Garnet Circle
Lifetime Achievement Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Doris Ourecky
Thank you, Doris, for all you have given, and congratulations!
For nearly forty years, this pageant has celebrated
beauty, culture, talent, and service. For the very first
time, we introduce an honor that recognizes a lifetime
of extraordinary dedication to this organization and our
heritage.
beauty, culture, talent, and service. For the very first
time, we introduce an honor that recognizes a lifetime
of extraordinary dedication to this organization and our
heritage.
We needed a name as meaningful as the achievement
it represents. In Czech tradition, the garnet symbolizes
love, loyalty, strength, and enduring beauty. And the
circle reminds us of unity, continuity, and the way one
life can touch countless others.
it represents. In Czech tradition, the garnet symbolizes
love, loyalty, strength, and enduring beauty. And the
circle reminds us of unity, continuity, and the way one
life can touch countless others.
And so, it is our great pleasure to reveal…
the Garnet Circle Lifetime Achievement Award.
the Garnet Circle Lifetime Achievement Award.
This national honor will be awarded only at the
Miss CzechSlovak US National Pageant
Miss CzechSlovak US National Pageant
— and only when someone truly meets its rare and remarkable standard.
We are honored to present the very first Garnet Circle Lifetime Achievement Award… to the woman who has embodied all of those qualities — our cofounder, our godmother, our mother hen, and the heart of this pageant for nearly forty years…
Doris Ourecky!”
When Doris helped found the Miss CzechSlovak US Pageant in 1986, she saw beyond
the crowns and sashes. She envisioned a space where young women could embrace
their heritage, gain confidence, and connect with their communities.
From that very first year beside the courthouse in Wilber, Doris became the glue —
holding everything and everyone together. She has been lovingly called the “godmother of the pageant,” and also the “mother hen,” because she has always made sure every girl was cared for, supported, and completely pageant ready in the early years.
But what truly sets Doris apart isn’t just her dedication — it’s her character. When the
late 80’s the pageant considered adding a bathing suit category, Doris gave a firm and
unmistakable “No.” With her signature sweet but sassy spirit, she made sure the pageant stayed true to its values — celebrating culture and character rather than appearances. That integrity and vision have kept the pageant meaningful and authentic all these years.
Doris has mentored countless young women — pinning kroje, fixing sashes, calming
nerves, and sending each contestant onstage with love and encouragement.
Through her leadership, this pageant has become not just a competition, but a family — a family rooted in heritage and love — and that is Doris’ lasting legacy.
Doris, you have been the godmother and the heart of this pageant. Your vision, care,
and unwavering standards have created a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
On behalf of everyone whose lives you’ve touched — and that’s far too many to count
— we are proud to honor you tonight with the Garnet Circle Lifetime Achievement
Award.
Thank you, Doris, for all you have given, and congratulations!
If you have someone you would like to submit for consideration please complete a nomination form - available here. Applications will be reviewed annually starting January 1. Please contact National Pageant Director Alex Cerveny Sandall at missczechslovaksu@gmail.com with any questions.