Linda Babinat, the daughter of Leo and Lisa Babinat of Clutier, IA had the honor and privilege to be Miss Czech-Slovak Iowa for 2016-2017. Part of winning that prestigious title is representing Iowa in the Miss Czech-Slovak United States Pageant in Wilber, NE, the Czech Capital of the United States, the first weekend in August. The pageant consists of kroj (folk dress) modeling, private interview, on-stage interview, and a talent presentation.

Linda did a fantastic job representing the state of Iowa with her charming personality and her incredible public speaking abilities. Linda and her parents received a plethora of compliments from people all over the United States ranging from her talent presentation on embroidery to how she responded to her on-stage interview questions. Linda held her own as she competed against nine amazingly talented young women ranging from ages 16 to 26. Linda won the Heritage Involvement Award, which is presented to the contestant with the most and best community involvement in their heritage. This is determined by the contestant’s entry form. Linda’s prizes for winning the Heritage Involvement Award were a Bohemian crystal vase, a certificate, and a scholarship.