Building a Legacy: A Night of Excellence and Heritage at the PHSE Scholarship Gala
On January 24, 2026, at the Kopernik Club of the Polish Hall in Edmonton, the Polish Heritage Society of Edmonton (PHSE) hosted its First Annual Scholarship Awards Gala, a landmark event dedicated to celebrating academic excellence, our vibrant youth, and the enduring spirit of Polonia. The evening was inspiring and elegant, with a well executed programme, great food and a positive, friendly atmosphere. Thank you to the scholarship recipients, community leaders, PHSE members, families and guests who joined us to help make this such a special occasion.
Celebrating Our Future Leaders
With Karolina Korzeniewski-Dorfman leading the proceedings, the heart of the evening was the recognition of 10 outstanding Alberta scholarship recipients; each awarded a $5,000 scholarship for their dedication to both their studies and their heritage. This inaugural program was a resounding success, drawing 33 impressive applications.
Awarding these scholarships does more than recognize grades, it honours young ambassadors who actively propagate Polish culture, language, and traditions. As our President noted, these students are proof that our culture is not just history—it is a living, breathing future.
A Symphony of Culture
The evening was further enriched by performances from our very own scholarship recipients, proving that our culture is passed down powerfully through the arts:
- Wiktoria Jurkiewicz (Soprano): Performed “Wiosna” by Frédéric Chopin and Eugene Goossens’ “Oboe Concerto, Op. 45” accompanied by Darolyn McCrostie on piano.
- Jan Guzik (Piano): Enchanted the room with Frédéric Chopin’s “Waltz in C-sharp Minor”.
Strengthening Our Community
The Gala also served as a warm welcome to many new members, identifiable by their Poland/Canada pins, who joined our mission to build a collaborative and dedicated Polonia.
Sincere appreciation to the leaders and volunteers who made this night possible:
- Scholarship Committee: Chaired by Karolina Korzeniewski-Dorfman (also the Master of Ceremonies) Richard Czyz, Agnieszka Mikulski and Greg Rudolf.
- Scholarship Gala Organizing Committee: Cathy Broek, Richard Czyz, Karolina Korzeniewski-Dorfman, Agnieszka Mikulski, Wanda Muszynski, Robert Opara, Greg Rudolf, and Emilia Ziomko.
A Vision for Tomorrow
The evening’s celebrations also found inspiration in PHSE’s commitment to a strategic path for its 3.63 acres of land in the heart of Edmonton. There is potential for a mixed-use hub for all Edmontonians, anchored by a prominent “Centre Polonia” to serve as a hearth for our traditions.
With 72,000 people of Polish heritage in the Edmonton area, we have the talent and the leadership to make this dream a reality. Our President’s message was clear: the future is bright and full of possibilities. Let’s believe, let’s be strong, let’s be brave. Working together we can make Polonia and all of Edmonton proud!
2025 Polish Heritage Society of Edmonton Scholarship Award Recipients
Matthew Cesarz
Alexandra Cieslik
Alexander Dudek
Mattea Evoy
Jan Guzik
Wiktoria Jurkiewicz
Natasha Numedahl
Julia Topczewski
Leah Wojcik
Malina Zawaduk
