It’s not often that an 18-year-old is able to help thousands of people across the globe, and feel like Cinderella while doing it. On Feb. 26, I made my debut, alongside 7 other girls, on behalf of the Legion of Young Polish Women. 

The Legion Of Young Polish Women is a non-for-profit organization founded by Helen Lenard – Pieklo on September 2, 1939, the day after the Nazis invaded Poland. During WW2, the Legion aided widows, orphans, and Polish prisoners of war by sending food and clothing. Since then, the Legion has continued to support various organizations within the Polish-American community, such as The Polish Museum Of America and The Lira Ensemble.

“Our mission is simple: help those in need, Legion Member and Ball Co-Chair Cherilyn Denisiuk said. “We are unique in that we provide financial assistance to other organizations so that they can carry out their humanitarian efforts, educational endeavors, support of the arts, or anything that keeps the Polish culture alive and well for generations to come.” 

Every year, the Legion hosts the White & Red Ball, a celebration of all that they have accomplished. At the ball, young girls are presented as debutantes. 

Leading up to the ball, the debutantes fundraise for the Legion. These funds come in the form of donations or ads in the program book presented at the ball. 

This year, I had the privilege of being a debutante, alongside seven other amazing girls. At the ball, the three girls who raise the most money are announced as the first and second runners up, and the queen. This year, I was blessed to be named the 2022 Ball Queen.

“To me, being a debutante meant being a part of something bigger, it means I have a group of amazing people to turn to and support me. I loved all of the opportunities I have been fortunate enough to be a part of, and can’t wait for the future,” Maeve Ciesla, a 2022 Debutante and second runner up, said. 

Being a debutante isn’t just about wearing a fancy dress and smiling. It’s a commitment to serve the community and the Legion. 

“What it means to be a deb for me is just knowing that it’s not all about the ball, it’s about raising money for people in need,” 2022 Debutante Jennifer Rigo-Wojnicka said. “It makes me happy that I myself can make a change in this world. I feel like all of these girls, including myself, worked so hard in bringing in all these sponsors.”

After completing their debut, the debutantes are ready to become full members of the Legion.  

“Being a member of the Legion is my way of giving back to the community that gave so much to me. Members can participate in volunteering events and fundraising, connect with other women with Polish American heritage, and serve their community,” Legion Vice President Pauline Kulka said. 

“Being a Debutante means being determined to assist whatever and whoever we can help. Not only does it feel amazing to finally become a member of the Legion, but to be a part of the most amazing group of people,” Maya Pawlusiewicz said.

My family has been a part of the Legion for many years, and almost all of the women in my family have made their debuts before me. I have looked forward to being a debutante for as long as I can remember.

For many girls, being a debutante is a way of honoring family tradition.

“Being a deb is upholding a family tradition. I’m the 11th deb in my family and wanted to honor my grandparents who really love Legion,” Rachel Carlson said. “It was also a chance to do good in my community, as a lot of Legion activities help people in need.”

Because of COVID, what is usually a year-long commitment became two years. The Legion was not able to host a ball in 2021, so the Debutantes were able to become very close. 

“Being a deb is such an important factor in my life since I got to be a part of the Legion. I would say that we got lucky that we had two years to prepare for the ball since the debs formed a stronger bond and made the experience much better,” Marianna Mosz said. 

I truly cannot express what a blessing this experience has been for me. I have met some of my best friends in the other Debutantes, with whom I know I will always be close. I feel as though I have found a family in the Legion Of Young Polish Women, and am extremely proud to represent such an amazing group of women. 

Being a Debutante has taught me a multitude of lessons, but the most important is giving back. Currently, Legion is accepting donations to send to Ukraine and Poland to aid those in need. Seeing the hundreds of boxes of donations ready to be sent out has really put into perspective the impact that a person can make. 

My fellow Debutantes and I have all seen how we can change people’s lives, and will continue to support the Legion’s mission to help others. 

“To me, being a deb was a privilege and honor as it has allowed me to celebrate more about my culture, traditions, and most importantly to learn the benefit of philanthropy,” 2022 First Runner Up Klaudia Jarek said. “I love knowing that I have left an impact through donations, charities, and service hours.” 

I know that I will never forget the night of the White & Red Ball, or any of my time as a Debutante. I will forever treasure all of the friendships and memories I have made. I can never thank the Legion Of Young Polish Women enough for providing me with the opportunity to make such a difference, and for the added bonus of feeling like Cinderella. 

To learn more about the Legion Of Young Polish Women, visit their website here.