The 2025 Youth Ball brought together over 550 young Polish-Americans from the east coast of the United States for an evening of tradition, networking, and celebration. Hosted by the Polish Youth Association on January 11, 2025 at The Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, this year’s event featured a masquerade theme, blending cultural heritage with modern elegance.
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The tradition of the annual ball continues to grow, serving as a key moment for Polish youth on the east coast of the United States to celebrate their shared identity and strengthen their connection to their Polish roots. The evening began with opening remarks from Jakub Staniewski, the President of the Polish Youth Association who emphasized the importance of fostering strong connections among Polish youth and preserving cultural heritage.
"Our community is only as strong as the commitment of its young leaders," said Jakub Staniewski, President of the Polish Youth Association. "This event isn’t just about one night of celebration—it’s about building a legacy that will last for generations. The Youth Ball is a stepping stone for young Polish-Americans to connect, to lead, and to take ownership of their cultural identity."
The Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York, Mateusz Sakowicz, addressed attendees virtually, underscoring the significance of their role as ambassadors of Polish heritage. “On your shoulders lies a certain responsibility—sharing the story of our homeland, a nation of success and opportunity,” said the Consul General. The Consul encouraged the youth to advocate for Polish interests and promote a modern image of Poland to Americans and the broader global community. He concluded by wishing everyone a joyful evening filled with meaningful connections and celebrations.
The event, which has become a staple in the Polish-American calendar, serves as both a social gathering and an opportunity to strengthen the community. Attendees arrived in formal attire, with many embracing the masquerade theme through elegant masks and sophisticated ensembles. “Tonight, we celebrate not only the achievements of the past year but the vibrant and boundless potential of the youth who make this all possible. This is not just any ball—it’s a historic one. With 530 attendees, this is officially the largest Youth Ball we’ve ever hosted,” Staniewski announced. This year marked a historic milestone as the Polish Youth Association became the first and only Polish-American organization certified to present the President’s Volunteer Service Award. During the opening segment of the evening, Staniewski introduced the awards as the last certificates signed by then outgoing President Biden. “Volunteering is the foundation of every strong community,” he stated. “It is through service that we create change, and it is through these awards that we recognize those who are truly making a difference.”
The following individuals were recognized for their exceptional dedication to volunteerism and leadership:
Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award: Caroline Liszewski (University of Scranton)
Silver President’s Volunteer Service Award: Zuzanna Kromczyk (St. John’s University), Stephanie Starzyński (Columbia University), Aleksandra Piasecki (Rutgers University), Anna Olszowka (Cornell University)
Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award: Michael Cydzik (Fordham University), Conrad Bajda (Fordham University), Alicia Brak (Yale University), Emily Orzechowski (Rutgers University), Klaudia Kędra (Rutgers University), Beata Pomikło (Rutgers University)
Staniewski also expressed his gratitude to Natalia Ostapowicz, Vice President and Isabelle Mazgaj, Chief Operations Officer, for their tireless work in coordinating the event, as well as the Youth Ball Organizing Committee, the Consulate of the Republic of Poland, the Polish Supplementary School Council of America, as well as the event's sponsors, the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, the Ritz Theatre & Performing Arts Center, Greenpoint Insurance Brokerage, Premier Homes, and Absolute Real Estate School for their ongoing support.
During the event, the Polish Youth Association announced plans for further expansion, with plans to open branches in Turkey, Italy, Poland, the UK, Portugal, Spain, and Greece. The organization’s leadership emphasized that this growth is about more than just geography—it represents the limitless potential of young Polish leaders worldwide. "We are witnessing a new chapter in the Polish diaspora," Staniewski remarked. "As we continue to expand, our mission remains the same: to empower the Polish youth, to strengthen our community, and to ensure that our culture and values endure."
Staniewski highlighted that these new branches will serve as platforms for youth to launch their own events, build local initiatives, and carry out the Polish Youth Association’s mission on an international scale.
“This isn’t just about expanding geographically—it’s about creating opportunities for young people to lead,” he said. “Through these new branches, we will see a new generation of Polish youth stepping up, taking initiative, and making an impact in their communities around the world.”
Staniewski also expressed his thanks to Veronica Tęcza, the Chief Financial Officer of the Association, who has been with the Polish Youth Association since its inception and is now concluding her term. She played a key role in managing the organization’s finances and supporting the implementation of its projects, contributing to its growth over the years.
As the night drew to a close, the event transitioned into a final celebration on the dance floor, closing another successful chapter in the history of the Youth Ball. The impact of this event will extend far beyond the evening itself, as the connections made, lessons learned, and pride instilled in attendees will continue to strengthen the Polish-American community for years to come.
Founded in 2019 by Jakub Staniewski, the Polish Youth Association began as a grassroots initiative to unite young Polish-Americans and has since evolved into a global organization with over 5,000 members. Originally focused on local networking events and cultural engagement, the association quickly expanded its reach, establishing a strong presence in the community and becoming the official federation of Polish student clubs in the United States. Having expanded to a team of over 40 volunteers from Poland and the United States, the organization has played a pivotal role in fostering leadership, offering career-building experiences, and creating platforms for youth to engage with their heritage in meaningful ways.
