HOLYOKE -- Maya E. Rhinehart, of Springfield, was crowned Miss Polonia Massachusetts 2013 after competing for the title against four other young women and will vie for the USA title in New York City in October.
"This was an amazing experience," Rhinehart said after capturing the title. "I can't believe it."
Rhinehart, 19, a student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in civil and environmental engineering, said her mother is of full Polish descent, and while she knows very little of the Polish language she tries her best and is "always willing to take classes or be immersed in the culture to learn more."
As the winner of the title, Rhinehart receives a trip to Poland, said Massachusetts pageant founder Irena Gadecki, which will give Rinehart the opportunity for full immersion in the country's culture. Each contestant, Gadecki added, receives a cash prize for competing in the contest.
Being named Miss Polonia Massachusetts, Gadecki said, creates opportunities.
"The winner is invited to make special appearances throughout the year at different events, and of course, she competes in the USA pageant in New York City," she said.
The first runner-up to the Miss Polonia Massachusetts title was Danielle Cote, of Westfield, who was also named Miss Photogenic; Ursula Galecki, of Chicopee, was second runner-up and winner of the swimsuit competition.
Jessica Cialek, of the Florence section of Northampton, was named Miss Personality, and Amanda Konieczny, of West Springfield, was named Miss Glamour.
Sabina Gadecki, Miss Polonia USA in 2002 and Miss Polonia World in 2003, tapped as a judge in the Sunday's competition, said some of the qualities any Miss Polonia winner should have are poise and confidence, which made the judging difficult in considering the five young women who competed for the title.
"Each girl exuded poise and confidence and a natural ease," she noted. "Each person brings some different quality to the table."