Meet the International Festival princesses: Lauren Cendrosky, Polish princess

Lauren Cendrosky, 17, Polish princess (Photo by Tom Mahl, The Chronicle-Telegram)

Name: Lauren Cendrosky

Nationality: Polish

Age: 17

Sponsor: Tatra Highlanders Polish Folk Dancers

Parents: Patty Conley-Cendrosky, Tim Cendrosky

High school: Marion L. Steele High School

Future plans: After completing high school next year, I plan to attend college to pursue a career in the medical field.

Costume: “My costume consists of a black vest with detailed designs of colorful beads. I wear a white blouse underneath my vest. My headwear is a band of flowers which shows I am an unmarried girl. My skirt is a floral pattern, which is typical in my family’s Krakow region. My shoes are a flat moccasin-type shoe that is worn mainly for dancing due to its flexibility.”

Roots: “My great-great-grandparents came from Krakow, Poland, just a little before World War I. They went back and forth about three or four times from America and Poland before they eventually remained in America. My family’s original name is Neibojablo but was changed to Smith, and my grandmother then married my grandfather with the name switching to Cendrosky.”

Favorite ethnic food: perogies

Favorite musician: Kenny Chesney

Favorite book: Twilight series

Favorite movie: A Walk to Remember

A message from Lauren: “Representing my nationality is very special to me for many reasons. I’ve always been around my Polish heritage growing up and was interested in knowing more. I’ve danced with my Polish dance group for many years and being around my nationality like that makes me proud to be a part of it.”