The Cleveland Kurentovanje Royal Court

The Royal Court of the Cleveland Kurentovanje festival is an honor to be bestowed upon individuals who espouse a love of Cleveland and Slovenian culture, have a fun and confident personality, and possess the willingness to be a caring and committed ambassador of the Cleveland Kurentovanje spirit. Congratulations to the 2025 Cleveland Kurentovanje Royal Court!

Cleveland Kurentovanje Queen - Debbie Zaller

Debbie has been described by those who nominated her as an exceptional, wonderful person who loves her heritage and is dedicated to Slovenian culture and sharing it with others. She was introduced to the Slovenian National Home by her parents who were very active members and she has proudly followed in their footsteps by serving on the board. She dedicates a lot of her time and effort to make the programs offered successful and she loves to welcome younger Slovenian people into the organization. Debbie is also a dedicated dental hygienist with a career spanning close to 40 years. Plus she makes her own slivovitz! Let's all celebrate Queen Debbie and her passion for Slovenian culture and her love of her community!

Cleveland Kurentovanje Princess - Carolyn Dreyer

Carolyn has been described by those who nominated her as warm, kind, generous, and someone who is always sharing the beauty of the Slovenian culture. In fact, she is so passionate about Slovenia that she makes others think they are Slovenian too! Carolyn is an alumna dancer of Folklorna Skupina Kres. She is also an active member of Young Vitus and coordinates their polka nights, sharing the music of Slovenia with young people. Carolyn graduated from Walsh University with a degree in Business Administration and she has worked at various non-profits. She is always looking for ways to help others and make her community better. We are honored to have Carolyn as this year’s Princess.

Cleveland Kurentovanje Prince - Adam Ribic

Adam is an Architecture major at Kent State University and has been described by those who nominated him as compassionate and friendly. He takes great pride in his Slovenian heritage having visited Slovenia many times, and expresses that pride throughout his life and relationships here at home. Adam attended St. Mary’s Slovenian School starting at the age of three and worked hard through to graduation in eighth grade. He is a superstar member of Folklorna Skupina Kres, where he participates as both a dancer and choreographer. His friends say that he represents creativity, pride, and poise through his dancing. Adam is also a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Collinwood where he was an altar server. We are thrilled that Adam brings his Slovenian spirit and energy to this year’s festival!

Past Members of the Royal Court

2024 - Prince Cameron Knotek-Black, Princess Natasha Paros-Gaser, Queen Ann Gabrosek
2023 - Prince Blaz Vavpetic, Princess Justina Lampic, Queen Eva Ozbolt Kisley
2022 - Prince Michael Tromba, Princess Zoe Gregory
2020 - Prince Paul Sedmak, Princess Maya Stupica
2019 - Prince Patrick Shick, Princess Sophia Tromba

Are we missing someone? Send us an email at CLEKurentovanje@gmail.com