Changing to meet the needs of fraternalists.
"Joining Hands To Touch Lives-Fraternalism for the Family and Our Nation'
Noe
VESTNIK SPJST Herald
Official Publication Of The Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas, Founded 1897 BROTHERHOOD
HUMANITY
BENEVOLENCE
Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SPJST Home Office, P. 0. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 ISSN-07458800 VOLUME 85 NUMBER 32
Young stars shine in Temple
Club members showcase talents n state contests This year's State Beseda, Royalty and Youth Achievement Day Contests marked a stellar end to another busy year for the SPJST Youth Program. The twoday event, held August 2 and 3 at Temple's Mayborn Convention Center, attracted more than 700 contestants, adult volunteers and supporters from around the state. "We can cite three reasons for the success of this year's program," said State Youth Director Joni Lange. "First and foremost, there are our young people and the time and energy that they devote to the program. Second, we need to acknowledge the skillful guidance of our local youth leaders, district youth counselors and parents. Finally, there are the many other parents, adult volunteers and well-wishers who support the program and help to make the local, district and state contests a meaningful experience for the young members involved. "We want to thank them for their hard work and dedication to the SPJST."
Results and photos of all contests appear on pages 14 - 16 of this week's Vestnik. The coronation of the 1997-1998 SPJST State King and Queen topped Saturday's activities. J.J. Novak. 15, of Lodge 84, Dallas - District Three and Elizabeth Wagner, 16, of Lodge 4, Hallettsville - District Six, were crowned king and queen. For the next 12 months, J.J. and Elizabeth will represent the SPJST at various public appearances throughout the state of Texas. Their first public appearance will be on August 30 when they will participate in the annual Westfest Parade. Upon graduation from high school, both will receive $500 SPJST scholarships. J.J., who attends Bishop Lynch Catholic High School in Dallas, is the son of Jim and Lynda Novak. Elizabeth, who attends Shiner High School, is the daughter of David and Wilma Wagner of Shiner. The 1997-1998 State Duke is Michael Kenney, 13, of Lodge 84, Dallas. He is
August 27, 1997
Queen Elizabeth and King J.J. The highlight of the 1997 - 1998 SPJST Royalty competition arrived on Saturday, August 2 with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth Wagner of Lodge 4, Hallettsville and King J.J. Novak of Lodge 84, Dallas. Other Royalty Court members include Duchess Elizcbeth Vahalik of Lodge 4, Halleffsville and Duke Michael Kenney of Lodge 84, Dallas. the son of Michael and Jackie Kenney. State Duchess is Elizabeth Vahalik, 8, of Lodge 4, Halletsville. She is the daughter of Annie and Philip Vahalik. The king and queen were selected on the basis of a three-minute speech during which they were scored on the speech content, delivery and overall poise. All of the individuals who comprise the 1997-1998 SPJST Royalty Court are winners in their own right, having been selected to represent their respective districts as kings and queens. In his presentation, J.J. paid tribute to the SPJST and the rewards associated with active membership. "The SPJST is quite diverse," he observed. "Along with
the traditional activities such as the Beseda, Christmas programs, anniversary programs . . . the lodge performs many varied charitable projects ..." "In fact, when all of the activities are added up, I find it difficult to find time for mischief," he said. In her presentation, Elizabeth described her youth club involvement as a personally enriching experience. "The SPJST has affected my life by giving me the opportunity to make friendships, learn leadership qualities, care more about the people in my life and achieve an overwhelming sense of accomplishment," she said.
—SPJST-
1997 Merit Point Scholarship
Lodge 88, Houston member receives scholarship Karen Bender, 18, member of the Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club and a senior at Stafford High School, is the recipient of the 1997 SPJST State Merit Scholarship. She is the daughter of Jeanette and E.J. Bender of Stafford. Karen received the $1,000 scholarship during the Youth Achievement Day Activities on Sunday, August 3 at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple. Teens from each district with the most youth merit points over the last three years were eligible to compete for the scholarship. As part of the competition, each teen submitted a 1,000-word essay. The winner was selected by a panel of judges using the following criteria: Neatness: 15 percent; Content: 50 percent; and Mechanics (grammar, spelling and sentence structure): 35 percent. District Merit Scholarship winners are pictured on page 13 of this week's Vestnik. Karen's winning essay follows:
SPJST -
WHERE EVERY KID IS A WINNER
"Super job!", "Keep up the terrific work!" and "You just keep getting better!" are all things you can say to make a person feel good about what they have accomplished. The SPJST organization has various programs that let children be winners. For example, participating in district functions and monthly lodge meetings or being recognized on Youth Achievement Day (YAD) can serve as a big morale booster for the children. Once a child reaches the age of 14, they are eligible for the "Leaders In Training" program, referred to as LIT. As an LIT, the young person attends workshops and camps, where they are given training in ways to become a leader. Virgel stated "They are able because they think they are able." In order for
children to think they are able, you have to encourage them and make them think they are all winners just for trying. District and State YAD help children to learn to compete. At the same time, the children learn to practice good sportsmanship. During competition, there does not have to be a "winner" or a "loser." The kids have fun and compete for the fun of the challenge, and to see which one of their peers can come up with a prize winning idea. At District YAD, the children are paid a nominal fee of five dollars just for participating. There are categories ranging from cooking to sewing, to building projects from scratch or from a hobby kit, to competing on stage in individual or group talent. Trophies and ribbons are awarded to first, second, and third places in each age group. The children who do not place are still winners, because they have the five dollars, the memories, and the (Continued on page 3.)
Karen Bender receives congratulations from Supreme Lodge President Howard Leshikar.