iriSTNiK
Changing to meet the needs of fraternalists,
"Joining Hands To Touch Lives-Fraternalism for the Family and Our Nation'
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 T OLUME 86 NUMBE r 31
hinT in ate contests
SPJS ' rising
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T
What
a sow l This year's oya..1-y and outh State Achievement lay attracted more than 500 contestants, adult volunteerL and supporters from around the state. The two-day event was held Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2 at Temple's Mayborn Convention Center. The coronation of the 1998-99 SPJST State King and Queen topped Saturday's activities with five district kings and seven district queens competing. Jonathon Haag, 16, of Lodge 185, New Braunfels and Jennifer Block, 17, of Lodge 160, San Angelo were crowned king and queen. For the next 12 months, Jonathon and Jennifer will represent the SPJST in public appearance hrnhcut Texas. Their first public appearance will be September 5 when they will participate in the annual Westfest Parade. Upon graduation from high school, both will receive $750 SPJST scholarships. Jonathan, who is a senior at Canyon High School, is the son of Roy and Theresa Haag of New Braunfels. Jennifer, who is a senior at Wall High School, is the daughter of Michael and Melanie Block of San Angelo. The 1998-99 State Duke is Chase Jaroszewski, 13, of Lodge 185, New Braunfels. He is the son of Joan and Barry Jaroszewski. The State Duchess is Rachael Schwartz, 7, of Lodge 160, San Angelo. She is the daughter of Erwin Jr. and Teresa Schwartz.
August 12, 1998
frowning Moment
The highlight of the SI-.3T State Royalty Contest held August 1 at Temple's Mayborn Convention Center was the coronation of the 1998 1999 SPJST State Queen Jennifer Block of Lodge 160, San Angelo and State King Jonathan Haag of Lodge 185, New Braunfels. Royalty Court members include State Duchess Rachael Schwartz of Lodge 160, San Angelo and Chase Jaroszewski. 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 1998-99 SPJST Royalty Court are winners in their own right, having been selected to represent their respective districts as kings and queens. In his presentation, Jonathon defined teamwork as the main ingredi-
ent for SPJST's success. "SPJST began many years ago when a team of Czech farmers worked together to form a group that would provide protection for their families, " he stated. "It was a team effort. There were no phones, fax machines, electricity, cars, or highways — all the luxuries we are used to today." "I would like to thank my mom, dad, and all the SPJST youth leaders
for this great opportunity and experience. I hope SPJST will be around for many years so that the youth of tomorrow may also learn and experience the true value of teamwork," he said. In her presentation, Jennifer recalled what she has learned through her involvement in the SPJST and compared her life to a shoe. . . . the SPJST has played an important role in my life" she said. "It has taught me to endure when the pressure is on the sole, and to keep the group laced together on the straight and right path. And most importantly, the SPJST has taught me to lead and carry the burden of- the group when called upon." "And when you are called upon, accept the pressure, help lace the group _ , . : -2 _ • _ —.asked to lead and carry ine burden yourself, when that day comes, if the shoe fits, wear it," Jennifer concluded. Sunday's activities included individual and group talent competitions, craft and scrapbook judging, scholarship presentations, and a Beseda dance exhibition by members of the Lodge 30, Taiton and Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Clubs. Young people entered eight craft categories and a special category, which consisted of participants identifying past, present and future uses for various items from the SPJST Museum. Results and photos of all contests appear on pages 17-20 of this week's Vestnik.
SPJST-
Lodge 9, Snook member receives scholarship Amy Deanne Gaas, 18, a member of Lodge 9, Snook, is the recipient of the 1998 SPJST State Merit Scholarship. She is the daughter of Dennis and Karen Gaas of Caldwewll and will be attending Blinn College in the fa.:', majoring in Elementary Educa_ : o:- and Kinesiology. Amy received :He $1,000 scholarship during te SPJST State Youth Achievement Day program on Sunday, August 2 at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple. Teens from each district with the most youth merit points over the last three years competed 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 folowing criteria: Neatness: 15 percent; Content: 50
percent; and Mechanics (grammar, spelling and sentence structure): 35 percent. District Merit Scholarship winners are pictured on page 20 of this week's Vestnik. Amy's essay follows:
SPJST: Yesterday , Today,am:Tom r ow .Lave you ever thought about what the words Benevolence, Humanity, and Brotherhood mean? As the SPJST Youth Club Pledge states: "In support of the motto of the Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas, I extend a helping hand in Benevolence, a friendly hand to Humanity, a fraternal hand to all my Brotherhood. By clasping the
hand of my brother, I pledge Benevolence, Humanity and Brotherhood." It has only been since I became a member of the SPJST that I learned the true meaning of these words. Growing up in the SPJST has had a major effect on my life because of all the wonderful things the SPJST has to offer. An insurance policy allows all youth to become a member of the youth club in their local lodge. Youth club functions or socials may include picnics, educational trips, tours, skating, bowling, and even trips to the movies. A few examples of committees that youth club members may serve on are sunshine, refreshment, membership, scrapbook, and the telephone committee. Some of the other (Continued on page 7.)
1998 State Merit Scholarship winner Amy Gaas receives congratulations from Supreme Lodge President Howard Leshikar.