Olivia Sperry-Salva

Name: Olivia Sperry-Salva

Age: 17

Nationality: Ukrainian

Sponsor: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish of Lorain

Parents: Stephanie Galik and Luis Salva

High school: Amherst Steele High School

Future plans: In the future, I plan on attending Youngstown State University to major in criminal justice and minor in homeland security.

Costume: My head wreath (vinok) has seven different color ribbons and five different types of flowers. Each piece represents something different that is special to my culture. My beautifully embroidered vest and skirt are over 35 years old. My outfit has been passed down to me from my mother, who danced in the Ukrainian festivals when she was a child along with my aunts.

Favorite family or ethnic tradition: Two weeks before Christmas, all the cousins go to my grandmother’s house and we cook deruny (potato pancakes) as a family.

Favorite native dish:

Varenyky (dumplings made with fillings such as mashed potatoes and fried onions). I wanted to be an International Princess because I want to enjoy the experience and share my culture with every other princess and the community.

I am blessed to represent my Ukrainian heritage in the Lorain International Festival. I am happy that I am able to share the traditions that have been handed down to me by my ancestors. I will make my family proud by sharing my beloved culture and be the first in my family to represent my heritage.

Olivia Sperry-Salva