Miss Czech Slovak US Pageant

05/11/2026

We are thrilled to announce Isabella Valcuha will be representing New Jersey as an at-large contestant at this year’s pageant!! Congratulations, Isabella 🎉

As the pageant grows closer, we will be sharing the full line up of contestant introductions!

05/10/2026

To the women who raised us, inspired us, and continue to guide us—today is for you.

With gratitude and love, the Miss Czech-Slovak US Pageant celebrates all mothers and mother figures.

Happy Mother’s Day! 💐

05/10/2026

We are thrilled to announce Hannah Thomason will be representing New York as an at-large contestant at this year’s pageant!! Congratulations, Hannah 🎉

As the pageant grows closer, we will be sharing the full line up of contestant introductions!

05/08/2026

On May 7th, Miss Czech Slovak US 1st Runner Up 2025-2026 Isabel Sherman, spoke about Czech and Slovak heritage at her local library. She was excited to be there along with the local dance group, Světlušky and Silvia Urban from the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Isabel shared Czech and Slovak traditions, and talked about the Miss Czech Slovak US Pageant. She also had the opportunity to share her talent and kroj with guests. She would like to thank the Cedar Rapids Public Library for hosting this event! She encourages everyone to check out their local public library to see what cultural learning events may await! 🇸🇰✨📚🇨🇿

05/07/2026

Last week Miss Czech-Slovak US First Runner Up 2025-2026 Isabel Sherman had the opportunity to tune in virtually to the keynote for the 26th Annual Czech and Slovak Studies Workshop hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln . The keynote, delivered by Jindřich Toman from the University of Michigan , explored “Bohemia’s Jews and Their Nineteenth Century,” offering valuable insight into Central European culture and history.

Overall the conference covered many different themes and presentations including Miss Czech-Slovak US 2009-2010 Brianna Tichy (Charles University, Prague) sharing The Search for Authenticity: Is the Miss Czech-Slovak US Pageant Changing Czech Identity in the US and Beyond?

We’re proud that opportunities like this exist to expand perspectives 🌍📚

05/05/2026

🍎✨ Happy National Teacher’s Day! ✨🍎
Today, we’re celebrating the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage growth, and leave a lasting impact far beyond the classroom!

In honor of National Teacher’s Day, we asked our current Royal Court to recognize a teacher who has made a meaningful difference in their lives.

💬 Now it’s your turn: Tag a teacher who made a lasting impact on your life and share why you’re grateful for them!

Thank you to all teachers—for the lessons, the encouragement, and the belief in your students, every single day. 💙📚

05/04/2026

This weekend, Miss Czech Slovak US 2025-2026 1st Runner Up Isabel Sherman, enjoyed a fantastic series of events at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. On Friday, May 1st, Isabel began her weekend by attending a concert with 4 Tenoři (4 Musical Tenors). The internationally acclaimed group sang broadway hits, along with Czech songs such as Jdi za štěstím, Vltava, and Lady Carneval.
On Saturday morning, Isabel got to watch Veselica Slovak Cultural Organization & Folklore Ensemble, Chicago, USA. It was really special to see so many young Slovak Americans share their heritage. After, Isabel had the opportunity to see the opening of Congressman John Mica’s book collection. From there, she got to see a new exhibit opening, that featured the life of Count Móric Beňovský. She also saw a showcase of John Dopyera’s aluminum resonator violin.

Her exciting weekend concluded with the fabulous Preciosia Gala. In honor of our country’s 250th anniversary, this year the Gala celebrated important community figures who have shaped the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library. Important figures such as Madeline Albright, Micheal Strank and Ivana Lendl were also inducted into the museum’s Hall of Fame. It was an incredibly special event to be a part of.

Isabel was honored to be surrounded by so many important figures of the Czech and Slovak community. Such as, Czech Ambassador to the US Miloslav Stašek(Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, DC), Slovak Ambassador to the US, Andrej Droba (Slovenské veľvyslanectvo v USA / Slovak Embassy in USA), former CEO of NCSML Dr. Gail Naughton, and current CEO Dr. Cecilia Rokusek along with countless other important members of the community. Isabel had a fantastic weekend and would like to thank the staff who made this weekend possible. A special thank you to Dr. Rokusek and Virginia Wilts for inviting her to join in this exciting weekend of appreciating our shared heritage. It’s important to continue to remember our roots and celebrate the future.

05/03/2026

On May 2, 2026, Miss Czech Slovak US Queen 2025-2026 Madelyn Karstedt attended the Prague Kolache Festival in Prague, Oklahoma. She had a wonderful time participating in the parade, enjoying the many vendor booths, taking part in the kroj parade, and watching the beautiful Czech dancing performances.
She also attended the Prague Kolache Royalty Pageant and crowning, joined in the kolache eating contest, and cherished the opportunity to visit with fellow royalty, including Miss Oklahoma Czech-Slovak Royalty Queen Eden Tlapak, Miss Oklahoma Czech Slovak Junior Queen Molly Pruett, Miss Oklahoma Czech Slovak Little Princess Lucy Kastle, Miss Clarkson Czech Slovak Queen Ava Baumert, Prague Kolache Queen 2025 Hope Birdwell, and Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen 2024–2025 Gracelyn Baumert.
Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to put together such a meaningful and memorable celebration of Czech heritage!

05/01/2026

Today is the Day❣️ Our second annual Alumni Giving Month has launched! This year, all funds raised will directly support the National Queen’s Trip, an important tradition that highlights our reigning queen’s commitment to heritage, leadership, and service.

All gifts of $25 or more will be recognized in the Miss Czech-Slovak US Pageant Program and on our official website. Your participation not only strengthens this tradition but also celebrates our vibrant alumni community.

How You Can Support Alumni Giving Month
▪️Renew Your Membership
Your continued involvement ensures our alumni network remains strong and connected.
▪️Share Our Social Media Posts
Engaging with our posts throughout May helps broaden our reach and inspire others to give.

How to Make Your Gift
You may make your contribution in one of two ways:
▪️Online Giving
Visit missczechslovakus.com to make your gift quickly and securely.
Mail Your Contribution
▪️Checks may be mailed to:
Miss Czech-Slovak US Pageant Headquarters
12885 NW 126th Street
Malcolm, NE 68402

Your support—whether through making a first time gift, renewing your membership, or simply helping spread the word—directly uplifts the next generation of cultural ambassadors! Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission and legacy. 💗

🌟 May Alumni Giving Month Begins Soon! 🌟

Get ready to join alumni from across the country as we rally together to support this year’s featured initiative: the National Queen Trip!

Your generosity helps create a meaningful cultural experience we have been proud to offer for over 25 years!

Stay tuned for updates all month long, and mark your calendar for May 1—together, we can make an incredible impact!

04/29/2026

Join us for the Miss Czech-Slovak US Pageant Silent Auction on August 1, 2026 from 11 AM–5 PM at the Czech Cultural Center!

Browse incredible items from around the world and support the pageant’s mission of preserving and celebrating our shared heritage. ❤️

Can’t attend in person? You can still make an impact by donating through our Amazon Wish List - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1THS0U8DO004D?

✨ Every contribution helps our organization shine.

04/25/2026

Miss Czech Slovak US Queen 2025-2026 Madelyn Karstedt would like to share some advice with this year’s contestants as we get closer to the National Pageant! She is so excited to hang out with you all during what is sure to be an unforgettable weekend in Wilber.

Past Queens and Contestants 👑 - do you have any advice for this year’s contestants? Leave it in the comments below!