International Association honors First Federal Savings of Lorain president

John Malanowski, president and chairman of First Federal Savings of Lorain, was honored June 22 by the Lorain International Association for his 20-year relationship with the Lorain International Princess Pageant.

First Federal, sponsor of the princess pageant for more than 20 years, has provided opportunities for hundreds of Lorain County young women to participate in the pageant and get to know their community better.

After announcing scholarships during the intermission of the pageant, Malanowski was presented with a globe by Lorain International President Ben Davey to represent the international community of Lorain that he has helped celebrate.

“On behalf of the Lorain International Association, we want to thank you for your contribution to this event,” Davey said. “Doing the numbers that means you’ve helped nearly 500 girls participate in this pageant. You’ve helped nearly 100 young ladies attend college. That’s to be commended.

“John’s unwavering support of the Lorain International Association Princess Pageant has enabled hundreds of young women to have an experience of a lifetime.”

In accepting the honor, Malanowski reiterated the importance of the pageant to the community by emphasizing the opportunities it creates for young women.

He said his hope is for the young women participating in the pageant would have the opportunity to meet friends that they would not have had, had they not been involved with the pageant.

“We never know what friendships we establish at younger ages, or at any age and where that friendship leads us,” Malanowski said.

Madison Giovanna Maniaci, representing the Italian nationality, was crowned the 2017 Lorain International Queen during the 51st annual International Princess Pageant on June 22 at Lorain High School’s performing arts center.