KARA MARUSZAK
Miss SNPJ 2010

Miss SNPJ 2010 Kara Maruszak is the daughter of Carol Sadar Maruszak (53) of Wickliffe, Ohio, and Ron Maruszak (53) of Eastlake, Ohio; sister of Mark; granddaughter of Anton (53) and Doris (5) Sadar of Willoughby Hills, Ohio; and great-granddaughter of the late Jerry and Mary Pike (53) of Cleveland, and Anton and Antonia Sadar (254). Kara also received the titles of Miss Activity and co-Miss Talent 2010.

Kara is a lifelong, fourth-generation SNPJ member of V-Boj Lodge 53 in Cleveland. She has participated in Youth Roundup and the TEL Workshop; contributes to The Voice of Youth and writes the Heritage Center column; volunteers at the SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center; assisted with the publication and promotion of the Heritage Center cookbook; volunteers at Slovenefest; attended and worked Lodge picnics and Christmas parties; volunteers at the SNPJ Farm in Kirtland, Ohio; attended the Heritage Center Christmas parties; participated in the CAL Sweetheart Doubles, SNPJ Youth Telegraphic and Family Twosome bowling tournaments, and SNPJ Farm Cornhole Tournament; attended SnoZone and SNPJ Farm Grape Festivals; is a member of SNPJ Youth Circle 2, participating in the Button Box Bash and annual concerts; and plays the button box accordion.

Kara is also a member of American Legion Ladies Auxiliary #7, the Lake County Young Democrats, Lake County Democratic Women’s Club, City of Wickliffe Keep Wickliffe Beautiful Commission, America in Bloom Committee, American Mutual Life Association, Slovenian Women’s Union, Slovenian American National Art Guild, Croatian Fraternal Union and the American Zagreb Junior Tamburitzans. She volunteers for the Lake County United Way Day of Caring, American Red Cross Blood Mobile and the Wickliffe Chamber of Commerce. Kara has volunteered more than 1,600 hours to groups and organizations, is a recipient of the President Bush Gold Award for Volunteerism, and was honored as Volunteer of the Year by the Keep Wickliffe Beautiful Commission.

Kara graduated in May 2009 with an associates of arts degree from Lakeland Community College, and will graduate from Wickliffe High School in June 2010. She plans to further her education at a four-year college, majoring in accounting and pre-law. She has been inducted into the National Honor Roll, the United States Achievement Academy, the National Honor Society, Who’s Who Registry of Academic Excellence and Phi Theta Kappa Society; and made the Dean’s List at both Bryant & Stratton College and Lakeland Community College, along with the Principal’s List at Wickliffe High School.Kara’s many interests include reading, gardening, sewing, bowling, cooking, music, dancing and horseback riding. She is a Certified Professional Rescuer Lifeguard, teaches swim lessons, is a day camp counselor, and has earned her black belt in Taekwondo.

“My parents and grandparents have encouraged my brother and me to be active with SNPJ, giving us an opportunity to meet people from all parts of the United States, Canada and Slovenia. This opportunity would not have been possible without SNPJ sponsoring so many multi-generational activities for their members. I enjoy meeting new people at a variety of fraternal events and appreciate the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for SNPJ. Young ladies in the Society should consider entering the Miss SNPJ Pageant; it’s a great way to meet new people and become active in SNPJ.”