DENISE CUMMINGS Sygan, Pa., Lodge 6

IMPERIAL, Pa. — The SNPJ Fraternal Department is pleased to introduce the second contestant to enter the 2008 Miss SNPJ Pageant, Sis. Denise Cummings. Denise, a member of Lodge 6 in Sygan, Pa., is the daughter of Jeffrey and Maria Cummings (6), and the granddaughter of Marie Bombassaro (6) and William and Evelyn Cummings.

Denise will graduate from Canon-McMillan High School in June. She is currently on the high honor roll. She has been a member of the school’s varsity bowling team for four years, serving as team captain and secretary during her senior year. She is also a member of Mac Pac and the Art Club. She organized a bowl-a-thon fund-raiser for the V Foundation for Cancer Research as part of her senior project, raising over $1,500 toward their cause.

Denise has been an active member of SNPJ Youth Circle 36 for many years, serving as Circle secretary and president. She has participated in many Circle activities, including holiday parties, Circle bowling, Christmas caroling and SnoZone outings. She has competed in the SNPJ Youth Telegraphic and Family Twosome bowling tournaments. Denise has attended the SNPJ TEL (Teens Experience Leadership) Workshop for four years and plans to attend the Young Adult Conference this summer. She has volunteered her time and service for Slovene Day at Kennywood Park, as well as during Slovenefest. This is not even mentioning the numerous Lodge 6 picnics, bingos, dances and outings for which she has volunteered.

An active member of her church, Denise has been an altar server for eight years. She played community league softball for six years and served as an assistant coach for two years. She is a member of the youth bowling league at Sports Haven Bowl, competing in many tournaments.

Denise has been accepted and plans to attend Robert Morris University in the fall, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in media arts with a concentration in graphic design.

On behalf of the SNPJ Fraternal Department, I welcome Denise to the Miss SNPJ Pageant and wish her all of the best. Pageant contestants must be single females between the ages of 17 and 25 by Dec. 31, 2008, and an SNPJ member for at least three months.

During their April semiannual meeting, the SNPJ National Board approved the following breakdown of points for the Miss SNPJ Pageant. An independent panel of judges will award points in the following categories: 25 points for poise and appearance in an evening gown, 25 points for personality and communication skills, 15 points for talent and 25 points for community service. An additional 30 points will be awarded by the SNPJ Executive Committee for activity within SNPJ. A Miss Fraternalism titleholder will be selected by the pageant contestants.

I want to remind everybody that we are offing bonuses for entering the pageant. As an added incentive to enter early, the Fraternal Department is once again offering a $50 gift card to any contestant who enters the pageant by June 2. In addition, all contestants participating in the Miss SNPJ Pageant will receive a $50 participation award. I encourage all of our 17- to 25-year-old female members to enter the pageant. You will be treated like royalty throughout the entire Slovenefest weekend as you take part in a 52-year SNPJ tradition.