IMPERIAL, Pa. —The SNPJ Fraternal Department is pleased to the following 14 contestants who have entered the 2008 Miss SNPJ Pageant. The pageant will be held during Slovenefest XXVII weekend, July 11-13, in The Alpine Room at the SNPJ Recreation Center.
Cassidy Blatnik is a member of Lodge 614 in Cleveland. She is the daughter of Joe Blatnik and Laurie Lauriel, and the granddaughter of Joe and Mary Blatnik. Cassidy has participated in the SNPJ youth bowling league in Cleveland. She has also been active in her Lodge, assisting with Lodge picnics. Cassidy was active with the Euclid Children’s Chorus, as well as school choirs through seventh grade. She was on the Junior Varsity Chorale, traveling to competitions in many states and winning many awards. Cassidy was also a member of the auxiliary marching band as a flag twirler.
Denise Cummings, 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.
Alicia Crawford, a member of Lodge 165 in Wickhaven, Pa., is the daughter of William and Lori Crawford, and the granddaughter of La Rue and the late Harry Cerutti, and Kate and the late Bill Crawford. A 2008 graduate of Latrobe Area High School, Alicia received highest honors on the Honor Roll. She will be attending Kaplan Career Institute majoring in criminal justice.
Alicia has been involved with the Outdoor Odyssey program for six years, a counseling and mentoring program similar to Big Brothers and Big Sisters. She helped organize the Lodge 165 summer picnic at Idlewild Park, and has been an Earth Day volunteer, a Skills USA Competition participant, a sixth grade camp counselor for Latrobe Area Schools and a Special Olympics volunteer. Alicia was a member of the Latrobe Area High School track and field team, the Pep Club, and the junior and senior high chorus. She served on the Homecoming Float Committee and played in the Latrobe Area Softball League. She was also a participant in the Latrobe Area Recreation Department summer basketball program.
Jennifer Provenza is a member of Lodge 216 in Verona, Pa. She is the daughter of Joseph and Kimberly Provenza (216) and the granddaughter of Joseph and Sylvia Provenza (216). A graduate of Hempfield Area Senior High School, Jennifer is currently attending Geneva College majoring in civil engineering with a concentration in structures. She has been active in many SNPJ activities, from attending Youth Roundup and the TEL (Teens Experience Leadership) Workshop to helping with Lodge 216 activities. She plans to serve as a counselor and Team Leader for the Youth Roundup and TEL programs this summer.
During high school, Jennifer was a majorette, performing in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the Fiesta Bowl Parade. She also performed with the band at Walt Disney World. She served as Senior Class Treasurer and president of the Diversity Club, and was active with the Teens Against Tobacco Use Club. Jennifer was an intramural activities participant and referee. She was also a member of the Cultural Experience Club as well as a participant on the junior and senior powderpuff teams. She was involved in numerous community service activities as well. While attending college, Jennifer is involved in the Civil Engineering Club, is a majorette in the Geneva Marching Band, and is a member of the Women in Science and Engineering Group. She also helped coordinate the 30-Hour Famine Activity.
Colleen Frank, a member of Loyalites Lodge 158 in Euclid, Ohio, is the daughter of Colleen and Bill Frank (158), and the granddaughter of Bill (158) and the late Mary Frank, and Ruth and Jack O’Malley. Currently a junior at North High School in Eastlake, Ohio, Colleen is a Rangerette in the flag corp. She plays clarinet in the marching band and is in the North High School Wind Symphony. Her school activities include Volunteers Club, Foreign Language Club and Math Club. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, and is currently in advanced placement classes and the Zenith program.
Colleen volunteers in many community service projects. She has been active in SNPJ, specifically Youth Circle 2 where she currently serves as Circle president. As a member of Circle 2, Colleen has had the opportunity to travel and perform at many locations such as Kennywood, Disney World, Geauga Lake and Kings Island, and for many SNPJ events. She is a regular participant in the SNPJ Youth Telegraphic and Family Twosome Bowling tournaments, and a past participant in the SNPJ TEL (Teens Experience Leadership) Workshop. Colleen takes part in many Lodge 158 events, which helped earn her the honor of SNPJ Youth Mmeber of the Year in 2006.
Brittney Zemko, a member of Girard, Ohio, Lodge 643, is the daughter of Kurt and Kathleen (643) Seifert, and the granddaughter of Kathleen and Bill Nail (643). Brittney is currently a sophomore at Youngstown State University majoring in social work. She has been involved in many community service projects such as Relay for Life, food and clothing drives, visiting nursing homes, and helping with several school plays and track meets.
Brittney is currently the director of Youth Circle 7. She has participated in many Circle and Lodge events over the years, including Easter egg hunts, Christmas parties, JOIN HANDS DAY projects and numerous dances. She attends Lodge meetings and has contributed to PROSVETA and The Voice of Youth. She represented her Circle at the TEL Workshop and was selected as the Lodge 643 Youth Member of the Year in 2005.
Rose Denning, a member of Irwin (Pleasant Valley), Pa., Lodge 41, is the daughter of Audley and Lois (41) Denning, and granddaughter of the late Joseph (41) and Mary Susa, Christina Denning and the late Audley Denning Jr. A recent honors graduate of Hempfield Area High School, Rose will attend Bucknell University and major in chemical engineering. She plans to work in the nuclear power field, or possibly to develop alternative forms of energy.
While in high school, Rose was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Interact Club, Science Club and Mathletes. She played on both the field hockey and softball teams. She has been active in many SNPJ activities, attending Lodge and Federation meetings whenever possible and helping at the Westmoreland Federation Picnic Grove in Evanstown. She volunteers at the Westmoreland Federation Grape Festival as well as for the Slovene Radio Hour picnic. She also represented Lodge 41 at the TEL Workshop. Rose is a member of the Hello Ensemble, a Slovenian song and dance group. She regularly attends polka dances at many SNPJ halls and enjoys playing the button box accordion.
Hannah Petcovic is a member of Lodge 776 in the Borough of SNPJ, Pa. Hannah is the daughter of Mark and Julie Petcovic (776), and the granddaughter of Paul and Pauline (715) Petcovic and Frank and Mona Lynch. A senior at Beaver Local High School, Hannah is a member of the Interact, Science, English Honors, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and Spanish clubs. She attended the 2008 Music Theory Study Group and participated as a member of the EnvironTeam. She is currently the field commander for the Beaver Local Red Pride Marching Band, for which she plays piccolo. She holds first chair of the flute section in the concert band, and plays piano and trumpet in the jazz band.
Hannah is a five-year recipient of the Summi Decem Academic Honors Award. She has accumulated over 300 hours of community service work and is a member of the National Honor Society. Hannah is active in the Columbiana County (Ohio) 4-H program and serves as president of the Junior Leaders Club. She also shows rabbits and poultry at the county fair. Hannah attended the TEL Workshop in 2007 as a representative of Lodge 776.
Jenette Muhar, a member of Fontana, Calif., Lodge 723, is the daughter of Rose and Mark Muhar (723), and the granddaughter of George and Marie Muhar, also members of Lodge 723. A student at Rialto High School, Jenette is involved in dance, participating in several showcases. She has performed at many competitions, earning first- and second-place honors. She earned the principal’s award for high GPA and was listed eight times on the honor roll. She participated in the school’s Key Club, as well as the GATE Club. Jenette is also a member of the school’s girls wrestling team where she has received many honors and placed at several regional competitions.
Megan Roth is a member of Cleveland Lodge 53. She is the daughter of Susan Roth. A student at Wickliffe High School in Ohio, Megan has attained both Honor Roll and Merit Roll recognition, and has received the Team Wick Player of the Week Award. She participates in the high school concert band and is a member of the Blue Devils Swing Band, voted the best high school marching band in Cleveland in 2008. She is a member of the Ecology Club and girls varsity tennis team.
As a member of Lodge 53, Megan has participated in both the SNPJ TEL Workshop and Youth Roundup. She participates in an after-school program through Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and helped care for a child with Downs Syndrome. She is a supporter of Paws 4 A Cause, and even helped raise a puppy for the blind. She is also active with NorthCoast Lions, Rescue Village and other community programs.
Megan Kauffman, a member of Struthers, Ohio, Lodge 277, is the daughter of Mary and Dave (277) Susany, and the granddaughter of Peggy and Bob Susany, both members of Lodge 277. Megan is an honor student at Mohawk High School. She is a member of the volleyball and track teams, and attends many youth group activities at her church. She has been a member of the yearbook staff for two years, serving one year as editor. She is co-president of the Conservation Club and a former member of the student counsel and SADD.
Bliss Bornscheuer is a member of Strabane, Pa., Lodge 138. She is the daughter of Pamela (138) and Daniel Bornscheuer, and the granddaughter of Phyllis and Paul Bornscheuer. A senior at Chartiers-Houston High School, Bliss is a member of the marching band and a two-year flag corp captain. She is a member of the Catalyst Club, SADD, chorus and the Girls Honor Ensemble. She has performed in many school and community theater productions. An avid animal activist, Bliss volunteers at the Washington Area Humane Society and the Canonsburg Cat Rescue.
Bliss is also an active member of Youth Circle 19, participating in the youth bowling league as well as many Halloween parties, Christmas parties and Easter egg hunts. She volunteers at the annual Lodge 138 Duck Race and for the Button Box Bashes. She has represented Lodge 138 and Circle 19 at the TEL Workshop.
Frances Kocin, a member of Loyalites Lodge 158 in Euclid, Ohio, is the daughter of Chris and Theresa Kocin (158), and the granddaughter of Frank and the late Mary Kocin, and August and the late Mary Dragar. A graduate of Mentor High School, Frances was nominated to the National Society of High School Scholars. She played the trumpet and was also active in softball. She was a member of the business club and participated in intramural kickball. She plans to pursue a degree in art at Lakeland Community College.
Frances has been active in SNPJ, attending Youth Roundup as a camper and serving as a delegate to the TEL Workshop. She plans to attend the Young Adult Conference this summer. She has also been active in Youth Circle 2, traveling and performing with the group at many locations, including Disney World. She served as Circle 2 historian and secretary, and helps out at the dessert table for the Circle 2 Super Button Box Bash.
Frances is involved with many community service organizations. These include the Lake County Shelter for abandoned and lost dogs; Birth Right, which helps struggling mothers and fathers; and the Salvation Army.
Danielle Brand is a lifelong member of Sygan, Pa., Lodge 6. She is the daughter of Denny and Lisa Brand (6), and the granddaughter of Charles and Dolores Davis (6), and Dennis and Carol Brand (6). She has one older sister, Darcy Brand. Danielle has been a member of Youth Circle 36 since the age of 3 and served as Circle vice president for two years. She has participated in numerous SNPJ Youth Telegraphic bowling tournaments, and has attended and entertained at many Circle holiday parties. She has also volunteered time to Lodge 6 by working at bingo and SNPJ bowling tournaments.
Danielle was a camper at Youth Roundup for six years and served as a delegate to four TEL Workshops. She has also participated in other SNPJ activities such as Kennywood days, SnoZone days, and Pittsburgh Pirates Nights. An active SNPJ trailer court member for 14 years, Danielle attends and volunteers at many SNPJ Recreation Center events, including Slovenefest, Lodge picnics and National SNPJ Days where she participated in three National Balina Tournaments. She has also opened many past Miss SNPJ Pageants by singing the National Anthem.
Entering her senior year at Chartiers Valley High School, Danielle is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Thespian Society, Varsity Club, Renaissance Club and Scholar Athlete Club. She is a four-year varsity cheerleader, captain of the tennis and dance teams, and president of Select Chorus. She has played many leads in her school musical productions. Danielle studied dance at Vella School of Dance for 11 years, performed with Pittsburgh Musical Theater, studied voice at Point Park College, and is a two-year member of Pittsburgh’s CLO Advanced Vocal Chorus. After graduation, Danielle hopes to attend Point Park College to major in the performing arts.
Active in her church, she is a member of the choir, a board member of the Nurture Committee, musical director of Vacation Bible School, and volunteers at many spaghetti dinners and for Meals on Wheels. Within her community, Danielle sings at the annual veterans’ memorial service; served as a counselor for the Bridgeville, Pa., “A Week in the Park;” and has played softball with the Bridgeville Athletic Association for 11 years, as well as for the Collier and Carnegie Athletic Associations.
On behalf of the Fraternal Department, I welcome these young ladies to the Miss SNPJ Pageant and wish them all the best. I invite all SNPJ members to come out to the Alpine Room Friday, July 11, to enjoy the Miss SNPJ Pageant program beginning at noon. The Miss SNPJ crowning ceremonies will be held in the Alpine Room Sunday, July 13. Plan now to attend as we crown the 52nd Miss SNPJ. I’ll see you at a fraternal event soon...
