Delegation of the Polish Youth Association at the 86th White and Red Ball in Chicago
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The 86th edition of the prestigious White-and-Red Ball was a remarkable event, once again bringing together a distinguished gathering of members of the Polish-American community, community leaders, and youth. This year’s celebration took place in the elegant interiors of the Hilton Hotel in Chicago and was not only a celebration of a long-standing tradition but also an important meeting for the Polish diaspora. Among the guests was a delegation from the Polish Youth Association, highlighting the active role of the younger generation in the life of the Polish-American community.
As part of an official delegation, the Polish Youth Association was represented by: Isabelle Mazgaj, Vice President, Monica Lebensztejn, Director General of the Polish Youth Association in Chicago, Barbara Makowski, Secretary to the Delegation of the Polish Youth Association in Chicago and Technical Director of the Legion of Young Polish Women, Pola Kozikowski, Events Coordinator and Bart Sobus, Student Clubs Coordinator.
For decades, the White-and-Red Ball has remained one of the most recognized cultural and social events within the Polish-American community in the United States. It is organized by the Legion of Young Polish Women, an organization founded on September 2, 1939. Since its founding, the Legion has pursued a philanthropic mission, supporting cultural, educational, and charitable initiatives both locally and internationally. The Ball is one of the organization’s most significant events, serving as a symbol of preserving Polish tradition and national identity across generations of the diaspora.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the debutantes - young women distinguished by their academic, social, and community achievements. This year, the honorable title of Queen of the 86th White-and-Red Ball 2026 was awarded to Paula Layla Kowalczyk. Her selection was a recognition of her impressive accomplishments as a talented student, athlete, and an individual actively involved in numerous social initiatives. Paula’s exemplary qualities of ambition, diligence, and elegance made her coronation a particularly solemn and symbolic moment.
During the ceremony, Paula Kowalczyk was formally escorted by Drake Groszek, and during the presentation, she was accompanied by post-debutante Grace Cioromski. Heartfelt congratulations came from her parents, Agnieszka and Marek Kowalczyk, as well as from the assembled guests, including the debutantes, friends, members of the Polish-American community, and numerous attendees of the Ball.
The event was hosted by Łukasz Dudka, General Director of Dziennik Związkowy, who served as Master of Ceremonies. Guests were welcomed by Cherilyn Smoron Denisiuk, current President of the Legion of Young Polish Women, who greeted several hundred attendees and emphasized the importance of preserving tradition and building the Polish-American community.
A particularly special moment of the evening was the ceremonial crowning of this year’s queen by Megan Carlson, Queen of the 2025 White-and-Red Ball. The event program also included traditional elements that have been an integral part of the ceremony for years. Among them was the Polonaise, performed by the Ball Committee and introduced by Jaclyn Krysinski, as well as the impressive White Mazurka, presented by the group of post-debutantes.
The White-and-Red Ball is an event that not only celebrates elegance and tradition but also emphasizes the continuity of generations within the Polish-American community. Many of this year’s debutantes continue a family legacy, with close relatives among the former queens of this prestigious Ball. This multigenerational tradition is a beautiful testament to the attachment to Polish culture and the values passed down to future generations.
The evening also included moments of special recognition for the achievements of members of the Polish-American community. Congratulations were extended to Nicolette, a former Queen of the White-and-Red Ball, who will soon complete her medical studies and begin her residency.
The 86th White-and-Red Ball was an evening full of elegance, inspiration, and pride in Polish heritage. The presence of representatives from the Polish Youth Association at this exceptional event symbolized the engagement of the younger generation in preserving tradition and actively participating in the socio-cultural life of the Polish diaspora.
Congratulations go to the Queen of the 86th White-and-Red Ball, Paula Layla Kowalczyk, her parents, all the debutantes, and the event organizers, who once again created an unforgettable evening celebrating the beauty of Polish tradition and the unity of the Polish-American community.
Amelia Piwowarczyk
Photos: Andrew (Andrzej) T. Mikołajczyk and Michał Murański.