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!costume1-1

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.

costume2-1

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.


costume3-1

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.”

costume4-1

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.


costume5-1

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.
 
costume6
 
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.
 
costume7
 
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.
 
costume8
 
Lia Coniglio and her son dressed up as Thing 1 and Thing 2 for the “Perfect Pair” category.
 
costume9
 
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.
 
costume10
 
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?