Holly Stepanek, daughter of Tom and Sheila, was crowned Miss Czech-Slovak Iowa 2012-2013 at this year's pageant. Pageant festivities were held in conjunction with the Cedar Rapids Houby Days Festival on May 19.Holly, originally from Cedar Rapids, has completed two years of coursework at Kirkwood Community College and will study German and political science at the University of Iowa in the fall. She has been involved in her Czech heritage from a young age, attending Czech School and participating in an exchange program to the Czech Republic. For her talent, Holly performed a piano solo. She will represent Czechs and Slovaks in the state of Iowa at festivals, parades, and events throughout the year. Upon completion of her rein, she will compete in the Miss Czech-Slovak US pageant.Holly was preceded by Marissa Cada, Miss Czech-Slovak Iowa 2011-2012. Marissa will represent Iowa at the national pageant August 3-5 in Wilber, NE.
Czech Heritage Princess 2012 Crowned
Kelsey Pokorny, a freshman at North Tama High School, was crowned Czech Heritage Princess. Kelsey is the daughter of Mike and Ronda Pokorny of Elberon, Iowa. She is involved in FCCLA, chorus, show choir, and dances with the CR Spirits. Kelsey is very proud of her Czech ancestry and has shared her heritage with her schoolmates as part of a class project. She will represent the Czech Heritage Foundation and the local Czech community at events throughout the coming year.