For years, Payroll Congress has given its attendees an opportunity to dress up and compete in creative costumes, and although it’s virtual, Congress Xstream is no different! We saw several fantastic entries and recognized the top 5 at the Congress Xstream Party. See the winners below and congratulate them in the comments!
First Place: Abbey Moran, CPP
Abbey wowed the judges by recreating a scene from the movie 16 Candles for the “Best Copycat” category.
One judge commented, “They nailed this down to the props, their poses, and the corner of her dress almost into the candles!”
Abbey is the Past-President of the Washington Metropolitan Area Chapter, celebrating another win as the 2021 Chapter of the Year, and served as an APA Regional Advisor from 2018-2020.
Second Place: Barb Muellerleile, CPP
Coming in a close second was Barb, dressed as the “one and only Dorothy” from the Wizard of Oz, also for the “Best Copycat” category.
One judge commented, “I couldn’t tell which was the entry and which was the movie still!”
Barb has held several local leadership roles, including Secretary, Vice President, and Government Liaison Officer, for the Northstar Chapter. She also served as an APA Regional Advisor from 2010-2012.
Third Place: Adriann Machado
Recreating the iconic look of Frida Kahlo for the “Best Copycat” category, Adriann earned Third Place and several positive comments from the judges, including: “Great detail on this one. It feels like a lot of thought went into it.”
Honorable Mention: Stephanie Salavejus
Stephanie took on the challenge of the “Wordplay Wonder” category by personifying the phrase “singing my heart out” with a microphone and heart button. One judge said, “Love your use of photo editing! You’re a star!”
Stephanie is a long-time member of the Colonial Capital Chapter of the APA, having served at least three terms as President in addition to other roles. She also served as an APA Regional Advisor from 2015-2017.
Honorable Mention
Participating in the “Payroll Favorite” category, Susan dressed up as what every payroll professional would love to have – an “easy button” to process payroll with just the push of a button! Judges said her costume “shows her enthusiasm” and was “very funny!”
Susan is the Education Coordinator for the Denver Chapter Payroll Association and currently serves on APA’s Board of Advisors.
APA Staff Participation
Several APA staff members also joined in on the costume fun (with the help of some family members), recreating movie scenes, paintings, and more!
Curt Tatum, APA’s In-House Counsel and Dir. of Federal Payroll Compliance, recreated the Idol Swap scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark for the “Best Copycat” category.
Barbara Vander, retiring this year as APA’s Direction of Financial Services, dressed in the glamorous style of Mae West for the “Best Copycat” category.
Lia Coniglio and her son dressed up as Thing 1 and Thing 2 for the “Perfect Pair” category.
Liz Herrera, APA’s Chapter Relations Manager, recreated The Lovers II painting by Rene Magritte for the “Best Copycat” category with the help of her husband, Leo.
Liz Herrera’s husband, Leo, also recreated a scene from the movie Die Hard.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s contest! Which entry was your favorite?
