Meet This Year's Debutantes
Michelle Bezhnar
Michelle Bezhnar is a junior at Loyola Academy High School in Wilmette, Illinois. Active in rowing and Polish Club, she believes in trying her best, never giving up, and learning from challenges. For over eight years, Michelle has been involved with the Our Children Foundation, supporting children with special needs. She loves helping children feel included, loved, and appreciated. Faith is important to Michelle. Attending Camp Vista in Wisconsin for seven years helped her grow as a person, strengthen her faith, and find God in her life. It taught her kindness and resilience and is an experience she will never forget. Growing up, Michelle took ballet, had private singing lessons, and sang in a church choir. She played basketball and soccer, participated in cross country, and played travel volleyball for several years. As a first-generation Polish American, Michelle values her heritage. Polish was her first language, so she attended Wyspa Dzieci, a Polish preschool, where she made close friends she still has today. She performed folk dances and later attended Jana Kochanowskiego Polish School to learn more about Polish traditions and language. Michelle looks forward to becoming a debutante in the Legion of Young Polish Women, celebrating her culture and creating lifelong memories.
Melania Huzior
Melania Huzior was born in Chicago to Polish parents from Nowy Targ, Poland. She is a senior at Hinsdale Central High School, where she maintains a 4.2 GPA and has earned a place on the Dean’s List every semester. Proud of her Polish heritage, Melania treasures family traditions, particularly celebrating Wigilia with her father’s family and Christmas morning with her mother. Fluent in Polish, she values preserving her cultural roots and remaining connected to her community. Her passion for fashion began at age five when her Polish grandmother taught her to sew. In 2026, she attended Vogue Summer School in New York City, studying fashion marketing, branding, and entrepreneurship. She also completed college-level coursework at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earning a 4.0 GPA. Beyond academics, Melania is a varsity golfer and former junior varsity soccer player. She has volunteered with the Hinsdale Food Pantry and gained professional experience at Ruth Lake Country Club. Melania hopes to pursue a career in fashion and business, with aspirations of becoming a successful entrepreneur by combining her creativity, passion for design, and business knowledge.
Ella Jaszczuk
Ella Jaszczuk is a senior at Lemont High School, where she maintains High Honors while challenging herself with rigorous honors and Advanced Placement courses. As a proud first-generation Polish-American, she deeply values her culture and community. She actively serves as a leader in the Polish Falcons of America, attending leadership conferences and recently exploring her heritage firsthand during a trip to Poland. At school, Ella leads as the captain of the Lemont High School varsity tennis team, coaches volleyball at Everest Academy, and serves on the board for Link Crew, a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting underclassmen. Passionate about inspiring young minds, she also interns in a third-grade classroom to prepare for her future career in elementary education. Beyond her leadership roles, Ella is an active member of both the National Honor Society and Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. Ella is thrilled and honored to represent her community as a 2027 debutante for the Legion of Young Polish Women. She looks forward to celebrating this cherished tradition alongside her family and friends.
Wiktoria Komperda
Wiktoria Komperda is a 17-year-old senior at Lake Central High School. Alongside her academics, she takes time to stay involved and do what she loves in and out of school. In school, she is a part of three choral ensembles and a handbell ensemble meeting every week after classes. She also enjoys learning guitar outside of school and has played for the past five years. While keeping up with music, Wiktoria likes to stay active and participates in her school’s Colorguard. Being on the team keeps her busy and moving with practices, football games, and competitions taking up the majority of her time. She also dances for a Polish Highlander Group, but has danced for various groups since she was a child. Taking pride in her Polish heritage and culture is important to her growth as a person. She has attended Polish school since preschool and is fluent in reading, writing, and speaking Polish, as well as learning about the history and geography of Poland. To add to her fluency in Polish and English, Wiktoria has been trying to strengthen her Spanish. Wiktoria is the second in her family to be a debutante and is overjoyed to be able to continue a family tradition.
Matylda Kowalski
Matylda Zuzanna Kowalski, a first-generation Polish American, is a junior at Maine South High School, challenging herself by taking AP and honors classes. She is involved in many extracurriculars including Polish Club, National Honor Society, lacrosse, Women in Medicine, and Medical Careers Club, which allows her to deepen her medical field knowledge. Outside of school, Matylda works part-time at an Italian restaurant. Fluent in Polish, she is finishing her last year at Maximilian Maria Kolbe Polish School, taking pride in learning the Polish language, geography, history, culture, and traditions. Being Catholic is an important part of her life, and Matylda values the faith that has been passed down through her family. From a young age, she was a part of numerous Polish cultural engagements such as Warsztaty Teatralne Little Stars at Copernicus Center, and Studio Jump, expressing her Polish heritage through dance and performance. For the past six years, she has spent her summers at Camp Vista, a Polish-Catholic sleep-away camp in Wisconsin, learning valuable life skills and creating special memories with her closest friends. In her spare time, she loves to go skiing and play lacrosse. Matylda is extremely grateful and honored to be a Debutante and looks forward to creating long-lasting memories and friendships!
Sarina Kruszynska
Sarina Kruszynska is not one to wait for things to happen; instead, she is someone who takes action both on the water and within her community. At 16 years old, Sarina is a student at Loyola Academy, where she is an active member and proudly serves as one of the leaders of the Polish Club. She enjoys being involved in her community and taking on leadership opportunities. Outside of school, she participates in rowing, where some of her accomplishments include placing 3rd at Nationals last spring and receiving an offer to row at Bydgostia Rowing Club, a club in Bydgoszcz, Poland. This opportunity allowed her to move to the international level while incorporating and celebrating her Polish heritage. As an alumna of Saint Mary School in Buffalo Grove she coaches volleyball, participates in service through her church and helps set up events. In the future, Sarina hopes to achieve her dream of participating at the collegiate level, where she can continue pursuing her goals both academically and athletically. After college, and after fulfilling her dream of competing on the Polish National Team, she hopes to either become a successful businesswoman or open her own rehabilitation center for people battling sports-related injuries, something she knows about as a woman of action.
Monika Machnicki
Monika Machnicki is a senior at Deerfield High School, where she challenges herself with AP and Honors classes, particularly in business. She is involved in DECA and her school's Genocide Commemoration Committee. As a first-generation Polish American, Monika takes pride in her heritage and the traditions she shares with her family. This past summer, she studied Polish language and literature at Uniwersytet Jagielloński in Kraków, Poland, deepening her connection to her culture while experiencing life abroad. Monika has always loved staying active. She figure skated for eight years, has played tennis for the past six years, and enjoys soccer, both playing and watching it. She also works as a ski instructor, teaching children how to ski. Traveling is another passion of hers, especially exploring Europe and visiting Poland. Her Catholic faith and family traditions remain important parts of her life. Looking ahead, Monika plans to study accounting and pursue a career in international accounting, combining her interests in business, travel, and different cultures. She is proud to be her family's first debutante through the Legion of Young Polish Women. She hopes to become more involved in Chicago's Polish-American community, build lasting friendships, and continue celebrating her Polish heritage.
Alicja Mioduszewski
Alicja Mioduszewski is an 18-year-old 2026 graduate of James B. Conant High School and currently attends Harper College, completing nursing prerequisites. She hopes to continue at Loyola University Chicago’s nursing program and eventually become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Her passion for healthcare led her to complete Certified Nursing Assistant training and become involved in Medical Club and other healthcare-focused organizations. She hopes to one day open her own clinic. Alicja is deeply proud of her Polish heritage and the traditions that have shaped her life. She attended Polish school throughout childhood, graduated from Akademia Języka Polskiego i Kultury im. Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego, and earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Polish. She has also danced with Whisper’s Center for Artistic Expression for over ten years. Traditions such as Wigilia and Wielkanoc hold a special place in her heart, connecting her to family, faith, and culture. She hopes to preserve these traditions and one day pass them on to her future family. Faith gives Alicja strength, guidance, and purpose. She enjoys giving back to her community and making a difference in others’ lives. Alicja is honored to be a debutante and looks forward to celebrating her heritage and creating everlasting memories.
Emily Parry
Emily Parry is a seventeen-year-old junior at John Hersey High School, academically embracing the challenges of AP and Honors courses, and athletically competing on the Junior Varsity tennis team. She has served as Student Council President, a ONE Hersey leader, and is a member of SCRUBS, NHS, WLHS, and DECA business club. She enjoys managing her school's social media page, Hersey Dispatch. Emily’s identity spans three cultures: Australian, American and Polish, and she is proud to carry this latter heritage into the debutante season. Her passion for performance has spanned ballet, jazz, piano, Wici Song and Dance Theater, as well as competitive ice dancing with Northbrook Ice Arena for eleven years, during which she also mentored young skaters. Emily serves in church and sings in the Polish Choir, Chór EFFETHA. She is a Junior Counselor at Camp Vista. Emily’s Polish heritage has shaped her deeply. She graduated from Jana III Sobieskiego Polish School, earning the Polish Language Certificate issued by the Republic of Poland. Emily is grateful for the Polish community that keeps these roots alive. Having traveled to eighteen countries, including visits to her family in Poland and Australia, she brings a global perspective that she strives to turn into service.
Julia Ponnezhan
Julia Ponnezhan, a 17-year-old senior from Saint John, Indiana, is the daughter of Vijai and Sylwia Ponnezhan. A dedicated student leader, Julia serves as a business manager and team leader in her school's publication department, where she manages staffers, coordinates advertising sales, and works closely with the school's accountant. As President of Varsity Debate, she leads 65 students through weekly meetings and tournaments while still competing herself. Over the past three years, Julia has partnered with Share Our Spare, a Chicago-area nonprofit organization, helping collect more than 600 books, jackets, and diapers for children in need throughout the Chicagoland area. In the future, she plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in business before continuing her studies in business law. She takes pride in having attended Polish School im. St. Raphael Kalinowski, completing her matura, and remaining actively involved in her community through volunteer work at her church's café and tutoring Polish teenagers in their English conversational skills. After attending the 2026 White and Red Ball as a guest, Julia was inspired by the mission of the Legion of Young Polish Women. As her family's first debutante, she is honored to celebrate her heritage and uphold this cherished tradition with grace, pride, and gratitude.
Emily Sikora
Emily Sikora is a senior at Stevenson High School, challenging herself academically by taking accelerated and Advanced Placement courses. She is an active member of the Future Nurses of America Club and is continuing her fourth year in the Stevenson Dance Companies. Passionate about pursuing a future in healthcare, she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant certification and hopes to continue her education in nursing, eventually becoming a Registered Nurse. Her Polish heritage has always been a meaningful part of her life. She attended Fryderyk Chopin Polish School for 13 years, where she learned about the Polish language, history, culture, and traditions. She had the opportunity to travel to Poland with her classmates, deepening her appreciation for her cultural background, creating lasting memories, and strengthening her connection to her family's roots. Alongside her cultural involvement, dance has been a significant part of her life for the past 15 years. She has participated in seven dance productions, including The Nutcracker and The Wizard of Oz, and is a member of WICI, a traditional dance group where she has celebrated Polish culture through music and dance for the past three years. She is excited to be the first debutante in her family and is grateful to be a part of the White and Red Ball!
Olivia Stelmach
Olivia Stelmach is a junior at Loyola Academy, where she pursues a rigorous academic curriculum. Recipient of the Joe Morahan and Judy Winnick Arts Scholarship, she has strong interests in marketing, economics, and music. She participates in DECA, where she earned a state-level competency award, as well as rowing, Insignis, the school yearbook, debate, Polish Club, and service work. She also serves as a Polish Club representative. She also works in marketing and administration at TTI Medical Training School, gaining experience in social media marketing and event promotion. Music has been central to Olivia’s life for over a decade. She has studied violin for 12 years and piano for 10 years at the Paderewski Symphony Orchestra Academy of Music, performing in orchestra and choir. Her musical experiences include performing at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and events involving government officials. She traveled to Australia with her music school to perform at the Polish Consulate and Parliament House in Canberra. She also received the IHSA Solo Best of the Day Award for her violin performance. As a first-generation American, Olivia takes great pride in her heritage. Polish is her first language, and she graduated from Polish School im. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie after 11 years of study. She looks forward to celebrating her heritage, building lasting friendships, and sharing traditions at the White and Red Ball!
Milena Strugala
Milena Strugala is an 18-year-old, first-generation Polish immigrant studying at Harper College, where she is completing a two-year scholarship program and prerequisites to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. She participates in several clubs, including Med Club, reflecting her passion for healthcare and helping others. Born and raised in Poland, Milena moved to the United States nine years ago. She attended the Polish School of Czesław Miłosz in Schaumburg, graduating in May 2025. There, she participated in Polish competitions and school activities, strengthening her connection to her motherland. She is deeply grateful to her parents for their love, encouragement, and sacrifices that have shaped who she is today. In high school, she also earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Polish, recognizing her language proficiency. Milena is proud to be a 2027 debutante of the White and Red Ball. After hearing about this beautiful tradition through Polish school, she immediately knew she wanted to participate. As the first debutante in her family, she is excited to celebrate her Polish roots while supporting charitable causes. She hopes this unforgettable experience inspires other young Polish women to embrace their heritage and continue its beautiful traditions.
Julia Toczycki
Julia Toczycki is a 17-year-old senior at Lake Forest High School, where she challenges herself through many high-level academic courses. She has a particular interest in math and science and hopes to pursue a future in biomedical engineering, where she can apply these subjects to developing technologies that improve people’s health and lives. Outside of the classroom, Julia has been a part of sports and clubs through her school, including both field hockey and lacrosse. Through these sports, she has developed strong teamwork, leadership, and time management skills. Outside of school, Julia has worked at a dental office for over a year, gaining valuable early experience in the medical field and a professional environment while learning the importance of responsibility, communication, and presentation. Julia is proud of her Polish heritage and is especially excited to be presented as a debutante in the 2027 White and Red Ball. She looks forward to celebrating a tradition that connects her to her heritage and to meeting and building relationships with others in the Polish community.