Madelyn Karstedt, representing Texas, of LaGrange, TX was crowned the Miss Czech-Slovak US Queen 2025-2026; she is the fifth Texas queen to wear the national crown. She also received the Sokol Talent Runner-Up and Kroj Merit Award. She has received a special educational scholarship donated by Dr. Cecelia Rokusek, Slovak Honorary Consul of Florida. Dr. Rokusek dedicates this scholarship to her parents John and Alicia “Fiala” Rokusek.

Isabel Sherman, representing Iowa of Cedar Rapids, IA was crowned the Miss Czech-Slovak US 2025-2026 1st Runner-Up. She received the Grand Talent and Kroj Merit Award.

Megan Moucha, representing Wisconsin of Eau Claire, WI was crowned Miss Czech-Slovak US 2025-2026 2nd Runner-Up. She also received the Kroj Merit Award. As members of the Royal Court, both Isabel and Megan received a special educational scholarship generously sponsored by the Kotouc Family. 

Denisa Pecen, representing Illinois of Bloomingdale, IL received the Oratory, Kroj - Accuracy and Sokol Talent Awards. 

Katie Rozen, representing Michigan of St. Johns, MI received the Kroj - Family Story Award. 

Kate Rex, representing Oklahoma of Yukon, OK the Gruntorad-Stastny Heritage Involvement Award. This award recognizes the contestant who exhibits outstanding involvement as presented on her application. She also received the Cultural Preservation Award. This award recognizes the contestant who exhibits a passion and dedication to creating the next generation of cultural ambassadors. 

Gracelyn Baumert representing Nebraska of Clarkson, NE received the Božena Award. This will be awarded to the contestant who strives to make the world a better place, aids those around her, and inspires others to do the same. This award is given in Marie (Božena) Root’s memory by her daughter, Kimberly Horikoshi, Marie’s sister, Kathy Pagnatta, and Marie’s sister-in-law, Patti Turik. She also received the Kroj - Knowledge award. 

Ella Ingwersen representing New York of Ransomville, NY received the John & Lois Fiala Spirit of the Czech-Slovak Heritage Award. This award recognizes the contestant who is passionate and dedicated to her heritage. 

Sarah Langridge representing Minnesota of Savage, MN was named Miss Congeniality; this award is voted on by her fellow contestants. She also received the Talent Runner-Up and Kroj - Poise awards. 

Pageant history was made when we had not one but three legacy contestants compete - following in their mother's footsteps. We are excited to celebrate: Ella Ingwersen and Candyce Vana Ingwersen (Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen 1988), Kate Rex and Kimberly (Landes) Rex (Miss Oklahoma Czech-Slovak 1988) and Katie Rozen and Lisa (Minark) Rozen (Miss Michigan Czech-Slovak Queen 1995) for this honor.