Czech ambassadors crowned

Wade Young, Montgomery Meseenger

The State of Minnesota has new Czech and Slovak ambassadors after a state pageant in Montgomery on Saturday.

At the 23rd annual Miss Czech Slovak MN Pageant, Rebecca Enrooth, daughter of Doug and Deborah Enrooth of New Prague, competed her way to the Queen's title. Rebecca, who is a freshman studying political science at Augsburg College, started off the talent portion by beautifully singing an a cappella version of the Czech song Písnicka Ceska, or Song of Bohemia. She thanked her sponsors Arnie and Deb Ziskovsky and the Domaci Czech Dancers for introducing her to the song, and her family for its history of strong Czech women.

Enrooth's ease of public speaking was evident during the onstage question part of the pageant. When asked why she wanted to represent Minnesota as Miss Czech Slovak Queen, the 2011 graduate of New Prague High School answered, It would be an honor to represent my community and my parents.

She also added that she considers herself a good role model and everyone who helped her on the journey to Miss Czech Slovak helped show it.

This year's three contestants were also required to research their history and write a 500-word essay on what their heritage means to them. Enrooth won this award, and when asked why knowing one's heritage should be important, the enthusiastic Enrooth exclaimed, Because it is who we are! We wouldn't have our language