2026 Knights of Blanik and Ladies of Libuse Award Winners

The Knights of Blanik and Ladies of Libuse awards shall be presented to not more than twelve individuals per year, who have, by their contributions or efforts, contributed significantly to the preservation, enhancement or development of the Czech descent, and may or may not be residents of Wilber or Nebraska.  The first Knight and Lady awards were first awarded in 1969.  After the announcements this evening the honorable group will consist of 546 members.

Tyler and Nikolina Havel proposed adding a carnival to the Wilber Czech Festival, which the Nebraska Czechs of Wilber approved after Tyler found a family-friendly, affordable option. Though the carnival ended after two years due to cost, their commitment to enhancing the festival continued. For the past four years, they have chaired the vendor committee, dedicating extensive time to securing quality vendors and preparing months in advance. In 2026, seventy-four vendors will fill Wilber’s streets, guided by Tyler and Nikolina, who coordinate logistics with the city of Wilber and ensure smooth operations. As welcoming ambassadors, they uphold committee standards and exemplify professionalism. Tyler’s deep festival roots run through his grandmother Lois and mother Brenda, as longtime Festival parade chairs. He and Nikolina also volunteer at the Wilber Lutheran Church and Frank’s Smokehouse, continuing a proud family tradition of service.

Ithy (Ithacoma) Filipi served as treasurer of the Nebraska Czechs of Wilber for two years, excelling as the chapter’s financial advisor. She developed a custom financial software program which continues to serve the organization today. Ithy prepared all festival prize money and starting cash for each committee of the Wilber Czech Festival. During the festival, she works alongside Tyler and Nikolina Havel on Friday to register vendors, assist with setup, and answer questions. Her children, Joe and Jasper Filipi, proudly participate in the Wilber Jr. Czech Dancers and the Children’s Parade, continuing the family’s tradition of involvement in the festival.

Cecilia Dhooge Ruley has been a devoted part of the Wilber Czech Festival since its beginning in 1962. Growing up in Wilber, Nebraska, she learned the value of community service early—helping her mother with church and Legion Auxiliary activities, assisting her father with the Fire Department and Legion, and supporting school groups during festival events.  Cecilia marched with the Wilber Clatonia Band under the direction of Duane Jorensen at the Mardi Gras in New Orleans and twirled her baton with pride. Her enthusiasm for performing continues today as she joins the Alumni Marching Band in festival parades and volunteers wherever help is needed. Cecilia’s lifelong dedication and joyful spirit beautifully represent the heart and tradition of the Wilber Czech Festival.

Michael Gushard has served admirably as treasurer of the Nebraska Czechs of Wilber, providing thorough financial reports at each meeting and preparing all required state and federal tax forms. During the Wilber Czech Festival, Michael marches with the Wilber‑Clatonia Alumni Marching Band, playing the saxophone. Over the years, he has contributed extra time and effort to Czech Festival projects, helping build and decorate floats for First State Bank and assisting his mother, Carmen, and stepfather, Terry Hynek, when they owned and operated the Wilber Meat Market. Michael is married to Wilber Czech Dancer Wendi Haufle, who continues to teach him the finer points of Czech dancing—a tradition they both enjoy sharing.

Daryl, DeAnn, and Tristin Korinek. Daryl Korinek has dedicated his time and talent to performing at nearly every Alumni Summer Tour event for many years. He never misses a festival performance and proudly helps close out the celebration. Beyond playing baritone with the Alumni Band, Daryl assists with organizing, cleaning up, and storing equipment from the booster band trailer. When not performing, he can often be found officiating college volleyball matches.

DeAnn Korinek, Daryl’s wife, may not play an instrument, but she is an invaluable part of the Alumni Band. She distributes Czech Festival brochures along parade routes, helps prepare the trailer float, and lends a hand wherever needed. Her steady support has been appreciated for many years. DeAnn also keeps statistics at major college volleyball matches.

Their son, Tristin Korinek, has been a loyal Alumni “Booster” Band member for many years, performing at most summer tour events. As a member of the University of Nebraska Cornhusker Marching Band, he brings exceptional musical and marching skill to the Wilber‑Clatonia Alumni Band. After years of dedicated participation, Tristin is a proud member of the baritone section, continuing the family’s strong tradition of quality music, involvement and enthusiasm.

Brandi Burkett chairs the Information Booth Committee, coordinating volunteers and working the booth throughout the two‑and‑a‑half‑day Wilber Czech Festival. In recent years, she introduced a popular scavenger hunt that encourages guests to explore local businesses and landmarks, with prizes awarded for completed entries turned in at the booth. A dedicated supporter of both the festival and the Wilber community, Brandi tirelessly seeks creative fundraising ideas to benefit the Nebraska Czechs of Wilber. Her welcoming spirit and enthusiasm for the Czech Festival serve as a tremendous asset to the chapter. Thanks to her ongoing efforts, festival brochures are distributed statewide, helping promote Wilber and its proud Czech heritage.

Mike “Rako” Rakosnik A 1971 graduate of Wilber‑Clatonia High School, Mike has long promoted Czech heritage with his family. In high school, he was a standout trumpet player under longtime band director Duane Jorgensen. After graduation, Mike was selected to play trumpet in the United States Navy Band. When the idea of an Alumni Band emerged in the 1980s, Mike became a founding member. His exceptional talent and leadership helped establish the band as an annual tradition. Anyone listening can tell when Mike is performing—his sound is unmistakable. Mike’s musical skill and enthusiasm are matched by his kindness and camaraderie. Band members across four decades know and love “Rako,” whose music and cheer remain invaluable to the success and spirit of the Wilber Alumni Band and Czech Festival.

Monica Zoubek passion for Czech heritage began at 4 years of age as a Wilber Junior Czech Dancer and has grown into her role as a Senior Czech Dancer and faithful mentor to the Jr. Czech dancers. As the 2025–2026 Wilber Czech Queen, she proudly represented her community across the region, earning the title of Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen Runner-Up. Her dedication spans years of service — from Little Sister in 2015 to South Central Princess from 2020 to 2022 — and countless volunteer efforts at many festival events during high school. Monica also serves as a Sokol Hall Czech Camp counselor and active member of Saline Center YELL, continuing her heartfelt commitment to community and Czech tradition. Monica exemplifies pride, leadership, and love for heritage — a true ambassador of Wilber’s C