Written By: Lenny Coyne

13240548_10206404701985077_4374361836364403000_nThe German-American Steuben Parade Committee of NY is proud to announce the selection of the new Miss German-America & Her Court 2016!  Rebecca Joy Koehler, a resident of North Bergen, NJ is the new Miss German-America for 2016!  Miss Koehler is a student of Interior Design and Real Estate Photography.   Rebecca will hold a highly honored position in this year’s Parade, as she presides over the German-American Steuben Parade’s “Queen’s Float” on Fifth Avenue on September 17th, along with her court, which includes two princesses: Michaela Stuart of Greeley, PA, and Oona Yasukevich, a resident of Brooklyn, NY.   All three are pursuing higher education curriculums and are perfect representatives of the rich German-American heritage and culture of the New York area.

This year’s scholarship selection took place in a ceremony held at the Liederkranz of New York City, located in the heart of German-town (Yorkville) in Manhattan’s upper east side, on May 15.  The winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship at the end of her term, while each of the two princesses will receive a $2,500 scholarship.  Each applicant was interviewed by a panel of 6 judges.  After the judges cast the initial vote, each contestant was then introduced to the audience, who also had an opportunity to cast a vote for the scholarship winners!

13266070_10206404704465139_2981558798748326646_nBesides crowning Miss German-America, a Junior General and 3 Junior Princesses were introduced as members of this year’s Court:  Franz O’Purk of Ridgefield Park, NJ is this year’s Junior General von Steuben.  His sister, Freida O’Purk, is a Junior Princess, as are Kaete Margot Weinseiss of Easton, CT, and Katherina Anneliese Stropnicky of New York, NY.13233058_10206404704025128_1752351039643382928_n

Close to 130 guests were in attendance, including the Steuben Parade’s General Chairman – Robert Radske.  Also present was the President of the German-American Committee of Greater NY – Michael Rabus.

Thank you to our event sponsors Niche, SKI, S&H Imports, Northside Bakery, Glaser’s Bakery, Rudy’s Bakery and The Liederkranz Club. Thank you to our raffle sponsors Kneipp, Peter Leiendecker, Stammtisch Restaurant, German Deli, Jaegerhaus, Rare Dirndl, Stammtisch Pork Store and Filtzfelt.