danielle Patzel
The Nebraska Czechs, Inc. held their 50th annual Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen pageant in Clarkson, NE on June 16, 2012. Nine young ladies representing various chapters of the Nebraska Czechs, Inc. were vying for the state crown. Each candidate was judged in four categories; private interview, oratory, kroj (costume) and talent before a panel of three judges. The panel of judges included Amanda De Hoedt
of Iowa City, IA; Anne Jans, Waterville, MN; and Jim Warren of Gretna, NE.
2012 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen Candidates
Candidates pictured left to right are:
Brandee Samples – Nebraska Czechs of the Panhandle
Anna Beck – Nebraska Czechs of Wilber; Heritage Award
Danielle Patzel – Nebraska Czechs of York; 2012-2013 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen and Best Americanized Kroj
Alexandria Cerveny – Nebraska Czechs of Lincoln; Best Private Interview and Oratory Award
Bailey Bond – Nebraska Czechs of Clarkson; Best Authentic Kroj & Best Talent
Logan Kellogg – Nebraska Czechs of South Central; Miss Congeniality
Cecilia Ostry – Nebraska Czechs of Butler County
Samantha Kabourek – Nebraska Czechs of the Omaha Czech Cultural Club
Darryn Werner – Nebraska Czechs of Prague
Allie Knouse – 2011-2012 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen
Brandee Samples – Nebraska Czechs of the Panhandle
Anna Beck – Nebraska Czechs of Wilber; Heritage Award
Danielle Patzel – Nebraska Czechs of York; 2012-2013 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen and Best Americanized Kroj
Alexandria Cerveny – Nebraska Czechs of Lincoln; Best Private Interview and Oratory Award
Bailey Bond – Nebraska Czechs of Clarkson; Best Authentic Kroj & Best Talent
Logan Kellogg – Nebraska Czechs of South Central; Miss Congeniality
Cecilia Ostry – Nebraska Czechs of Butler County
Samantha Kabourek – Nebraska Czechs of the Omaha Czech Cultural Club
Darryn Werner – Nebraska Czechs of Prague
Allie Knouse – 2011-2012 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen
Danielle Patzel, representing the Nebraska Czechs of York, was crowned the 51st Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen. For her talent she performed a vocal solo of Siel som cez mesto (I walked Through the Town) by Leos Janacek and played the Prune Song on the button accordion. She was also awadred the Best Americanized Kroj award.
Her parents are Theresa and Steven Patzel of Lincoln, NE, and she is currently attending Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. Danielle will represent the Nebraska Czechs, Inc at the Miss Czech-Slovak US pageant in Wilber, NE in August of 2013.
Danielle will study at Masaryk University in Bruno, Czech Republic this fall where she will study the Czech language, culture and traditions; do family history research and learn more about Czech music and the button accordion. Upon her return from Bruno, Danielle plans to experience teaching music before returning to school to pursue graduate studies in music therapy and composition. She would like to work with students who have disabilities, such as autism, to use music as a communication tool.
Danielle’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “being Czech is an important part of who I fundamentally am and makes me the person I have become. Without knowing about my heritage I would be missing an entire part of my identity. Being Czech is my identity; who I am.”
Growing up Czech was always something Danielle was proud of.
Her parents are Theresa and Steven Patzel of Lincoln, NE, and she is currently attending Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. Danielle will represent the Nebraska Czechs, Inc at the Miss Czech-Slovak US pageant in Wilber, NE in August of 2013.
Danielle will study at Masaryk University in Bruno, Czech Republic this fall where she will study the Czech language, culture and traditions; do family history research and learn more about Czech music and the button accordion. Upon her return from Bruno, Danielle plans to experience teaching music before returning to school to pursue graduate studies in music therapy and composition. She would like to work with students who have disabilities, such as autism, to use music as a communication tool.
Danielle’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “being Czech is an important part of who I fundamentally am and makes me the person I have become. Without knowing about my heritage I would be missing an entire part of my identity. Being Czech is my identity; who I am.”
Growing up Czech was always something Danielle was proud of.
2012-2013 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen
Danielle Patzel
Danielle Patzel
2012-2013 Runner-up
Alexandria Cerveny
Alexandria Cerveny
Alexandria Cerveny, representing the Nebraska Czechs of Lincoln, was awarded Runner-up, Best Private Interview and Oratory Awards. For her talent she performed a tap dance routine to a medley of three polkas: “Pivo Pivo Pivo Cerveny”, “Red Raven” and “Cerveny Vino”.
Her parents are Christina and Scott Cerveny of Aurora, NE, and she is currently attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Alexandria is pursuing a degree in Management with an emphasis in Human Resources and minors in Marketing and Spanish. Alexandria plans to work in a large firm doing their employee recruitment, hiring and retention.
Alexandria’s ancestors came from Letiny (near Plzen); Bozetice Milevsko; Cerveny Kostelec; Oslov (near Pisek) and erveny Ujezd in the Benesov District of the Central Bohemian region.
Alexandria’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “it is a special bond that unites my family. This bond was formed by the sacrifices, joys and sorrows my ancestors experienced leaving behind their homeland for the “Land of Opportunity” and a new life. It is because of everything my ancestors survived that I have the opportunities I do today. Knowing where my family came from and the adversity they overcame I can fully understand and appreciate where I am today and where my future may take me.”
Her parents are Christina and Scott Cerveny of Aurora, NE, and she is currently attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Alexandria is pursuing a degree in Management with an emphasis in Human Resources and minors in Marketing and Spanish. Alexandria plans to work in a large firm doing their employee recruitment, hiring and retention.
Alexandria’s ancestors came from Letiny (near Plzen); Bozetice Milevsko; Cerveny Kostelec; Oslov (near Pisek) and erveny Ujezd in the Benesov District of the Central Bohemian region.
Alexandria’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “it is a special bond that unites my family. This bond was formed by the sacrifices, joys and sorrows my ancestors experienced leaving behind their homeland for the “Land of Opportunity” and a new life. It is because of everything my ancestors survived that I have the opportunities I do today. Knowing where my family came from and the adversity they overcame I can fully understand and appreciate where I am today and where my future may take me.”
Best Authentic Kroj & Best Talent
Bailey Bond
Bailey Bond
Bailey Bond, representing the Nebraska Czechs of Clarkson, was awarded the Best Authentic Kroj and Best Talents awards. For her talent, she sang “Yours”, a song she wrote and played the guitar. Bailey wrote this song after she returned from a mission with the New Zion Presbyterian youth group.
Her parents are Wanda and Brent Bond of Clarkson, NE, and she is currently attending Clarkson High School in Clarkson. She plans to attend college and major in History and English Language Arts, with an endorsement in teaching.
Bailey’s ancestors came from Litomysl, Pusta Rybna and Borovnice.
Bailey’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “because of the Czech influence throughout my life. I was very fortunate to grow up in a community where the Czech heritage is so strong. My most vivid memories are of spending time with my great-grandfather and listening to him tell stories of his family and their travels from Czechoslovakia. The pride he had in his family and Czechoslovakia was instilled in me at a young age. He is the reason that I wanted to get more involved in the preservation of my heritage”
Bailey is part of seven generations who have lived in the community of Clarkson.
Her parents are Wanda and Brent Bond of Clarkson, NE, and she is currently attending Clarkson High School in Clarkson. She plans to attend college and major in History and English Language Arts, with an endorsement in teaching.
Bailey’s ancestors came from Litomysl, Pusta Rybna and Borovnice.
Bailey’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “because of the Czech influence throughout my life. I was very fortunate to grow up in a community where the Czech heritage is so strong. My most vivid memories are of spending time with my great-grandfather and listening to him tell stories of his family and their travels from Czechoslovakia. The pride he had in his family and Czechoslovakia was instilled in me at a young age. He is the reason that I wanted to get more involved in the preservation of my heritage”
Bailey is part of seven generations who have lived in the community of Clarkson.
Heritage Award
Anna Beck
Anna Beck
Anna Beck, representing the Nebraska Czechs of Wilber, was awarded the Heritage Award. For her talent, she played the “Black Gypsy” waltz on the clarinet and the “Black Crow” polka on the button accordion.
Her parents are Gwen and Galen Beck of Wilber, NE, and she is currently attending the Southeast Community College in Beatrice. Anna is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and plans to work with troubled youth within the justice system or become a private investigator.
Anna’s ancestors came from all parts of Bohemia and Moravia in the Czech Republic and arrived in Ellis Island between 1855-1880, and via Quebec, Canada during the 1890’s.
Anna’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “it has shaped me into the individual I am today due to the traditions that I have been a part of. It has always been a passion of mine to keep the heritage alive for many generations to come. As far back as I can remember, I have been surrounded by Czech culture, whether it be volunteering during the Wilber Czech Festival, spending time with my great-grandma Millie baking kolache and houska, listening to polka tapes with my grandpa Bob or traveling to the Czech Republic and Slovakia with my sister. My family has made it apparent to me how valuable my Czech heritage really is.”
Anna’s heritage has been a part of her daily life since birth, and she plans to continue keeping her Czech heritage alive.
Her parents are Gwen and Galen Beck of Wilber, NE, and she is currently attending the Southeast Community College in Beatrice. Anna is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and plans to work with troubled youth within the justice system or become a private investigator.
Anna’s ancestors came from all parts of Bohemia and Moravia in the Czech Republic and arrived in Ellis Island between 1855-1880, and via Quebec, Canada during the 1890’s.
Anna’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “it has shaped me into the individual I am today due to the traditions that I have been a part of. It has always been a passion of mine to keep the heritage alive for many generations to come. As far back as I can remember, I have been surrounded by Czech culture, whether it be volunteering during the Wilber Czech Festival, spending time with my great-grandma Millie baking kolache and houska, listening to polka tapes with my grandpa Bob or traveling to the Czech Republic and Slovakia with my sister. My family has made it apparent to me how valuable my Czech heritage really is.”
Anna’s heritage has been a part of her daily life since birth, and she plans to continue keeping her Czech heritage alive.
Miss Congeniality
Logan Kellogg
Logan Kellogg
Logan Kellogg, representing the Nebraska Czechs of South Central, was awarded the Miss Congeniality award. She performed a keyboard solo of the “Starlight Waltz” by John Thompson for her talent.
Her parents are Amy and Ron Kellogg of Lincoln, NE, and she is currently attending the Bryan LGH College of Health Sciences in Lincoln. Logan is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science degree in nursing and plans to become a registered nurse. After gaining several years of experience as a registered nurse, she plans to obtain a master’s degree in nursing.
Logan’s ancestors came from the Bohemian region of the Czech Republic in the late 1800’s.
Logan’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “Traditions of the Czech-Slovak heritage are a core element in nearly every gathering held on my mother’s side of the family. When I think of my grandparent’s home, I instantly hear the polka music that plays all day from the radio in their kitchen. Overall, the Czech heritage is a major aspect that has kept my family so incredibly close over the years.”
Logan plans to incorporate the Czech heritage into her own family through music, food and Czech-Slovak celebrations.
Her parents are Amy and Ron Kellogg of Lincoln, NE, and she is currently attending the Bryan LGH College of Health Sciences in Lincoln. Logan is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science degree in nursing and plans to become a registered nurse. After gaining several years of experience as a registered nurse, she plans to obtain a master’s degree in nursing.
Logan’s ancestors came from the Bohemian region of the Czech Republic in the late 1800’s.
Logan’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “Traditions of the Czech-Slovak heritage are a core element in nearly every gathering held on my mother’s side of the family. When I think of my grandparent’s home, I instantly hear the polka music that plays all day from the radio in their kitchen. Overall, the Czech heritage is a major aspect that has kept my family so incredibly close over the years.”
Logan plans to incorporate the Czech heritage into her own family through music, food and Czech-Slovak celebrations.
Brandee Samples
Brandee Samples, representing the Nebraska Czechs of the Panhandle, sang Aj Lucka, Lucka Siroka in Czech and played the button accordion for her talent.
Her parents are Andrea Pomajzl and James Samples and she is currently attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Brandee is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in biology and plans to continue her studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center where she also plans to pursue a doctorate in women’s studies.
Brandee’s ancestors came from the village of Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic.
Brandee’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “in order to accept others, and truly connect with them, you must first know and embrace yourself. Growing up in Wilber, where everyone is proud of being Czechs, made it fun. I want to lead by example and encourage everyone to embrace who they are, and the sacrifices that their ancestors made for them. American is one of the greatest countries in the world because it is made up of many different cultures.”
Brandee danced the Beseda in Wilber and also worked with the younger Beseda dancers. She is interested in designing kroj and will be designing one for her niece.
Her parents are Andrea Pomajzl and James Samples and she is currently attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Brandee is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in biology and plans to continue her studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center where she also plans to pursue a doctorate in women’s studies.
Brandee’s ancestors came from the village of Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic.
Brandee’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “in order to accept others, and truly connect with them, you must first know and embrace yourself. Growing up in Wilber, where everyone is proud of being Czechs, made it fun. I want to lead by example and encourage everyone to embrace who they are, and the sacrifices that their ancestors made for them. American is one of the greatest countries in the world because it is made up of many different cultures.”
Brandee danced the Beseda in Wilber and also worked with the younger Beseda dancers. She is interested in designing kroj and will be designing one for her niece.
Cecilia Ostry
Cecilia Ostry, representing the Nebraska Czechs of Butler County, sang a Czech lullaby, “Deti jete uz spat” (Children Go to Sleep) while playing the guitar.
Her parents are Karen and Michael Ostry of Bruno, NE, and she is currently attending the Columbus Central Community College in Columbus. Cecilia plans to transfer to Wayne State College to complete a degree in Education and begin teaching.
Cecilia is a hundred percent, sixth generation, Czech descendant. Her Ostry ancestors came from the Mohelno, Moravian region of the Czech Republic in 1873. Her Andel ancestors came from Kninice, also in the Moravian region. Both families left their homeland looking for opportunities to own land and have a better life for themselves and their families.
Cecilia’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “it is the foundation on where I stand. It was instilled in me by my parents and reinforced by my grandparents. I know who I am because I know where I come from and I have great pride in the courage my ancestors had to come to a new land. The achievement that my ancestors have accomplished gives me the inspiration to continue my endeavors.”
Cecilia’s intentions are to learn as much as she can of the basics of Czech living, to be able to pass it on to the next generation. She sings beautiful Czech hymns and Latin Mass parts six times a year at the St. Luke’s Czech Catholic Shrine in Loma, Nebraska.
Her parents are Karen and Michael Ostry of Bruno, NE, and she is currently attending the Columbus Central Community College in Columbus. Cecilia plans to transfer to Wayne State College to complete a degree in Education and begin teaching.
Cecilia is a hundred percent, sixth generation, Czech descendant. Her Ostry ancestors came from the Mohelno, Moravian region of the Czech Republic in 1873. Her Andel ancestors came from Kninice, also in the Moravian region. Both families left their homeland looking for opportunities to own land and have a better life for themselves and their families.
Cecilia’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “it is the foundation on where I stand. It was instilled in me by my parents and reinforced by my grandparents. I know who I am because I know where I come from and I have great pride in the courage my ancestors had to come to a new land. The achievement that my ancestors have accomplished gives me the inspiration to continue my endeavors.”
Cecilia’s intentions are to learn as much as she can of the basics of Czech living, to be able to pass it on to the next generation. She sings beautiful Czech hymns and Latin Mass parts six times a year at the St. Luke’s Czech Catholic Shrine in Loma, Nebraska.
Samantha Kabourek
Samantha Kabourek, representing the Nebraska Czechs of the Omaha Czech Cultural Club, performed a martial arts black belt form called Gae Beck, to the Czech song, Cirkus.
Her mother is Teresa Schimonitz-Kabourek of Omaha, NE, and she is currently attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Samantha is pursuing a Food Science and Technology degree with minors in Culinary Arts and the Czech language. She would like to use what she is learning and work in the Czech Republic one day.
Samantha’s ancestors came from Prague, Czech Republic.
Samantha’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “it will always be a part of who I am. When someone asks where my ancestors are from, I proudly tell them the Czech Republic. No matter someone’s background, they should be proud and find their heritage important because it is a part of who they are, and Czech is a part of who I am. In the end it doesn’t matter where someone comes from, but rather how they embrace their heritage”
Samantha’s interest in the Czech language began when she traveled to the Czech Republic with Global Outreach, a youth ministry organization.
Her mother is Teresa Schimonitz-Kabourek of Omaha, NE, and she is currently attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Samantha is pursuing a Food Science and Technology degree with minors in Culinary Arts and the Czech language. She would like to use what she is learning and work in the Czech Republic one day.
Samantha’s ancestors came from Prague, Czech Republic.
Samantha’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “it will always be a part of who I am. When someone asks where my ancestors are from, I proudly tell them the Czech Republic. No matter someone’s background, they should be proud and find their heritage important because it is a part of who they are, and Czech is a part of who I am. In the end it doesn’t matter where someone comes from, but rather how they embrace their heritage”
Samantha’s interest in the Czech language began when she traveled to the Czech Republic with Global Outreach, a youth ministry organization.
Darryn Werner
Darryn Werner, representing the Nebraska Czechs of Prague, gave an oral presentation of her Czech family traditions that she grew up celebrating and sang two Czech Christmas carols for her talent.
Her parents are Cynthia and Timothy Werner of Lincoln, NE, and she is currently attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Darryn is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and plans to become a registered nurse. She would like to work in labor and delivery or a nursery. Royalty runs in Darryn’s family as her mother is a past Saunders County Czech Queen and several of her aunts were Czech queens and princesses.
Darryn’s ancestors came from Moravia and settled in Ennis, Texas; Prague & Dwight, Nebraska.
Darryn’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “it is part of who I am. It gives me a connection to my ancestors. When my ancestors came to America, they wanted to continue the practice of their beliefs and traditions. I am one of the beneficiaries of my ancestors’ strong family traditions. I feel responsible to continue the practice of their beliefs, values and traditions so as to pass them along to future generations.”
Darryn has a strong connection to family and is honored to be able to continue the Czech traditions.
Her parents are Cynthia and Timothy Werner of Lincoln, NE, and she is currently attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Darryn is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and plans to become a registered nurse. She would like to work in labor and delivery or a nursery. Royalty runs in Darryn’s family as her mother is a past Saunders County Czech Queen and several of her aunts were Czech queens and princesses.
Darryn’s ancestors came from Moravia and settled in Ennis, Texas; Prague & Dwight, Nebraska.
Darryn’s Czech-Slovak heritage is important to her because “it is part of who I am. It gives me a connection to my ancestors. When my ancestors came to America, they wanted to continue the practice of their beliefs and traditions. I am one of the beneficiaries of my ancestors’ strong family traditions. I feel responsible to continue the practice of their beliefs, values and traditions so as to pass them along to future generations.”
Darryn has a strong connection to family and is honored to be able to continue the Czech traditions.
Special THANKS to the 2012 Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen
Pageant Cash Sponsors!!
$250 - $500
Candyce Ingwersen, Lisa Messman
$50 - $249
Clarkson Plumbing & Heating/True Value Hardware, Colfax County Press, Barbara Harano,
Charles & MaryJean Keller, Dr. John & Ruth O’Neal
$10 - $49
Alegent Health Care Clinic Clarkson, Susie Arney, Bernard Belka, James & Marsha Bogatz, Bohemian Café Omaha, Monica Brown, Sheryl Kastanek, Dick Kutilek, Lorraine Lafler, Karina Lockman,
M & M Market Clarkson, Mary Anna Rivas, Natasha Vavra, Michelle Wiedel, Wilber Republican
Pageant Cash Sponsors!!
$250 - $500
Candyce Ingwersen, Lisa Messman
$50 - $249
Clarkson Plumbing & Heating/True Value Hardware, Colfax County Press, Barbara Harano,
Charles & MaryJean Keller, Dr. John & Ruth O’Neal
$10 - $49
Alegent Health Care Clinic Clarkson, Susie Arney, Bernard Belka, James & Marsha Bogatz, Bohemian Café Omaha, Monica Brown, Sheryl Kastanek, Dick Kutilek, Lorraine Lafler, Karina Lockman,
M & M Market Clarkson, Mary Anna Rivas, Natasha Vavra, Michelle Wiedel, Wilber Republican