Vestnik 2008 09 17

Volume 96 Number 37

Benevolence

ISSN —07458800

Brotherhood

H E R A L D

Humanity

S P J S T

ˇ ´ VESTNIK

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

September 17, 2008

2

ˇ ´ VESTNIK

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

Editor’s Note

SPJST HERALD

SPJST HOME OFFICE PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 (800) 727-7578 • (254) 773-1575 Fax: (254) 774-7447 www.spjst.org VESTNIK EDITOR AND DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 534-0807

email: m e l a n i e z @ v v m . c o m

PRESIDENT BRIAN VANICEK, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Home: (254) 985-0007 • Mobile: (254) 534-2902 email: vanicek@spjst.com

VICE PRESIDENT GENE McBRIDE, FICF, CFFM Office: (254) 773-1575 Home: (254) 771-3837 • Mobile: (254) 534-1450 email: genemc@spjst.com SECRETARY-TREASURER LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Home: (254) 778-3720 • Mobile: (254) 721-4739 email: leonardm@spjst.com

DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR/CHAIRMAN DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CFFM P.O. Box 85, Snook, Texas 77878 Home: (979) 272-3265 • Mobile: (979) 224-3125 email: dv.aggie@verizon.net DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR BOBBY WUENSCHE 2451 CR 405, Taylor, Texas 76574-5421 Home: (512) 365-3013

DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR JOHNNIE R. KRIZAN 11500 Heritage Pkway, West, Texas 76691 Home: (254) 826-5882

DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTOR BILLY ROLLWITZ, FIC P.O. Box 195, Rowena, Texas 76875 Home: (325) 442-3141 • Mobile: (325) 277-5362 Office: (325) 442-3038 • email: brollwitz@verizon.net DISTRICT FIVE DIRECTOR LARRY W. PFLUGHAUPT, FIC 1243 Clovis Road, Houston, Texas 77008 Home: (713) 864-2163

DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR/VICE CHAIRMAN MICHAEL K. AHLSTROM, FIC, CFFM 407 Taos Street, Victoria, Texas 77904 Home: (361) 578-3279 • Mobile: (361) 676-3279 email: ahlstrom@suddenlink.net DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR BOB J. BAYER, FIC 1100 Hospital Blvd., Floresville, Texas 78114 Home: (830) 393-9073

BY-LAW COMMITTEE District One - Richard Ford, 2392 CR 424, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - (979) 884-1451 - email: dimebox4@aol.com District Two - Ronnie Rieger, 350 Rieger Road, Coupland, Texas 78615 - (512) 365-2000 - (512) 848-2416 cell - email: RonnieR1056@yahoo.com District Three - Al Kercho, 2444 Stonegate Dr. North, Bedford, Texas 76021 - (817) 282-5065 email: alkercho@sbcglobal.net District Four - Beverly J. Teplicek, 817 FM 381, Rowena, Texas 76875 - (325) 442-4841 - email: bjtep@verizon.net District Five - Mildred Holeman, 1006 Chantilly Lane, Houston, Texas 77018 - (713) 683-0018 email: mmholeman@yahoo.com District Six - Joe Siptak, 2312 Norvell, Bay City, Texas 77414 - (979) 244-4415; (979) 479-3430 cell District Seven - Bettie House, 1721 Continental Drive, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - (830) 281-8246 email: landbhouse@juno.com

FINANCE COMMITTEE District One - Thomas Cannon, P.O. Box 372., Caldwell, Texas 77836 - (979) 567-4264 District Two - Edwin Pechal, 10660 State Hwy. 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - (254) 985-2282 District Three - Michael Galler, 526 Karen, Waco, Texas 76706 - (254) 662-4934 District Four - Herman D. Weise, 6006 FM Hwy. 765, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - (325) 651-8550 District Five - Marceil Malak, 7444 Meiners Road, Ledbetter, Texas 78946-5118 - (979) 249-5940 District Six - Glenn Kaminsky, 902 River Oaks Ct., East Bernard, Texas 77435 - (979) 335-4461

Our Spectacular Youth

District Seven - Roy Haag, 1334 Rivercrest Drive, New Braunfels, Texas 78130-3438 - (830) 625-8262

INSURANCE COMMITTEE District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 F.M. 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - (979) 272-3440 District Two - Dolores Skrabanek, 13107 State Hwy. 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - (254) 985-2344 District Three - Daniel Roznovsky, 2513 Custer Court, Irving, Texas 75062 - (972) 252-6763 District Four - Leonard Jansa, 6617 Plainview Dr., San Angelo, Texas 76905 - (325) 234-8117 District Five - Helen Hegwood, 6702 Lindy Ann Lane, Houston, Texas 77008 - (713) 864-0489 District Six - Jerome Hlavaty, P.O. Box 174 Lolita, Texas 77971 - (361) 874-4461 District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 1100 Hospital Boulevard, Floresville, Texas 78114 - (210) 535-4916

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE District One - Floyd Kostelka, 1914 CR 403, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - (979) 884-0112 District Two - Tammy Whatley, P.O. Box 367, Weir, Texas 78674 - (512) 864-9183 District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside, Dallas, Texas 75206 - (214) 826-3557 District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Dr., San Angelo, Texas 76903 - (325) 651-5884 District Five - Lorenda Baldwin, 219 CR 47, Angleton, Texas 77515 - (979) 922-1279 District Six - Helen Kelner, 911 Ave. K, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 - (281) 342-2624 District Seven - Jarolyn Popp, 447 Shady Hollow, New Braunfels, Texas 78132 - (830) 964-5135 FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER PHILIP McBEE, FICF, CFFM (325) 784-9800 • Mobile: (325) 647-1949 email: philipmcbee@aol.com STATE TRAINING COORDINATOR JIM WIEST, FIC, CFFM Mobile: (254) 541-5555 email: spjst@hotmail.com

STATE FIELD REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT ONE - Bill Orsak, CFFM Mobile: (979) 324-0056 • Home: (979) 272-8902 Fax: (979) 272-8902 • email: borsak@txcyber.com DISTRICT TWO - Hiram Dixon, FICF, LUTCF Mobile: (254) 231-7722 email: hadixon2003@yahoo.com DISTRICT THREE - Johnny Wiseman, III, FICF (254) 854-2412 • Mobile: (817) 475-5448 email: johnwwiseman3@yahoo.com DISTRICT FOUR - Bobby Gene Davis, FICF, CFFM Mobile: (325) 450-3748 Home: (325) 947-0027 • Office: (325) 657-8400 DISTRICT FIVE - Ricky Peralta, FICF Mobile: (832) 515-8558 DISTRICT SIX - Karen Kaspar, FIC, CFFM Mobile: (979) 332-1616 • Home: (979) 543-2532 email: k-kaspar@hotmail.com DISTRICT SEVEN - Hector Garcia, FIC, CFFM Mobile: (361) 548-5702

STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR CHESTER JENKE, SR., FICF Home: (830) 303-4316 (210) 413-3053 email: cejenke@wmconnect.com STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR JOHN HOELSCHER Office: (254) 773-1575 • Mobile: (254) 534-0681 email: johnh@spjst.com

DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - (979) 272-3440 District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S. St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519 (254) 985-2396 District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside, Dallas, Texas 75206 - (214) 826-3557 District Four - Janice Stevens, P.O. Box 613, Hawley, Texas 79525 (325) 537-9224 District Five - Barbara Linney-Gonzalez - 6043 Pineway Blvd., Houston, Texas 77023 - (713) 649-6138 District Six - Lisa Bubela, 1405 Divide, El Campo, Texas 77437 - (979) 543-7120 District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 1100 Hospital Boulevard, Floresville, Texas 78114 - (210) 535-4916 email: wap6564@felpsis.net CZECH HERITAGE MUSEUM (Formerly SPJST LAM) Executive Director Sandi Wicker (254) 899-2935 email: ssandiwicker@aol.com

VӖSTNÍK

ccording to A History of the SPJST compiled by late Supreme Lodge President Nick A. Morris, the SPJST Youth Program began as early as 1937 when a youth group on the lodge level was formed at Lodge 25, Ennis. The second such youth group was formed at Lodge 88, Houston in 1948. The third youth group was formed at Lodge 4, Hallettsville in 1953. The fourth and fifth youth groups were organized at Lodge 66, Waco and Lodge 84, Dallas.

Both were formed in 1954. It is interesting to note that these first five youth clubs are still active in the SPJST Youth Program.

A driving force behind SPJST’s Youth Movement in the early 1950s was Birdie Hilsher Pech. In a Vestnik column that Sister Pech wrote in 1953, she says, “If you think that the grass is just a little greener on the other side of the fence, better think twice. Our SPJST has all of the green grass. It is up to us to keep it watered now and keep it growing bigger and better all the time. Keep our youth and keep them entertained for a greater future of our SPJST, for without them, we would perish as grass would die without water.”

Fifty-five years later, these words still ring true. The purpose of the SPJST Youth Department continues to be twofold: first, to build character among the younger members and

A

secondly, to involve our young people in activities that will prepare them for leadership positions at all levels of our Society and in their adult lives.

As a past State Youth Director, I am proud to say that I have witnessed countless youth enter the SPJST Youth Program as shy, unfocused children. Through the years, these children are shaped and molded into leaders—not just in the SPJST Youth Program but in their schools and other community organizations and eventually in their careers.

The program instills leadership, integrity, teamwork, and confidence. I sincerely appreciate Sister Pech and other SPJST forefathers and mothers for establishing the youth program in SPJST. It’s a wonderful program, and I highly encourage all youth — kindergarten through high school senior — to get involved. It will make a positive difference. For more information, visit www.spjst.org.

This week’s Vestnik is the SPJST Youth Spectacular. It is 64 pages and 410 photographs celebrating SPJST’s biggest and brightest stars—our youth and their leaders.

My thanks to our youth program participants and my compliments to their leaders—State Youth Director John Hoelscher and staff, the district youth counselors, and local lodge youth leaders. Congratulations, youth! We celebrate you!

—SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published weekly except the last week of August and the last week of December by VĚSTNÍK, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 765030100. Subscription rates are $25 per year for non-members. Membersʼ fees are paid as part of the insurance fee collected by SPJST, 520 North Main, Temple, TX 76501. Second-class postage paid at Temple, TX and additional mailing offices. The exchange of opinions, ideas and information is a vital aspect of our fraternal Society and enables us to make more informed decisions. The views expressed by writers in the Vestnik do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor or SPJST management. Please sign all correspondence intended for publication. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VESTNIK c/o Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

3

From the State Youth Director I am happy to say that 2008 has

been a great year for the SPJST and for the SPJST Youth Program. See for yourself by browsing this issue of the SPJST Youth Spectacular.

You will see photos of boys and girls enjoying the time with their friends and families at SPJSTsponsored events.

The SPJST was founded 112 years ago on the simple idea of “doing good” for each other and for the communities that our lodges and youth clubs seek to serve. We do that in a lot of ways.

One of the most fun ways is through our youth program.

The SPJST is the place for young people to get involved in a dynamic youth program. Some of the activities include summer camps and community service projects to talent contests and other local and statewide contests. The SPJST also has a great scholarship program that has helped to enable hundreds of SPJST youth to continue their higher education.

Programs like Core Challenge provide young people the chance to have fun on a regional basis and compete in a series of agility and

endurance games. Core Challenge also provides us the opportunity to encourage our youth participate in the President’s Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program. This program helps people get in shape and stay in shape.

Young people are influenced by their friends, family, media, and other information that they receive.

As their guardians and as caring fraternalists, why not get your child involved with a caring group.

Our District Youth Counselors and volunteer youth leaders work hard to build and maintain a fun and stimulating youth program that instills positive values in SPJST youth. By becoming involved in the youth program as an adult volunteer, you can make a positive difference in your community and in the lives of our young people.

As I said earlier, seeing is believing. I hope that you enjoy the 2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular.

You and your family can be a part of these same programs by becoming an active member of SPJST. SPJST membership is available through the purchase of a life insurance certificate from SPJST. If you are not currently a member of

SPJST State Youth Director John Hoelscher

SPJST and would like information about membership, SPJST life insurance, and the many benefits that SPJST has, please look on page three and contact the District Youth Counselor or youth leader in your area. I would also be happy to answer any questions that you may have about membership and SPJST youth club activities. You can contact me at (800) 727-7578 or email johnh@spjst.com.

Fraternally, John Hoelscher State Youth Director —SPJST—

Visit www.spjst.org to view and/or download the current SPJST Youth Program Handbook which features information and guidelines on SPJST Youth Programs.

Educational Vestnik Projects are also available online.

Thanks!

Youth Spectacular

Contents

SPJST Youth Leaders ................3 State YAD Results.....................6 District One YAD .....................16 District Two YAD .....................21 District Three YAD...................26

District Four YAD.....................31 District Five YAD .....................33 District Six YAD .......................37 District Seven YAD .................42 Merit Point Winners.................45 District Activities ......................46 Leaders-in-Training .................49

District One Camp...................50 District Two Camp...................52 District Three Camp ................54 District Four Camp ..................57 District Five Camp...................58 District Six Camp ....................60 District Seven Camp ...............62

How to Get Involved in the SPJST Youth Program.

The SPJST Youth Spectacular features the programs and activities of the SPJST Youth Program. The SPJST Youth Program has been serving Texas youth for more than 50 years. SPJST youth in grades kindergarten through high school senior are eligible for youth program participation. For more information about SPJST and how you can get involved in the Youth Program, see page 4; call (800) 727-7578; or visit www.spjst.org.

SPJST Youth Spectacular

Edited by Melanie Zavodny, SPJST Editor/Director of Communication P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 • Office: (800) 727-7578 • Mobile: (254) 534-0807 • E-mail: melaniez@vvm.com Copyright  2008 by SPJST. All rights reserved.

4

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

SPJST Youth Leaders

SPJST HOME OFFICE P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 (254) 773-1575 • (800) 727-7578 Fax: (254) 774-7447 www.spjst.org

SUPREME LODGE PRESIDENT BRIAN VANICEK (254) 773-1575 E-mail: vanicek@spjst.com

STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR JOHN HOELSCHER PO Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Office: (254) 773-1575 (800) 727-7578 Mobile: (254) 534-0681 Fax: (254) 774-7447 E-mail: johnh@spjst.com

DISTRICT ONE YOUTH COUNSELOR SUSAN SKRABANEK 2657 FM 166 Caldwell, Texas 77836 (979) 272-3440 E-mail: spjst@aol.com

Assistant Ann Schoeneman (979) 272-8444 Assistant Holly Narro (979) 272-1188 Assistant Marie Shelfer (979) 272-8100

DISTRICT THREE YOUTH COUNSELOR BESSIE PETR (214) 826-3557 5406 Morningside Dallas, Texas 75206 E-mail: magiclady_46@hotmail.com

Assistant Diana Engelke (254) 799-4247 Assistant Lynda Novak (214) 827-3744 DISTRICT FOUR YOUTH COUNSELOR JANICE STEVENS PO Box 613 Hawley, Texas 79525 (325) 537-9224 E-mail: stemarjan@taylortel.net

DISTRICT FIVE YOUTH COUNSELOR BARBARA LINNEY-GONZALEZ 6043 Pineway Boulevard Houston, Texas 77023 (713) 649-6138 E-mail: district5dyc@aol.com

DISTRICT TWO YOUTH COUNSELOR PATSY KOSLOVSKY 764 South St. Joseph’s Road Burlington, Texas 76519 (254) 985-2396 E-mail: p_koslovsky@yahoo.com

Assistant Brenda Moyle (281) 369-3503

Assistant Carol Tallas (512) 365-5033

DISTRICT SEVEN YOUTH COUNSELOR WENDY PRUSKI 1100 Hospital Boulevard Floresville, Texas 78114 (830) 393-9073 E-mail: wap6564@felpsis.net

Assistant Janet Lyon (254) 527-4371

DISTRICT SIX YOUTH COUNSELOR LISA BUBELA 1405 Divide El Campo, Texas 77437 (979) 543-7120 E-mail: lbubela@warpspeed1.net

Assistant Belenda Barta (830) 569-6264

LOCAL LODGE YOUTH LEADERS Number in ( ) denotes district number.

Lodge 1, Fayetteville (1) Ronnie Pflughaupt (979) 378-2763 Lodge 4, Hallettsville (6) Shirley Kalmus (361) 494-7257

Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Peggy Dobecka (254) 799-8550 Lodge 9, Snook (1) Marie Shelfer (979) 272-8100

Lodge 13, Dime Box (1) Sue Ellen David (979) 884-3041

Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Mabrey Dowell (979) 272-8517 Lodge 18, Elgin (2) Joyce Nelson (512) 856-2481

Lodge 20, Granger (2) Emilie Tischler (254) 721-7735 Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Joan Vanicek (254) 985-0007 Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Margaret Krajca (972) 878-6149

Lodge 29, Taylor (2) Cristy Girod (512) 281-4719 Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Lisa Bubela (979) 543-7120

Lodge 32, Victoria (6) Mary Monclova (361) 648-1191 Lodge 39, Bryan (1) Binnie Roesler (979) 272-1216 Lodge 40 El Campo-Hillje (6) Norma O’Canas (979) 543-1355

Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Melanie Regan (254) 985-0367

Lodge 183, Arlington (3) Kay Weeks (817) 572-1859

Lodge 54, West (3) Lisa Darnell (254) 829-1623

Lodge 186, Caldwell (1) Yolanda Brinkman (979) 567-0637

Lodge 76 Wichita Falls (4) Charlene Barbour (940) 592-0130

Lodge 207, Iowa Park (4) Brent Kotulek (940) 636-6774

Lodge 48, Beyersville (2) Donna Vanecek (512) 365-5717

Lodge 66, Waco (3) Debbie Galler (254) 662-4934

Lodge 79 Corpus Christi (7) Marcia Rew (361) 857-8110

Lodge 80, Holland (2) Heleana White (254) 657-0135 Lodge 84, Dallas (3) Bessie Petr (214) 826-3557

Lodge 88, Houston (5) Barbara Linney-Gonzalez (713) 649-6138 Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) Holly Hubenak (817) 337-0964 Lodge 97, Placedo (6) Bernadette Bellanger (361) 578-4253

Lodge 107, Floresville (7) Wendy Pruski (830) 393-9073 Lodge 142, Houston (5) Catherine Manchack (281) 448-0469

Lodge 154, Fort Worth (3) Sheri Humphreys (817) 236-1304

Lodge 162, Iowa Colony (5) Brenda Moyle (281) 369-3503

Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) Theresa Haag (830) 625-8262

Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Regina House (830) 569-1310

Lodge 215, South Plains (4) Janeece Williams (806) 495-3351 Lodge 219, El Paso (4) Ana Ahumada (915) 867-8007 Lodge 229, Abilene (4) Janice Stevens (325) 537-9224

Lodge 240, Bay City (6) Karen Sharp (979) 244-4275 Lodge 246 Morgan’s Point (2) Trish Konkler (254) 931-7230

Lodge 255, Katy (5) Brittany Doherty (281) 855-2841

Lodge 258, Seguin (7) Lori Petty (830) 303-0734

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

5

Hey Kids - Get Involved in SPJST Today!

Dear SPJST Youth Member, Greetings from the SPJST Home Office! Membership in the SPJST provides many opportunities for active youth club members. Even in areas that do not have an active youth club, there are ways that you can qualify to join in our fun, service-oriented program.

Those qualifications are outlined in the following summary. Please take some time to look over this information. Afterwards, if you, your parents or guardians have any questions, please give me a call at (800) 727-7578, and I will do my best to answer your questions.

What’s an Active Youth Member?

In the SPJST, an active youth club member is considered a youth with an SPJST insurance certificate that is current and who attends at least a majority of the monthly youth club meetings during the youth year. Youth may attend the adult lodge meetings or another lodge’s youth club meeting if either their youth club is not meeting or they need to make up meetings. Active youth members must be single and not pregnant or a parent. The age of the youth on June 1 of the current youth year will be the recognized age in the SPJST Youth Program (camp, YAD, contests, etc.). A youth with a current certificate may enter the SPJST youth program the youth year that they will be entering kindergarten. The youth will be eligible for camp and youth achievement day after the completion of their kindergarten year. The youth year begins June 1 and goes through May 31. Youth club eligibility ends when the youth graduates from high school.

SPJST Youth Achievement Day and Participation Guidelines Youth Achievement Day consists of the following contests and exhibitions.

Craft Contests Talent Contests Royalty Contests Scrapbook Contest Poster Contest Beseda Dance Exhibition Special Category Contest (State YAD only)

Each district sponsors a YAD in which local lodge youth club members compete for district honors. First place district winners go on to compete at State Youth Achievement Day to be held Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple.

Who Can Enter?

Active youth club members, who have completed their kindergarten year to high school senior, who attended seven out of 12 youth club meetings during the youth year and who perform constructive activities in the lodge are eligible for the YAD contests.

Youth club members participating at YAD must have an SPJST life insurance certificate in force by October 31 of the previous youth year and must have attended at least seven meetings since the application was written. Youth in lodges where there are no youth clubs can enter the YAD contest if they attend seven out of 12 adult meetings. Youth leaders will verify eligibility of each contestant selected to complete in District YAD. All YAD contestants must be single and not pregnant or a parent.

How Do You Enter?

A YAD contestant must pre-register for all contests by completing a separate YAD entry card for each contest to be entered. YAD entry cards are available from the youth leader, DYC, or State Youth Director.

SPJST Summer Camp and Participation Guidelines The SPJST provides summer camping for its youth members. Youth camp funds come from an annual allocation by the SPJST Supreme Lodge. Each of the seven SPJST districts across the state hosts its own camp. Some districts may have combined camp sessions.

Who Can Participate?

Camp is provided on the basis of participation in SPJST activities. Pending that the qualifications are met, summer camp is available to all SPJST certificate-holding youth members. Campers must also be in good standing with the SPJST. The ages for camp are post kindergarten to high school senior as of June 1 of the camping year. Graduating high school seniors who are active youth club members may attend camp as a Senior Leader-in-Training (LIT) during the camp session that follows their high school graduation.

Eligibility Qualifications for youth to attend SPJST camp are based on the previous youth year (June 1 to May 31). To be eligible to attend camp at no charge, youth members must attend seven out of 12 youth meetings or seven out of 12 adult lodge meetings, if the lodge does not have a youth club. Youth members must also attend a majority of the youth activities in the youth club or lodge.

Any youth (previous member or new certificate) who initially joins the youth club by October 31 and attends seven meetings may go to camp free of charge.

A member initially joining the youth club who is not able to make seven meetings may still go to camp for a fee determined by his/her district’s DYC. SPJST youth members who do not meet the above qualifications may attend camp for a fee determined by the DYC and must have the certificate in force by May 1. These funds will be submitted to the State Youth Director.

The youth leader will report all youth who qualify and intend to attend camp to the DYC no later than May 15 on an Eligibility Qualification form available from the State Youth Director. The DYC must send a copy of his/her district’s qualification forms to the SYD on May 15 for eligibility verification. In cases where there is no youth club, two officers of the lodge may submit the form. All youth who will be going to camp must have their name on the submitted eligibility qualification form by May 15. No one can be added to the eligibility qualification roster after May 15.

Each camper must submit a completed SPJST Camp Application to his/her DYC no later than 20 days before camp. These applications are available from the local lodge youth leader, DYC, or State Youth Director. All incomplete camp applications will be returned to the youth. No one may attend SPJST Camp without a completed SPJST Eligibility Application on file for the current year.

If a youth submits an application but is not eligible to attend according to the youth leader’s Qualification form, the DYC will contact the leader about the matter.

All eligible and qualified SPJST youth are entitled to attend camp with expenses paid in equal proportion from the district’s annual camp fund. If camping facilities are limited and elimination is inevitable, the seniority of youth club members will have first consideration. The DYC will notify all leaders at least 15 days before camp what extra costs to expect per camper.

2008 SPJST Scholarship Program and Qualifications The SPJST recognizes and awards its members for academic excellence, exceptional leadership ability, and outstanding service with its scholarship and leadership grant program. The SPJST awards the following scholarships and leadership grants: General Scholarships in the amount of $1,000

Leadership Grants in the amount of $1,000 State Merit Grant in the amount of $1,500 District Merit Grants in the amount of $1,000 Royalty Grants in the amount of $1,500

Any youth member who has been the recipient of either the State Merit Grant, the District Merit Grant, or the Royalty Grant is also eligible to apply for a General Scholarship or a Leadership Grant.

A youth may receive a maximum of two scholarships/grants within the SPJST, excluding the State Merit Grant.

SPJST General Scholarships and SPJST Leadership Grants General scholarships are funded by the Supreme Lodge and voluntary contributions by SPJST members. Accordingly, the more funds available, the more scholarships awarded. Leadership grants were established in 1996 for active youth club members. Leadership grants are funded solely through allocations by the Supreme Lodge. A total of 53 $1,000 scholarships and grants were awarded in 2008.

To Be Eligible, Applicants Must: • Have an active SPJST life insurance certificate in force for one year.

• Hold an active SPJST life insurance certificate for the duration of the scholarship or grant; and • Be a high school graduate or equivalent.

General scholarship recipients may only receive one general scholarship.

Active youth club members are required to apply for both the general scholarship and the leadership grant; however, they are only eligible to receive one. You may request scholarship application guidelines through the Office of the President during the fall of the year. All required application materials must be returned to the SPJST Scholarship Department by February 1. Please note that this information is subject to change. All applicants are encouraged to please refer to the Office of the President for the most complete and update information regarding the SPJST Scholarship application process. Complete application and guidelines may be obtained through the President’s Office.

Thanks for taking the time to look over this information. Thanks, too, for your membership in the SPJST! I look forward to hearing from you.

Fraternally, John Hoelscher State Youth Director —SPJST—

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

6

VӖSTNÍK

Taiton, Fort Worth Youth Win State Crowns

SPJST Youth Showcase Talents at State Youth Achievement Day

pproximately 250 SPJST youth from across Texas met at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center in Killeen, Texas, on Saturday, August 9 to showcase their knowledge and skills at the SPJST State Youth Achievement Day (YAD).

The 2008 competition involved participants ages six to high school senior. They competed in 15 events, testing their skills in areas such as construction, foods, handicraft, photography, sewing, public speaking, and talent. The event also featured a special category which is always a surprise until the day of the competition.

Participants were each given an assortment of craft supplies, and they were to decorate and create a celebration hat.

District and State YADs allow SPJST youth club members to demonstrate their knowledge and skills and gain recognition for their achievements. As the youth compete, they develop self-confidence and sharpen their decision-making abilities. They also have a chance to socialize with other youth club members.

SPJST State YAD is the culmination of a year of hard work by some of the best and brightest SPJST youth club members.

Winners of SPJST District YAD competitions across Texas qualify to compete at the state contest. Seven District YADs were held in June and July in Caldwell, Seaton, Ennis, Abilene, Houston, Taiton, and New Braunfels.

A

2008 - 2009 SPJST State Royalty

Pictured are, left to right, State Duke Donovan Krpec and State King Gerard Marcaurele, both of Lodge 30, Taiton, and State Queen Alexa Hubenak and State Duchess Lauren Traugott, both of Lodge 92, Fort Worth.

Gerard is the first State King from Lodge 30, and Alexa is the first State Queen from Lodge 92.

The grand finale of the 2008 State Youth Achievement Day was the presentation of the 2008-2009 State Royalty Court. Crowned to represent the SPJST in the coming year were King Gerard Marcaurele and Duke Donovan Krpec, both of Lodge 30, Taiton, and Queen Alexa Hubenak and Duchess Lauren Traugott, both of Lodge 92, Fort Worth.

King Gerard, 16, is the son of

David and Yvonne Marcaurele. Gerard is a junior at El Campo High School. Duke Donovan, 10, is the son of Brad and Joette Krpec. Queen Alexa, 14, is the daughter of Staci Hubenak. She is a freshman at Temple Christian School in Fort Worth.

Duchess Lauren, 10, is the daughter of Danny Traugott.

First runners-up were King Chandler Malazzo and Duke Tabor Dow-

ell, both of Lodge 17, New Tabor, and Queen Kenzie Angeley and Duchess Shalee Williams, both of Lodge 215, South Plains. Second runners-up were King Matthew Hoelscher and Duke Kyle Hoelscher, both of Lodge 47, Seaton, Queen Stephanie Fucik of Lodge 30, Taiton, and Duchess Sarah Bellanger of Lodge 97, Placedo.

—SPJST—

Lodge 24, Cyclone teen receives $1,500 State Merit Grant

Amber Penn, age 17, a member of Lodge 24, Cyclone, is the recipient of the 2008 SPJST State Merit Grant. She is the daughter of Ricky and Kathy Penn of Moffat. Amber is a senior at Belton High School. She received the $1,500 grant during the SPJST State Youth Achievement Day awards ceremony in Killeen. Amber will graduate high school in June, 2009. Her plans include studying music at Temple College.

Teens from each district with the

most youth merit points over the last three years competed for the grant. As part of the competition, each teen submitted a 1,000-word essay on the topic “Celebrate ’08 Amber Penn SPJST Best in the State.” The winner was selected by a panel of judges using the following cri-

teria: content (50 percent); mechanics—grammar, spelling, and sentence structure (35 percent); and neatness (15 percent).

District Merit Grant Winners District Merit Grant winners each received a $1,000 grant. The 2008 District Merit Grant winners are: District One—Nicholas Havemann Lodge 17, New Tabor

District Three—Andrew Dulock Lodge 6, Cottonwood District Five—Kayla Kucera Lodge 162, Iowa Colony

District Six—Stephanie Fucik Lodge 30, Taiton

District Seven—Travis Purchis Lodge 202, Jourdanton

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

7

2008 District Merit Grant Winners

2008 Top Junior and Top Teen

Congratulations to the 2008 SPJST District Merit Grant Winners. They are, from left, Andrew Dulock of Lodge 6, Cottonwood (District Three); Stephanie Fucik of Lodge 30, Taiton (District Six); and Travis Purchis of Lodge 107, Floresville (District Seven). Not pictured are Nicholas Havemann of Lodge 17, New Tabor (District One) and Kayla Kucera of Lodge 162, Iowa Colony (District Five).

Congratulations to the 2008 Top Junior Samantha White of Lodge 80, Holland in District Two and Top Teen Blake Ryan of Lodge 25, Ennis in District Three. Samantha earned 3,660 merit points, and Blake earned 3,785 merit points to achieve these honors. Both were recognized for their achievements during opening ceremonies at State YAD.

State Merit Grant Essay: SPJST Best in the State Celebrate ’08 The best is something many of us

strive to be—the fastest swimmer, the toughest football player, the most popular mom, the exceptional singer. The Best is something many of us betray ourselves to be—fighting, cheating, and putting ourselves down—all to be known as the best. However, the SPJST is the best fraternal organization in the state of Texas, a title earned honestly with a large amount of hard work—which is a reason to celebrate!

The SPJST is undeniably the best insurance company when it comes to looking out for its members. Many insurance companies claim to treat its members like family—as long as nothing happens that would require them to act on that promise. The SPJST cares for every aspect of its members—financially and socially— in good times as well as in bad. Life insurance, annuities, and home mortgages offer peace of mind and financial protection to members for a reasonable price. Along with monthly lodge meetings, many social events are held to establish and maintain a true family atmosphere. These provide an opportunity for members to get to know one another and have fun together, forming lifelong friendships and sometimes marriages! Oftentimes, the financial and social respon-

By Amber Penn of Lodge 24, Cyclone - District Two

sibilities are combined. When a member is in need, after diagnosis or an accident, the SPJST members step up, hosting dinners and dances to raise money and spirits, and offering their prayers and gifts.

Members of the SPJST make up the largest and best family anyone can ask for. Half of them may actually be blood related, but all of them are bound by common culture, dreams, and experiences. Though we are not all full-blooded Czech, the majority of us were raised in culturally similar small towns, dancing to polkas and eating kolaches. This creates a similar understanding among members, a mutual liking, and common tastes. Older members nurture youths’ dreams, teach them new skills, and support their undertakings. For example, my horseshoe throwing skills at a recent tournament were so severely lacking that I had to shout before throwing to decrease chances of bodily injury. Was I thrown out? Was I jeered at? No. Everyone there began tossing hints and tips my way, each showing me their own personal technique and stance. Confusing though it may have been, my skills were improved to a much safer level, and everyone’s involvement made me feel special.

Though teasing is rampant in the SPJST, it comes with a healthy dose

2008 State Merit Grant Winner

Congratulations to the 2008 SPJST State Merit Grant Winner Amber Penn of Lodge 24, Cyclone in District Two. Amber received a $1,500 grant to the college of her choice at State Youth Achievement Day.

of love, and members harbor a genuine interest in other’s well being and undertakings.

There is a general consensus among the youth of my district that the youth club is one of the best things going on in their lives. Full of drama, rich with life, and ripe with opportu-

nity is this uniquely Texan institution, so beloved by those involved. Smaller members love the youth club for its fun games, skating, pizza and bowling parties, crafts, prizes, and so much more. They don’t think about the scholarship opportunities offered, life Continued on Page 8.

8

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

Developing Character Through SPJST Royalty Speech By 2008-2009 State King Gerard Marcaurele

It was the early 1800s. Life was hard . . . money was scarce, jobs were hard to come by. A young man named Frankicek decided to try his luck in a new country. At a very young age, he immigrated to this land of opportunity, landed in Galveston, and traveled up to the Texas countryside that most reminded him of his beloved Czechoslovakia. He was but one of the many who saw the need to support their brethren. Seeing a need to preserve the values and tradition of their heritage, an organization was created by our forefathers to insure that future generations would have financial security, respect for self, and strength of character. The organization we know today as the Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas.

Jak se mas. Vitame vas. Hello, and good afternoon, distinguished judges, family members, friends, and guests.

Webster defines “character” as a trait, a set of values, which defines an individual. Meaning . . . our character is shaped by all of the influences throughout our lives. SPJST has been a positive influence in my life since I joined SPJST at the age of six.

Hard work, dedication, desire and respect were taught to me at an early age by my parents, and it is through the SPJST these values have only been

Grant Essay

(Continued from page 7.)

skills taught, or the cultural significance of the youth club they love. Little ones dance the beseda, learn the words of the catchy Czech tunes their elders polka to, and participate in parliamentary procedure, all without feeling that they are in school.

Teen members enjoy the youth club for different reasons entirely. Though they, too, love the fun activities, teens more fully appreciate the social side of it. Teens look forward to the next district meetings so they can see their friends from other lodges, and to State Youth Achievement Day so that they can catch up with their new friends from Leader-in-Training camp. The

further strengthened. These four traits stand out as a definition of me and what I strive to achieve in school, sports, and friendships.

In SPJST, the many youth group activities, meetings, LIT camp, district camp, and District and State YADs bring together people who have their own definition of character. But within these gatherings, there is a common thread that leads to a feeling of camaraderie from the lodge to the state level.

These thoughts were what came to the forefront when I sat down to put on paper what SPJST has done for me. Well, it certainly helped me to become a better public speaker . . . Standing before you today, I appreciate all the times I stood up at a lodge meeting to make a motion or volunteered at camp to sing a song or the many group talents that I have performed on this stage and stages like this one.

I know that without the character building activities SPJST provides, I would not be the person I am today. So dekuje to the SPJST and especially my brave, dedicated, hard working great, great, great-grandfather Frankicek.

Thank you for giving not only me, but all of us the opportunity to build character and strengthen values while amid . . . fraternalism.

—SPJST—

high school years are the years that the full spectrum of the SPJST appears to members, as they begin thinking about paying for college, and searching for material to write scholarship essays on. Teens often find that the SPJST has provided the requisite volunteer hours, leadership opportunities, and cultural insights not found anywhere else.

From the very beginning, the SPJST has operated in the utmost fairmindedness, constantly seeking ways to improve policies and procedures.

When seceding from the C.S.P.S. in 1896, founders wrote a constitution to be approved by seceding lodges, seeking to address needs ignored by the C.S.P.S. In the following years, when large issues arose, they were taken to convention, where they were discussed fairly until a just solution came

Developing Character Through SPJST Royalty Speech By 2008-2009 State Queen Alexa Hubenak

I pledge my support to uphold the high ideals of the SPJST.

Seeking brotherhood Pledging benevolence Joining hands Supporting humanity Trusting in my ability to make this world a better place. This I pledge.

Jak se mas. Good afternoon, distinguished judges, family, and friends.

As a member of the SPJST Youth Club, I try to live by the youth club motto which has helped me develop good character through cooperation, responsibility, and leadership.

The first quality I try to live by is cooperation which to me means team work.

At my home lodge, we work together in the kitchen at lodge dances to prepare the food, serve the patrons, and clean up after we are done.

This teamwork helps build character.

Another quality of character that is related to cooperation is responsibility. Responsibility is being trustworthy and accountable. A person must live the truth and accept responsibility for your actions. I believe that is a very important role in my life. A few years ago, our youth club dropped to just one active member. That member was me. I worked hard to help the youth leader recruit

to light. Every year, policies are discussed at leader’s retreats and examined weak areas. Recently, the merit point system was revised for easier bookkeeping, and certain Youth Achievement Day procedures were rewritten to make it more fair for everybody.

Success did not come quickly or easily for the SPJST, but 111 years worth of hard work has made it the best fraternal organization in the state.

It may not be the largest insurance company, or the most well known organization in the state, but it has gotten where it has through a sincere commitment to its members. Without vicious fighting, without low cheating, without degrading itself, the SPJST has become the Best in the state of

new and inactive members to become a part of the club. We now have seven active members in the youth club, and I am very proud of the work I did to help make this happen. I believed that was my responsibility as a proud member of the SPJST and the youth club.

Leadership is another part of my character. Since I have joined the youth club, I have held various offices. These positions have helped me develop my leadership skills. At our meetings, besides leading them, I have helped the younger youth with their projects. I believe setting a good example is important so I try to always do the right things for the right reasons. I was able to go to LIT camp for the first time this year. I did not realize how many things at camp require our leadership. I am glad I went, and I will strive to be the best leader I can be, not only at camp—but throughout my life.

Elbert Green Hubbard said, “Character is the result of two things: mental attitude and the way we spend our time.” I believe I have a good mental attitude and I spend my time wisely. I do this because of the qualities I live by. The youth club motto has helped me build my character by living a responsible life full of cooperation and leadership.

—SPJST—

Texas—the largest family, the closest friends, the most secure finances, and the most hard working for its members. As a long time member who has fully enjoyed the youth program and all it has to offer, I feel fully qualified to say that to be in the SPJST is to celebrate!

—SPJST—

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2008 State Junior Group Talent Winners

2008 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

State Royalty Court State King Gerard Marcaurele Lodge 30, Taiton District Six State Duke Donovan Krpec Lodge 30, Taiton District Six State Queen Alexa Hubenak Lodge 92, Fort Worth District Three State Duchess Lauren Traugott Lodge 92, Fort Worth District Three LODGE 17, NEW TABOR. Front, left to right, Xzavior Sanchez, Dillon Narro, Tabor Dowell, Alexia Perkkio, Kellie Ihlenfeldt. BACK: Laramie Cass, Sierra Cash, Trey Groce, Jeremy Ree.

2008 State Senior Group Talent Winners

LODGE 92, FORT WORTH. Brooke Hood, left, and Alexa Hubenak.

2008 State Individual Talent Winners

Left to right, Erica Clark, Madeline Clark, Clay Howard, Meghan Blum.

9

King First Runner-Up Chandler Malazzo Lodge 17, New Tabor District One Duke First Runner-Up Tabor Dowell Lodge 17, New Tabor District One Queen First Runner-Up Kenzie Angeley Lodge 215, South Plains District Four Duchess First Runner-Up Shalee Williams Lodge 215, South Plains District Four

King Second Runner-Up Matthew Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton District Two Duke Second Runner-Up Kyle Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton District Two Queen Second Runner-Up Stephanie Fucik Lodge 30, Taiton District Six Duchess Second Runner-Up Sarah Bellanger Lodge 97, Placedo District Six

Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) “True Story of the Three Little Pigs” Dramatic Sierra Cash Laramie Cass Tabor Dowell Trey Groce Kellie Ihlenfeldt Dillon Narro Alexia Perkkio Jeremy Ree Xzavior Sanchez

2nd - Lodge 185 New Braunfels (7) “Is Anybody Listening” Vocal Elizabeth Hancock Emily Hancock Hannah Hancock

3rd - Lodge 154, Fort Worth (3) “Move It” Dance Sophie Milan Angel Pace Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) “My Kind of Guy” Dance Brooke Hood Alexa Hubenak 2nd - Lodge 30, Taiton (6) “The Shape I’m In” Dance Kenna Bubela Steven Drapela Allison Fucik Jessica Fucik Stephanie Fucik Gerard Marcaurele

3rd - Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) “Shift Work” Dance Meghan Blum Coy Cass Grace Dusek Brittanie Gaas Colby Havemann Kara Ihlenfeldt William Ihlenfeldt Logan Jones Shelby Norman Tyler Sandner Zella Zaskoda Individual Talent Ages 6 to 8 1st - Erica Clark Lodge 25, Ennis (3) “Concrete Angel” Dance 2nd - Ryan Henke Lodge 107, Floresville (7) “Fear This!” Karate 3rd - Kayla Wuensche Lodge 48, Beyersville (2) “Jesus Loves Me” Vocal

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Madeline Clark Lodge 25, Ennis (3) “See You Again” Gymnastics 2nd - Emily Lewis Lodge 9, Snook (1) “Ride the Wind” Instrumental 3rd - Jacqui Wiest Lodge 80, Holland (2) “I Want To Be Like You” Dance

10

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2008 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Clay Howard Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) “Just Not the One” Instrumental 2nd - Alexa Hubenak Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) “W.O.M.A.N.” Dance 3rd - Grace Dusek Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) “Innocence” Dance Ages 15 to Senior 1st - Meghan Blum Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) “9 to 5” Dance 2nd - Amber Penn Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) “Danza, Danza” Vocal 3rd - Travis Purchis Lodge 107, Floresville (7) “Rifle Drill Solo” Drill Routine Poster 1st - Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) 2nd - Lodge 183, Arlington (3) 3rd - Lodge 47, Seaton (2)

Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 30, Taiton (6) 2nd - Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) 3rd - Lodge 107, Floresville (7) Special Category (Celebration Hat) Ages 6 to 8 1st - Sidney Milan Lodge 154, Fort Worth (3) 2nd - Michael Hoelscher Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) 3rd - Sophie Milan Lodge 154, Fort Worth (3) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Shelby-Lynn Rose Lodge 186, Caldwell (1) 2nd - Emily Lewis Lodge 9, Snook (1) 3rd - Kyle Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Sam Vanicek Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) 2nd - Brooke Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton (2) 3rd - Ashley Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5)

2008 State Poster Winner

Ages 15 to Senior 1st - Stephanie Vanicek Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) 2nd - Mary Tischler Lodge 20, Granger (2) 3rd - Reed Williams Lodge 215, South Plains (4) Constructed Items Ages 6 to 8 1st - T.J. Anderson Lodge 18, Elgin (2) Wall of Flame Shelves 2nd - Patrick David Lodge 13, Dime Box (1) Bird House 3rd - Kyler Dunlap Lodge 154, Fort Worth (3) Kid’s Chair

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Cole Campbell Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Star 2nd - Hayden Kovar Lodge 9, Snook (1) 3-D Laying Fawn 3rd - Craig Cerny Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) Frog Ages 12 to 14 1st - Audree Williams Lodge 215, South Plains (4) Awards Display 2nd - Michael Jurik Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Carpenter’s Tool Box 3rd - Vincent Lutringer Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Cedar Bench Ages 15 to Senior 1st - Colby Havemann Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Craft Chest 2nd - Brandon Korus Lodge 107, Floresville (7) Night Stand 3rd - Steven Drapela Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Jewelry Box

Foods (Cookies) Ages 6 to 8 1st - Macey Malcik Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies 2nd - Blake Brogdon Lodge 88, Houston (5) Apricot Cream Cheese Drops

LODGE 17, NEW TABOR. Front, left to right, Alexia Perkkio, Trey Groce, Tabor Dowell, Dillon Narro, Xzavior Sanchez, Macey Narro, Jeremy Ree, Tyler Sandner. Center Row: Meghan Blum, Nicholas Havemann, Chandler Malazzo, Colby Havemann, Kellie Ihlenfeldt, Laramie Cass. Back: Sierra Cash, Shelby Norman, Brittanie Gaas, Zella Zaskoda, Willie Ihlenfeldt, Stacey Norman, Coy Cass, Grace Dusek, Grant Dusek.

2008 State Scrapbook Winner

LODGE 30, TAITON. Gerald Marcaurele, left, and Donovan Krpec.

2008 State Special Category Winners

Left to right, Sidney Milan (154), Shelby-Lynn Rose (186), Sam Vanicek (24), Stephanie Vanicek (24).

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2008 State Constructed Items Winners

2008 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

3rd - Elizabeth Hancock Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Left to right, T.J. Anderson (18), Cole Campbell (24), Audree Williams (215), Colby Havemann (17).

2008 State Foods Winners

Left to right, Macey Malcik (24), Cavan Vestal (20), Bowyn Bauer (1), Chandler Malazzo (17).

2008 State Handicraft Winners

Left to right, Riley Allen (9), Jacqui Wiest (80), Luke Jaroszewski (185), Stephen Mazur (202).

11

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Cavan Vestal Lodge 20, Granger (2) Peanut Butter Cookies 2nd - Alison Moore Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Snickerdoodles 3rd - Donovan Krpec Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Ranger Cookies

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Bowyn Bauer Lodge 1, Fayetteville (1) Monster Cookies 2nd - Audree Williams Lodge 215, South Plains (4) Neiman Marcus Cookies 3rd - Jessica Fucik Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Pretzel Cookies Ages 15 to Senior 1st - Chandler Malazzo Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Candy Shop Cookies 2nd - Colton Daniel Lodge 183, Arlington (3) Buffalo Chips 3rd - Stephen Mazur Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Chocolate Crinkles

Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - Riley Allen Lodge 9, Snook (1) Bluejean Stick Horse 2nd - Kelly House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Mosaic Purse 3rd - April Dvorak Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Country Kids

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Jacqui Wiest Lodge 80, Holland (2) Advent Calendar 2nd - Emily Hancock Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) African Clay Mask 3rd - Ryan Bronikowski Lodge 88, Houston (5) Log Cabin

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Luke Jaroszewski Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) Sand Castle Glitter Globe 2nd - Nicole Laitkep Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) Mother and Daughter Aprons 3rd - Shelby Allen Lodge 9, Snook (1) Puzzle Shelf Ages 15 to Senior 1st - Stephen Mazur Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) This Little Piggy 2nd - Kristina Skrabanek Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Baby Shrek 3rd - Colton Daniel Lodge 183, Arlington (3) Redneck Jewelry Box Hobby Kits Ages 6 to 8 1st - Erica Clark Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Pretty Petals 2nd - Sean Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) Pirate Ship 3rd - Cade Campbell Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Praying Mantis

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Paige Tignor Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Soft Story Book 2nd - Shelby-Lynn Rose Lodge 186, Caldwell (1) Two-Story House 3rd - Jarrod Godwin Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Star Wars Droid Gunship

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Grant Dusek Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Ferrari F1 Racer 2nd - Austin Harmon Lodge 139, Danbury (5) Wooden Stage Coach 3rd - Victoria Motley Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Pretty Petals

Ages 15 to Senior 1st - Stephanie Fucik Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Door Belles Bless All Cross Stitch

12

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2008 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

2nd - Kristina Skrabanek Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Wolf Among Birches 3rd - Brandon Korus Lodge 107, Floresville (7) European Sailing Boat Needlework Ages 6 to 8 1st - Macey Malcik Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Lone Star Flag 2nd - Grace Lewis Lodge 9, Snook (1) Cross Stitch 3rd - Jessica Schoen Lodge 88, Houston (5) Butterfly Latch Hook

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Madison Malcik Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) A Mother’s Love 2nd - Emily Lewis Lodge 9, Snook (1) Flower Cross Stitch 3rd - Liliana Wiederhold Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Squares Ages 12 to 14 1st - Amelia Peterson Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) American Flag 2nd - Nichole Festa Lodge 80, Holland (2) Swirls Latch Hook 3rd - Jonathan Vahalik Lodge 4, Hallettsville (6) Scarf

Ages 15 to Senior 1st - Courtney Halbert Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Love One Another 2nd - Amber Penn Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Lovely Pillowcase 3rd - Kimberly Enriquez Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) Heart Wreath Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Carter Charanza Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Array of Flowers 2nd - Shalee Williams Lodge 215, South Plains (4) Beautiful Flowers

2008 State Hobby Kits Winners

3rd - Ty Stock Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Orange Blossom

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Michelle House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Peace and Tranquility 2nd - Avery Moyle Lodge 162, Iowa Colony (5) Feathered Flowers 3rd - Devin Krajca Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Yellow Cactus Flower Ages 12 to 14 1st - Nichole Festa Lodge 80, Holland (2) Flowers 2nd - Bowyn Bauer Lodge 1, Fayetteville (1) Scarlet Goddess 3rd - Katie Weeks Lodge 183, Arlington (3) Lovely Flowers

Ages 15 to Senior 1st - Brooke Hood Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) Flower 2nd - Stephanie Vanicek Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Wild Passion Flower 3rd - Jodi Malovets Lodge 162, Iowa Colony (5) Favorite Flower

Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - Angel Pace Lodge 154, Fort Worth (3) Tree Frog 2nd - Kellie Ihlenfeldt Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Morning Chores on the Farm 3rd - Blake Brogdon Lodge 88, Houston (5) Abequa - She Stays Home Ages 9 to 11 1st - Ryan Bronikowski Lodge 88, Houston (5) My Dragon 2nd - Liliana Wiederhold Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Sunset on the Beach 3rd - Dustin Motley Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Creative Thinking

Left to right, Erica Clark (25), Paige Tignor (25), Grant Dusek (17), Stephanie Fucik (30).

2008 State Needlework Winners

Left to right, Macey Malcik (24), Madison Malcik (24), Amelia Peterson (6), Courtney Halbert (6).

2008 State Photography Winners

Left to right, Carter Charanza (6), Michelle House (202), Nichole Festa (80), Brooke Hood (92).

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2008 State Pictorial Arts Winners

2008 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Brooke Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Santa 2nd - Ashley Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) Monkey Business 3rd - Vincent Lutringer Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Leaves

Left to right, Angel Pace (154), Ryan Bronikowski (88), Brooke Hoelscher (47), Veronica Barta (202).

2008 State Science and Education Winners

Ages 15 to Senior 1st - Veronica Barta Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Sunflower 2nd - Anna Dulock Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Security 3rd - Mary Tischler Lodge 20, Granger (2) St. Basil’s

Science and Education Ages 6 to 8 1st - Dillon Narro Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Can Salt Water Conduct Electricity?

2nd - Kelly House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Which Diaper is the Best?

3rd - Amanda Droste Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Smallest vs. Largest Bat

Left to right, Dillon Narro (17), Cole Campbell (24), Tyler Sandner (17), Colby Havemann (17).

2008 State Sewing Winners

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Cole Campbell Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Up the Creek Without a Raincoat 2nd - Melinda McClellan Lodge 84, Dallas (3) Can You Taste It? 3rd - Allison Wockenfuss Lodge 88, Houston (5) Tide, Bravo, or Cheer . . .

Which Cleans the Best?

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Tyler Sandner Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Plant Cell 2nd - Luke Jaroszewski Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) The Amazing Cell 3rd - Elizabeth Tischler Lodge 20, Granger (2) Wildflowers Collection Project

Left to right, Kelly House (202), Liliana Wiederhold (202), Bowyn Bauer (1), Stephanie Vanicek (24).

13

Ages 15 to Senior 1st - Colby Havemann Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Flowers, Bugs, and Leaf Collection 2nd - Stephanie Vanicek Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Texas Wildflowers 3rd - Kenna Bubela Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Solar System

Sewing Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kelly House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Shorts Set 2nd - Raiven Jackson Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Scrub Top 3rd - Chase Alexander Lodge 47, Seaton Boxer Shorts

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Liliana Wiederhold Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) My Zipper Purse 2nd - Bayleigh Washam Lodge 20, Granger (2) Girlie Pillow 3rd - Deanna Hairrell Lodge 9, Snook (1) Doll Dress

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Bowyn Bauer Lodge 1, Fayetteville (1) 60s Dress 2nd - Jessica Fucik Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Fabric Stacking Bowls 3rd - Audree Williams Lodge 215, South Plains (4) Nap Blanket

Ages 15 to Senior 1st - Stephanie Vanicek Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Decorative Pillows 2nd - Reed Williams Lodge 215, South Plains (4) Sleeping Blanket 3rd - Anna Dulock Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Baby Sundress —SPJST—

14

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

SPJST Youth Beseda Dance Groups Participate at State YAD

The Beseda is a Czech folk

dance that has been around for many generations. SPJST Youth Clubs perform the dance at events across Texas. Nine groups exhibited the dance at the 2008 State Youth Achievement Day on August 9 in Killeen.

The Beseda— A Czech Tradition from www.praguekolachefestival.com The history of the beseda began back in ancient history. A number of small tribes settled in the central part of Europe and gradually grew into a group of small states, commonly known as Central European States in early history. The Central European States were surrounded by savage warlike tribes, and they had to band together for mutual protection. Their languages became similar over the years and first one state then another became dominant.

Because of the raiding and pillaging by the fierce warriors of the stronger tribes, the Cen-

tral Europeans settled in small villages and towns for protection. They went from there straight out to their farms and jobs.

They soon found that they couldn’t fight the stronger warriors and learned to outwit and outmaneuver them. When the people went away to war, the children were left with the old people of the village. To keep the children entertained, the grandparents told them folk tales of their ancestors and the heroes of the region.

Those tales and old love stories and other tales became folk songs and folk dances.

The word beseda, to us, means company or visitors.

When they got together, they danced their favorite company dances or beseda. Later the state leaders chose some of the most popular besedas and combined them to make a national dance for the big state and national celebrations. There are many variations of the beseda, and the costumes as they came from different sections of the country.

After World War I, the area

was renamed Czechoslovakia.

Here in America, we dance many folk dances brought from Europe like the Highland Fling from Scotland and the Irish jibs and reels. (In SPJST,) we also dance the Beseda to try to preserve it and some of the customs and traditions that have been passed down through the years by the people who originated in Central Europe.

Each of the eight parts of the

Beseda tells a separate story—a throwback to the origin of the dance. The first part tells of a group of young people who are out having fun and the girls decide to look around to see if they can find new partners who are more to their liking. The second part is part of the old game and so on, each part telling something about the early days.

—SPJST—

District Two Junior Beseda Dancers

Front, left to right, Chase Alexander, Justin Kraatz, Brandon Hoelscher, Dounia Mohad. BACK: Angelina Ringwald, Madison Malcik, Samantha White, Kaitlyn Whatley.

District Two Senior Beseda Dancers

Lodge 9, Snook Junior Beseda Dancers

Front, left to right, Sam Vanicek, Nichole Festa, Matthew Hoelscher, Neil Rabroker. BACK: Kirsten White, Alexis Festa, Amber Penn, Stephanie Vanicek.

Front, left to right, Dustin Smith, Robert Lewis, Cody Dever, Cullen Hairrell. BACK: Mackenzie Allen, Haily Dever, Taylor Allen, Shelby Allen.

VӖSTNÍK

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

15

Lodge 9, Snook Junior Beseda Dancers

Lodge 9, Snook Senior Beseda Dancers

Front, left to right, Deanna Hairrell, Natalee See, Carlee See, Emily Lewis. BACK: Colby See, Colton Orsak, Hayden Kovar, Zachary Shelfer.

Front, left to right, Josef Orsak, John Russell, Bradley Shelfer, Robert Lewis. BACK: Kim Wheeler, Hannah Kovar, Taylor Allen, Haily Dever.

Lodge 17, New Tabor Junior Beseda Dancers

Lodge 17, New Tabor Senior Beseda Dancers

Front, left to right, Trey Groce, Laramie Cass, Dillon Narro, Tabor Dowell. BACK: Sierra Cash, Macey McCuller, Kellie Ihlenfeldt, Alexia Perkkio.

Front, left to right, Logan Jones, Coy Cass, William Ihlenfeldt, Tyler Sandner. BACK: Grace Vann, Stacey Norman, Zella Zaskoda, Brittanie Gaas.

Lodge 17, New Tabor Senior Beseda Dancers

Lodge 30, Taiton Senior Beseda Dancers

Front, left to right, Grant Dusek, Chandler Malazzo, Colby Havemann, Nathan Blum. BACK: Grace Dusek, Shelby Norman, Kara Ihlenfeldt, Meghan Blum.

Front, left to right, Ryan Drapela, Dylan Treumer, Gerard Marcaurele, Steven Drapela. BACK: Jessica Fucik, Allison Fucik, Stephanie Fucik, Kenna Bubela.

16

D i s t r i c t O n e Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y 2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

Sunday, July 20, 2008 - Caldwell Civic Center

District One YAD was held on Sunday, July 20, 2008, at the Caldwell Civic Center. More than 300 entries were received, and very few entries did not show.

Our silent auction of the top three placing cookie entries in each age group and bake sale of the remaining entries made $845. Last year’s bake sale of ko-

laches brought $210. A check for $1,200 was presented to ENC President Randy Gaas on behalf of the youth of District One. We were very fortunate to have former youth club member, Lauren Prescott, as one of our talent/royalty judges. A special thanks goes to all who helped with registration and in tabulation. A big

thank you to District One Director Donnie Victorick for all his support of District One youth. Thanks, too, to Betty Suehs for providing the delicious meal for the youth leaders, workers, and judges. I would especially like to thank my assistants, Marie Shelfer, Ann Schoeneman, and Holly Narro, for all they do to make our youth program the

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Fidel Aparicio (1) 2nd - Hayden Kovar (9) 3rd - Trey Groce (17)

Hobby Kits Ages 6 to 8 1st - Tabor Dowell (17) 2nd - Kyle Brinkman (186) 3rd - Natalie See (9)

Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kellie Ihlenfeldt (17) 2nd - Jagger Wessels (1) 3rd - Jade Wessels (1)

Constructed Items Ages 6 to 8 1st - Patrick David (13) 2nd - Dillon Narro (17) 3rd - Colby See (9)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Haily Dever (9) 2nd - Logan Jones (17) 3rd - Grant Dusek (17)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Colby Havemann (17) 2nd - Hannah Kovar (9) 3rd - Nathan Blum (17) Foods Ages 6 to 8 1st - Colby See (9) 2nd - Grace Lewis (9) 3rd - Kyle Brinkman (186) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Trey Groce (17) 2nd - Emily Lewis (9) 3rd - Jeremy Ree (17)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Bowyn Bauer (1) 2nd - Haily Dever (9) 3rd - Robert Lewis (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Shiloh Perry (13) 2nd - Kristina Skrabanek (17) 3rd - Chandler Malazzo (17)

Ages 9 to11 1st - Shelby Lynn Rose (186) 2nd - Matthew Schoppe (9) 3rd - Deanna Hairrell (9) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Grant Dusek (17) 2nd - Tyler Sandner (17) 3rd - Brittanie Gaas (17)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Kristina Skrabanek (17) 2nd - Nicholas Havemann (17) 3rd - Dylan Roesler (39) Needlework Ages 6 to 8 1st - Grace Lewis (9) 2nd - Dillon Narro (17)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Emily Lewis (9) 2nd - Carlee See (9) 3rd - Matthew Schoppe (9) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Robert Lewis (9) 2nd - Brittanie Gaas (17)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Chandler Malazzo (17) 2nd - Meghan Blum (17) 3rd - Hannah Kovar (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Nicholas Havemann (17)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Trey Groce (17) 2nd - Logan Spanihel (1) 3rd - Colton Orsak (9)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Sierra Cash (17) 2nd - Logan Spanihel (1) 3rd - Hayden Kovar (9)

Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - Riley Allen (9) 2nd - Jade Wessels (1) 3rd - Elias Rose (186)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Shelby Allen (9) 2nd - Bowyn Bauer (1) 3rd - Cody Dever (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Nicholas Havemann (17) 2nd - Meghan Blum (17) 3rd - Colby Havemann (17)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Fidel Aparicio (1) 2nd - Mackenzie Allen (9) 3rd - Shelby Lynn Rose (186) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Shannan Cole (1) 2nd - Grace Vann (186) 3rd - Zachary Shelfer (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Kristina Skrabanek (17) 2nd - Colby Havemann (17) 3rd - Chandler Malazzo (17) Science and Education Ages 6 to 8 1st - Dillon Narro (17) 2nd - Grace Lewis (9) 3rd - Natalie See (9)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Trey Groce (17) 2nd - Sierra Cash (17) 3rd - Mackenzie Allen (9) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Tyler Sandner (17) 2nd - Haily Dever (9) 3rd - Robert Lewis (9)

Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kellie Ihlenfeldt (17) 2nd - Grace Lewis (9) 3rd - Elias Rose (186)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Colby Havemann (17) 2nd - Dylan Roesler (39)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Bowyn Bauer (1) 2nd - Haily Dever (9) 3rd - Zachary Shelfer (9)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Deanna Hairrell (9) 2nd - Emily Lewis (9) 3rd - Trey Groce (17)

Sewing Ages 6 to 8 1st - Natalee See (9) 2nd - Riley Allen (9) 3rd - Kellie Ihlenfeldt (17)

best in the state.

I am so proud of all the members of District One for all their hard work and commitment to our program. Without you, District One would not be the biggest youth program in the state. Way to go!

Susan Skrabanek District One Youth Counselor Ages 12 to 14 1st - Bowyn Bauer (1) 2nd - Robert Lewis (9) 3rd - Logan Jones (17)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Kristina Skrabanek (17) 2nd - Shiloh Perry (13) 3rd - Nicholas Havemann (17) Poster 1st - Lodge 1, Fayetteville 2nd - Lodge 17, New Tabor Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 17, New Tabor Individual Talent Ages 6 to 8 1st - Grace Lewis (9) 2nd - Patrick David (13)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Emily Lewis (9) 2nd - Deanna Hairrell (9) 3rd - Shelby Lynn Rose (186) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Grace Dusek (17) 2nd - Grace Vann (186)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Meghan Blum (17) 2nd - Shiloh Perry (13) 3rd - Hannah Kovar (9) Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 17, New Tabor 2nd - Lodge 9, Snook Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 17, New Tabor Royalty District One King Chandler Malazzo (17) District One Duke Tabor Dowell (17) District One Queen Grace Dusek District One Duchess Alexia Perkkio (17)

First Runner-Up King Josef Orsak (9) First Runner-Up Duke Kirk John Macik, Jr. (9) First Runner-Up Queen Shelby Norman (17) First Runner-Up Duchess Sierra Cash (17)

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t O n e Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y F irst Place Winners

17

2008 - 2009 District One Royalty

Youth Achievement Awards

Left to right, District One Duchess Alexia Perkkio, Queen Grace Dusek, King Chandler Malazzo, and Duke Tabor Dowell, all of Lodge 17, New Tabor.

State Youth Director John Hoelscher and District One Youth Counselor Susan Skrabanek present Youth Achievement Awards to Kimberly Skrabanek, second from left, and Lindsey Jones, both of Lodge 17, New Tabor.

Top Junior and Top Teen

Junior Group Talent

Senior Group Talent

District One Top Junior Hayden Kovar (9) and Top Teen Zachary Shelfer (9).

Lodge 17, New Tabor. Front, left to right, Sierra Cash, Kellie Ihlenfeldt, Alexia Perkkio, and Xzavior Sanchez. BACK: Trey Groce, Jeremy Ree, Laramie Cass, Tabor Dowell, Dillon Narro.

Lodge 17, New Tabor. Front, left to right, Meghan Blum, Kara Ihlenfeldt, Brittanie Gaas, Tyler Sandner, Logan Jones, Nathan Blum, Coy Cass. BACK: Grant Dusek, Grace Dusek, Shelby Norman, Zella Zaskoda, Stacey Norman, William Ihlenfeldt, Colby Havemann.

Individual Talent

Poster

Scrapbook

Left to right, Grace Lewis (9), Emily Lewis (9), Grace Dusek (17), Meghan Blum (17).

Lodge 1, Fayetteville Youth Club

Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club

18

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t O n e Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y First Place Craf t Winne rs Constructed Items

Foods

Handicraft

Left to right, Patrick David (13), Fidel Aparicio (1), Haily Dever (9), Colby Havemann (17).

Left to right, Colby See (9), Trey Groce (17), Bowyn Bauer (1), Chandler Malazzo (17).

Left to right, Riley Allen (9), Trey Groce (17), Shelby Allen (9), Shiloh Perry (13).

Hobby Kits

Needlework

Photography

Left to right, Tabor Dowell (17), Shelby-Lynn Rose (186), Grant Dusek (17), Kristina Skrabanek (17).

Left to right, Grace Lewis (9), Emily Lewis (9), Robert Lewis (9), Nicholas Havemann (17).

Left to right, Kellie Ihlenfeldt (17), Sierra Cash (17), Bowyn Bauer (1), Nicholas Havemann (17).

Pictorial Arts

Science and Education

Sewing

Left to right, Kellie Ihlenfeldt (17), Fidel Aparicio (1), Shannan Cole (1), Kristina Skrabanek (17).

Left to right, Dillon Narro (17), Trey Groce (17), Tyler Sandner (17), Colby Havemann (17).

Left to right, Natalee See (9), Deanna Hairrell (9), Bowyn Bauer (1), Kristina Skrabanek (17).

VӖSTNÍK

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t O n e Be s e d a D a n ce r s

19

Lodge 9, Snook Junior Beseda

Lodge 9, Snook Junior Beseda

Lodge 9, Snook Senior Beseda

Left to right, Colby See, Landon Eldridge, Hayden Kovar, Colton Orsak. BACK: Deanna Hairrell, Emily Lewis, Carlee See, Natalee See.

Left to right, Cody Dever, Dustin Smith, Robert Lewis, Zachary Shelfer. BACK: Taylor Allen, Mackenzie Allen, Haily Dever, Shelby Allen.

Left to right, John Russell, Bradley Shelfer, Josef Orsak, John Wheeler. BACK: Hannah Kovar, Robin Jakubik, Kim Wheeler, Jenna Jakubik.

Lodge 17, New Tabor Junior Beseda

Lodge 17, New Tabor Junior Beseda

Lodge 17, New Tabor Senior Beseda

Left to right, Laramie Cass, Trey Groce, Dillon Narro, Tabor Dowell. BACK: Grace Vann, Sierra Cash, Kellie Ihlenfeldt, Alexia Perkkio.

Left to right, Tyler Sandner, Coy Cass, Willie Ihlenfeldt, Logan Jones. BACK: Brittanie Gaas, Stacey Norman, Zella Zaskoda, Grace Vann.

Left to right, Grant Dusek, Colby Havemann, Nick Havemann, Nathan Blum. BACK: Grace Dusek, Kara Ihlenfeldt, Shelby Norman, Meghan Blum.

Thanks, District One Youth Leaders!

Front, left to right, Lodge 186, Caldwell Yolanda Brinkman; Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Leader Mabrey Dowell; Assistant District One Youth Counselor/Lodge 9, Snook Youth Leader Marie Shelfer; Assistant District One Youth Counselor/Lodge 17, New Tabor Assistant Youth Leader Holly Narro; and Assistant District One Youth Counselor Ann Schoeneman.

BACK: Lodge 186, Caldwell Assistant Youth Leader Carol Coker; Lodge 39, Bryan Assistant Youth Leader Ronnie Roesler; Lodge 39, Bryan Youth Leader Binnie Roesler; Lodge 13, Dime Box Assistant Youth Leader Sharon Russell; Lodge 13, Dime Box Youth Leader Sue Ellen David; Lodge 9, Snook Assistant Youth Leader Sharon Kovar; Lodge 1, Fayetteville Youth Leader Ronnie Pflughaupt; Lodge 1, Fayetteville Assistant Youth Leader Debby Pflughaupt; and District One Youth Counselor Susan Skrabanek.

Not pictured is Lodge 17, New Tabor Assistant Youth Leader Randy Gaas.

20

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

D i s t r i c t O n e Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y S c e n e s

LEFT PHOTO: Posing in their new jackets are, left to right, Assistant DYCs Marie Shelfer, Holly Narro, and Ann Schoeneman, and DYC Susan Skrabanek. CENTER PHOTO: Presenting participation prizes are Linda Gaas, left, and Assistant District One Youth Counselor Ann Schoene-

man. RIGHT PHOTO: Tabulating the contest results are, left to right, Debby Pflughaupt of Lodge 1, Fayetteville; District One Director Donnie Victorick; Betty Suehs of Lodge 17, New Tabor; and Larry Brinkman of Lodge 186, Caldwell.

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 17, New Tabor Queen Contestant Shelby Norman rehearses her speech for her mother Sandra prior to the competition.

CENTER PHOTO: Assistant DYC Holly Narro sorts through the flow-

ers. RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 17, New Tabor King Contestant Grant Dusek gets help with his tie from his father 1970 SPJST State King Ted Dusek.

LEFT PHOTO: 2007-2008 State Royalty are pictured with the newly crowned 2008-2009 District One Royalty. They are, front, left to right, State Duchess Kellie Ihlenfeldt, District One Duchess Alexia Perkkio, District One Duke Tabor Dowell, and State Duke Laramie Cass. Back: State Queen Lindsey Jones, District One Queen Grace Dusek, District One King Chandler Malazzo, and State King Colby Havemann. RIGHT PHOTO: Dis-

trict One Royalty contestants. Dukes and duchesses are, front, left to right, Kirk Macik (9), Colby See (9), Mackenzie Allen (9), Sierra Cash (17), Alexia Perkkio (17), and Tabor Dowell (17). Back: King and queen contestants are, left to right, Grant Dusek (17), Josef Orsak (9), Bradley Shelfer (9), Taylor Allen (9), Shiloh Perry (13), Shelby Norman (17), Meghan Blum (17), Grace Dusek (17), and Chandler Malazzo (17).

D i s t r i c t Tw o Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

21

Sunday, July 27, 2008 - Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall

Youth Achievement Day takes a lot of preparation and hard work by many.

Lodge 47, Seaton members arrived bright and early Saturday morning to help get tables set up and covered, chairs set up, and the stage ready. We thank them for their utmost warm welcome and hospitality for hosting this year’s event. The fajita lunch meal was delicious. Thank you for hosting the 2008-2009 District Two YAD and making it such a fun and remarkable day for our many youth. A big thank you is extended to all who helped in any way. It took each of you to help make sure all of the more than 300 entries were registered and in order.

Youth members, you did an outstanding job in your royalty, talent, craft, and beseda entries. Thank you for your countless hours of hard work. Each of you is a winner for participating.

District Two YAD was held on Sunday, July 27, 2008, at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton. It was a great day for our many talented youth. Flags were presented

by District Two Flag Bearers Ryan Festa (80) and Zoe Edwards (47). It was so good to see many former youth club members in attendance. How very proud and excited I was to have three of our 2008 graduated seniors taking part in this important day. We were honored to have Crystal Morris (47) sing the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Crystal, your voice is awesome. Keep

up the good work. Rena Greger (47), helped with the talent and royalty competitions, and Amber Pechal (47), our 2005-2006 District Two Queen and First Runner-Up State Queen serve as mistress of ceremonies. Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek led us in a word of prayer.

Mistress of Ceremonies Amber Pechal introduced the royalty court.

What a beautiful and handsome court!

Congratulations to each of you for participating: King Contestant Matthew Hoelscher and Duke Kyle Hoelscher, both of Lodge 47, Seaton; Queen Contestant Mary Tischler and Duchess Bayleigh Washam, both of Lodge 20, Granger; Queen Contestant Amber Penn and Duchess Macey Malcik, both of Lodge 24, Cyclone; and Queen Contestant Stephanie Vanicek and Duchess Meghan Malcik, both of Lodge 24, Cyclone. Although we were a little on the shy side of contestants, I know that next year promises to have many king and queen entrants. Proudly announced as our 2008-2009 District Two King and Queen were Matthew Hoelscher of Seaton and Amber Penn of Cyclone, along with Duke Kyle Hoelscher (47) and Duchess Macey Malcik (24). We look forward to you representing District Two in many events this year.

A special thank you and recognition to our 2007-2008 District King Cyril

Pajestka (80), Queen Mary Tischler (20), Duke Kyle Hoelscher (47), and Duchess Bayleigh Washam (20). You represented District Two so well. The best of luck is extended to you in all your endeavors.

Our day continued with individual and group talent. Once again, what competition! I praise all the youth who were up on that stage. With many new members, this was their first time on stage, and they had outstanding performances.

Merit point awards were presented to all eligible youth club members.

Congratulations to all those members who have been so active all year long.

Kirsten White (80) was the top senior, and Samantha White (80) was the top junior.

Youth achievement awards were presented to: Lodge 24, Cyclone Angela Garcia Erin Hattemer Lodge 47, Seaton Rena Greger Amber Pechal Crystal Morris

Lodge 89, Rosebud Jimmy Baker Justin Benner

We again had a silent auction on the food entries. This year’s food was cookies, and there were plenty of wonderful tasting entries. The first place cookies were placed in a live auction.

First place winners Neil Rabroker and Ashlyn Zavodny’s cookies were bought by Lodge 47, Seaton. Cavan Vestal’s first place cookies were purchased by Emilie Tischler, and Macey Malcik’s prize winners were won by Ruth Wuensche. A special thank you to all who bid on the silent and live auction items. All monies collected will be donated to the Education and Nature Center, which we are looking forward to becoming a reality very soon.

How exciting it was to have three beseda circles perform during the day.

They all did such an outstanding job.

You are all very special, and each of you is a winner.

Our evening concluded with participation, craft, and talent awards. Following is a list of all the winners. I just want to thank all of the youth and parents for making this such a memorable day. I especially want to thank everyone, youth leaders, members, and parents for always helping out wherever you are needed.

Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor —SPJST—

District Two Junior Beseda Dancers

District Two Junior Beseda Dancers

District Two Senior Beseda Dancers

Left to right, Chase Alexander, Kyle Hoelscher, Haley Popelka, Justin Kraatz. BACK: Bayley Fulton, Kaitlyn Whatley, Alyssa Popelka, Zoe Edwards.

Left to right, Jerry Pechal, Dounia Mohad, Christopher Zavodny, Brandon Hoelscher.

RIGHT: Julia Zavodny, Madison Malcik, Alexis Festa, Samantha White.

Left to right, Nichole Festa, Neil Rabroker, Matthew Hoelscher, Sam Vanicek. RIGHT: Amber Penn, Stephanie Vanicek, Kirsten White, Ashlyn Zavodny.

22

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VÓ–STNĂ?K

D i s t r i c t Tw o Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y

Sunday, July 27, 2008 - Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall Constructed Items Ages 6 to 8 1st - T.J. Anderson (18) 2nd - Cade Campbell (24) 3rd - Nash Campbell (24)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Cole Campbell (24) 2nd - Brandon Hoelscher (47) 3rd - Kaitlyn Whatley (29) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Mikhaila Nelson (18) 2nd - Jerry Pechal (47)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - David Mainard (24) 2nd - Neil Rabroker (47) Foods Ages 6 to 8 1st - Macey Malcik (24) 2nd - Chase Alexander (47) 3rd - Abbey Fulton (47)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Cavan Vestal (20) 2nd - Brady Alexander (47) 3rd - Madison Malcik (24) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Ashlyn Zavodny (47) 2nd - Maura Vestal (20) 3rd - Nichole Festa (80)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Neil Rabroker (47) 2nd - Amber Penn (24) 3rd - Kirsten White (80) Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - Macey Malcik (24) 2nd - Nash Campbell (24) 3rd - Ramsey Washam (20) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Jacqui Wiest (80) 2nd - Alexis Festa (80) 3rd - Brady Alexander (47)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Brooke Hoelscher (47) 2nd - Mikhaila Nelson (18) 3rd - J.B. Anderson (18)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Kirsten White (80) 2nd - Stephanie Vanicek (24) 3rd - Neil Rabroker (47)

Hobby Kits Ages 6 to 8 1st - Cade Campbell (24) 2nd - Michael Hoelscher (24) 3rd - Chase Alexander (47)

Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - Michael Hoelscher (24) 2nd - Carley Cummings (47) 3rd - Angelina Ringwald (47)

Ages 9 to11 1st - Jarrod Godwin (24) 2nd - Kyle Hoelscher (47) 3rd - Cole Campbell (24)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Dounia Mohad (29) 2nd - Madeline Cummings (47) 3rd - Jacqui Wiest (80)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Neil Rabroker (47) 2nd - Amber Penn (24)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Mary Tischler (20) 2nd - Stephanie Vanicek (24) 3rd - Amber Penn (24)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Mikhaila Nelson (18) 2nd - Ashlyn Zavodny (47) 3rd - Matthew Hoelscher (47)

Needlework Ages 6 to 8 1st - Macey Malcik (24) 2nd - Kayla Wuensche (48) 3rd - T.J. Anderson (18) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Madison Malcik (24) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Nichole Festa (80) 2nd - J.B. Anderson (18)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Amber Penn (24) 2nd - E.J. Anderson (18) Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Ty Stock (24) 2nd - Alyssa Popelka (47) 3rd - Brandon Girod (29)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Justin Kraatz (47) 2nd - Kaitlyn Whatley (29) 3rd - Madison Malcik (24)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Nichole Festa (80) 2nd - Matthew Hoelscher (47) 3rd - Ashlyn Zavodny (47)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Stephanie Vanicek (24) 2nd - Amber Penn (24) 3rd - E.J. Anderson (18)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Brooke Hoelscher (47) 2nd - Sam Vanicek (24) 3rd - Elizabeth Tischler (20)

Science and Education Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kayla Wuensche (48) 2nd - Ryan Festa (80) 3rd - Ty Stock (24)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Cole Campbell (24) 2nd - Brandon Hoelscher (47) 3rd - William Langley (20) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Elizabeth Tischler (20) 2nd - Sam Vanicek (24) 3rd - Maura Vestal (20)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Stephanie Vanicek (24) 2nd - Mary Tischler (20) Sewing Ages 6 to 8 1st - Chase Alexander (47) 2nd - Haley Popelka (47)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Bayleigh Washam (20) 2nd - Brady Alexander (47) 3rd - Brandon Hoelscher (47) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Elizabeth Tischler (20) 2nd - Sam Vanicek (24) 3rd - Brooke Hoelscher (47)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Stephanie Vanicek (24)

Poster 1st - Lodge 24, Cyclone 2nd - Lodge 47, Seaton 3rd - Lodge 29, Taylor

Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 24, Cyclone 2nd - Lodge 80, Holland 3rd - Lodge 47, Seaton

Individual Talent Ages 6 to 8 1st - Abbey Fulton (47) 2nd - Kayla Wuensche (48) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Bayley Fulton (47) 2nd - Jacqui Wiest (80) 3rd - Julia Zavodny (47)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Maura Vestal (20) 2nd - Mikhaila Nelson (18)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Amber Penn (24) Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 47, Seaton 2nd - Lodge 20, Granger 3rd - Lodge 47, Seaton

Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 24, Cyclone 2nd - Lodge 80, Holland 3rd - Lodge 80, Holland Royalty District One King Matthew Hoelscher (47) District One Duke Kyle Hoelscher (47) District One Queen Amber Penn (24) District One Duchess Macey Malcik (24)

First Runner-Up Queen Mary Tischler (20) First Runner-Up Duchess Bayleigh Washam (20)

Second Runner-Up Queen Stephanie Vanicek (24) Second Runner-Up Duchess Meghan Malcik (24)

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t Tw o Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y F irst Place Winners

23

2008 - 2009 District Two Royalty

Youth Achievement Awards

Left to right, District Two Duchess Macey Malcik and Queen Amber Penn, both of Lodge 24, Cyclone, King Matthew Hoelscher and Duke Kyle Hoelscher, both of Lodge 47, Seaton.

District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky, center, presents Youth Achievement awards to, left to right, Jimmy Baker of Lodge 89, Rosebud and Amber Pechal, Crystal Morris, and Rena Greger, all of Lodge 47, Seaton.

Top Junior and Top Teen

Junior Group Talent

Senior Group Talent

District Two Top Junior Samantha White (80) and Top Teen Kirsten White (80).

Lodge 47, Seaton. Front, left to right, Zoe Edwards and Brandon Hoelscher. BACK: Chase Alexander, Payton Porubsky, Kyle Hoelscher, Colton Regan, Brady Alexander.

Lodge 24, Cyclone. Left to right, Amber Penn, Sam Vanicek, Stephanie Vanicek.

Individual Talent

Poster

Scrapbook

Left to right, Abbey Fulton (47), Bayley Fulton (47), Maura Vestal (20), Amber Penn (24).

Lodge 24, Cyclone Youth Club

Lodge 24, Cyclone Youth Club

24

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VÓ–STNĂ?K

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t Tw o Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y First Place Craf t Winne rs Constructed Items

Foods

Handicraft

Left to right, T.J. Anderson (18), Cole Campbell (24), Mikhaila Nelson (18), David Mainard (24).

Left to right, Macey Malcik (24), Cavan Vestal (20), Ashlyn Zavodny (47), Neil Rabroker (47).

Left to right, Macey Malcik (24), Jacqui Wiest (80), Brooke Hoelscher (47), Kirsten White (80).

Hobby Kits

Needlework

Photography

Left to right, Cade Campbell (24), Jarrod Godwin (24), Mikhaila Nelson (18), Neil Rabroker (47).

Left to right, Macey Malcik (24), Madison Malcik (24), Nichole Festa (80), Amber Penn (24).

Left to right, Ty Stock (24), Justin Kraatz (47), Nichole Festa (80), Stephanie Vanicek (24).

Pictorial Arts

Science and Education

Sewing

Left to right, Michael Hoelscher (47), Dounia Mohad (29), Brooke Hoelscher (47), Mary Tischler (20).

Left to right, Kayla Wuensche (48), Cole Campbell (24), Elizabeth Tischler (20), Stephanie Vanicek (24).

Left to right, Chase Alexander (47), Bayleigh Washam (20), Elizabeth Tischler (20), Stephanie Vanicek (24).

VӖSTNÍK

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

D i s t r i c t Tw o Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y S c e n e s

25

LEFT PHOTO: DYC Patsy Koslovsky congratulates the 2008-2009 District Two Royalty. CENTER PHOTO: Queen Amber Penn is pictured with her parents Ricky and Kathy Penn, brother Kyle and sister-in-law Kimberly.

They are members of Lodge 24, Cyclone. RIGHT PHOTO: King Matthew is pictured with parents Mark and Patricia Hoelscher and younger brother and District Two Duke Kyle. They are all members of Lodge 47, Seaton.

LEFT PHOTO: Participants and parents register craft projects. CENTER PHOTO: Heidi Bartek serves Richard Greger. RIGHT PHOTO: District

Two Flag Bearers Zoe Edwards and Ryan Festa prepare to bring in the flags to open the day’s event.

LEFT PHOTO: Tabulators, left to right, are District Two Director Bobby Wuensche, District Two Assistant Youth Counselor Janet Lyon, and Ruth Ann Wuensche of Lodge 48, Beyersville. CENTER PHOTO: Crystal Morris of Lodge 47, Seaton sings the National Anthem. RIGHT PHOTO: Thanks to the youth leaders and assistants of District Two. They are, seated, left to right, Assistant DYC Janet Lyon, Lodge 80, Holland YL Heleana White;

Lodge 18, Elgin YL Joyce Nelson; Lodge 47, Seaton AYL Brenda Hoelscher; Lodge 24, Cyclone AYL Kim Campbell; and Lodge 24, Cyclone YL Joan Vanicek. Back: Assistant DYC Carol Tallas; Lodge 80, Holland AYL Christine Festa; Lodge 29, Taylor YL Cristy Girod; Lodge 29, Taylor AYL Tammy Whatley; Lodge 20, Granger YL Emilie Tischler; Lodge 47, Seaton YL Melanie Regan; Lodge 47, Seaton AYL Chaundra Mitchan; and DYC Patsy Koslovsky.

LEFT PHOTO: The silent auction was a popular event. CENTER PHOTO: Left to right, David Pechal, Joe Morris, and State Youth Director John Hoelscher conduct the live auction of the first place cookie entries. RIGHT PHOTO: Congratulations to the first place food winners and their buyers

in the live auction. They are, left to right, Cavan Vestal (20) and buyer Emilie Tischler representing Lodge 20, Granger Youth Club; Macey Malcik (24) and buyer Ruth Ann Wuensche (48); Ashlyn Zavodny (47) and Neil Rabroker (47) and buyer Dolores Skrabanek representing Lodge 47, Seaton.

26

D i s t r i c t T h r e e Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y 2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

Sunday, June 22, 2008 - Sokol Hall in Ennis

Lodge 135, Ennis presently does not have a youth club, but at a District Three Meeting, member Larry Laznovsky heard about our Youth Achievement Day and stated the lodge was interested in hosting the annual event. The youth of the district were excited that Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Leader Margaret Krajca offered to help Larry with our big event.

And, what a big event it was! The members of Lodge 135 really jumped into it to help out, and they made our day so successful. Thank you to all members who helped. Now that you

District Three is so proud of our State Queen Alexa Hubenak and State Duchess Lauren Traugott.

Alexa is 14 years old and the daughter of Staci Hubenak. Alexa has served many positions in her youth club at Lodge 92, Fort Worth. She is a freshman at Temple Christian School where she has been involved in spelling bee, art fair, science fair, math Olympics, and National Junior Honor Society.

Alexa is a talented dancer in tap, jazz, and lyrical. Her main goal in the last two years has been to help her youth leader Holly Hubenak to raise the membership up in their youth club.

Alexa is a very active member in her lodge and is always willing to help out in whatever way she can.

State Duchess Lauren Traugott is 10 years old and the daughter of Danny Traugott. Lauren is also an active member of Lodge 92, Fort Worth. She is in the fifth grade at Jack C. Binion Elementary.

District Three King is Paris Milan and his duke is Kyler Dunlap. They are both from Lodge 154, Fort Worth.

Paris is 17 years old and the son of Jerry “Rome” Milan and Mila Milan.

Paris, too, has served many positions in

see how much fun we have, how about forming that youth club now? You really do know how to put on a big event!

I was very proud of our youth and all of the talented crafts they turned in.

Many of our District Three winners received state awards at State YAD in Killeen on August 9.

Many thanks to the parents who helped the youth leaders at registration and setting up to make our day go so smoothly. It is always nice to see you jumping in to help our youth. I am so blessed to have such wonderful people.

Parents and youth leaders, you have

blessed me with the opportunity to serve these talented children.

Our organization should be very proud of District Three in all of its accomplishments. But, it all could not have been done without you and your dedication.

This year, royalty was the best ever.

So many of our young ones are willing to jump in front of that microphone to face another’s fear . . . public speaking.

I was glad we had three outstanding judges to choose only one to represent our district. The judges sent the best candidates to State YAD, and I am so

District Three: Proud of Royalty

his youth club at Lodge 154. This is Paris’ senior year at Boswell High School. His future plan is to attend college and eventually run his own business. He enjoys skate boarding, painting, and doing his own business on the internet. He is a very active member at Lodge 154 and is always ready to have that helping hand. No matter what you ask him to do or no matter what kind of job, Paris is always

Congratulations to District Three Queen Alexa Hubenak and Duchess Lauren Traugott who were crowned State Queen and Duchess at State YAD on August 9 in Killeen. They are pictured with District Three representatives, left to right, DYC Bessie Petr, Director Johnnie Krizan, Assistant DYC Lynda Novak, and Assistant DYC Diana Engelke.

proud of their hard work and dedication.

Good luck to all who received the first place awards. The youth must understand it is so hard to choose just one when you have so many perfect items.

And, our royalty will represent District Three well. Just remember everyone is a winner!

Fraternally yours Bessie Petr District Three Youth Counselor —SPJST—

there.

Duke Kyler Dunlap is seven years old and the son of Melissa and Chris Dunlap. Kyler and his family are involved and very active in the youth club at Lodge 154, Fort Worth. Kyler attends Effie Morris Elementary and is in the second grade.

District Three is very proud of Alexa, Lauren, Paris, and Kyler and all of their accomplishments. We think that they are the best in the state celebrating ’08! So, keep up the great work, kids. We love what you are doing!

Fraternally, Bessie Petr District Three Youth Counselor —SPJST—

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

D i s t r i c t T h r e e Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y

27

Sunday, June 22, 2008 - Sokol Hall in Ennis

Constructed Items Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kyler Dunlap (154) 2nd - Hayley Slovak (25) 3rd –Kendal Dunlap (154) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Devin Krajca (25)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Michael Jurik (25)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Colton Daniel (183) 2nd - Anna Dulock (6) 3rd - Jordan Hunter (25) Foods Ages 6 to 8 1st - Austen Holland (25) 2nd - Raiven Jackson (6) 3rd - Brandon Droste (25)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Alison Moore (6) 2nd - Katelyn Daniel (183) 3rd - Amanda Jurik (25) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Michael Jurik (25) 2nd - Kattie Weeks (183) 3rd - Alexa Hubenak (92)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Colton Daniel (183) 2nd - Chelsea Reed (183) 3rd - Raychel Clark (25) Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - April Dvorak (25) 2nd - Angel Pace (154) 3rd - Carter Charanza (6) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Amanda Jurik (25) 2nd - Dustin Motley (25) 3rd - Alison Moore (6)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Talia Milan (154) 2nd Victoria Motley (25) 3rd - Alexa Hubenak (92)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Colton Daniel (183) 2nd - Desiree Christman (84) 3rd - Lakn Dieterich (6)

Hobby Kits Ages 6 to 8 1st - Erica Clark (25) 2nd - Rachael Humphreys (154) 3rd - Justin Mraz (25) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Paige Tignor (25) 2nd - Lauren Traugott (92) 3rd - Devin Krajca (25) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Victoria Motley (25) 2nd - Taylor Cornell (154)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Emily Humphreys (154) 2nd - Jordan Hunter (25) 3rd - Chelsea Reed (183) Needlework Ages 6 to 8 1st - Raiven Jackson (6) 2nd - Zachary McManus (84) 3rd - Erica Clark (25) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Paige Tignor (25) 2nd - Lauren Traugott (92) 3rd - Madeline Clark (25)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Amelia Peterson (6) 2nd - Rachel McManus (84) 3rd - Taylor Cornell (154)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Courtney Halbert (6) 2nd - Jordan Hunter (25) 3rd - Raychel Clark (25) Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Carter Charanza (6) 2nd - Kyler Dunlap (154) 3rd - Sophie Milan (154)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Devin Krajca (25) 2nd - Andrea Tatarevich (92) 3rd - Amanda Jurik (25) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Kattie Weeks (183) 2nd - Michael Jurik (25) 3rd - Tommy Weeks (183)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brooke Hood (92) 2nd - Lakn Dieterich (6) 3rd - Raychel Clark (25) Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - Angel Pace (154) 2nd - April Dvorak (25) 3rd - Sophie Milan (154)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Dustin Motley (25) 2nd - Devin Krajca (25) 3rd - Madeline Clark (25) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Talia Milan (154) 2nd - Katie Weeks (183) 3rd - Michael Jurik (25)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Anna Dulock (6) 2nd - Desiree Christman (84) 3rd - Lakn Dieterich (6) Science and Education Ages 6 to 8 1st - Amanda Droste (25) 2nd - Sophie Milan (154) 3rd - Carter Charanza (6)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Melinda McClellan (84) 2nd - Madeline Clark (25) 3rd - Katelyn Daniel (183) Sewing Ages 6 to 8 1st - Raiven Jackson (6) 2nd - Hayley Slovak (25) 3rd - Brandon Droste (25)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Katelyn Daniel (183) 2nd - Madeline Clark (25) 3rd - Melinda McClellan (84) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Talia Milan (154)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Anna Dulock (6) 2nd - Lakn Dieterich (6) 3rd - Raychel Clark (25)

Poster 1st - Lodge 183, Arlington 2nd - Lodge 84, Dallas 3rd - Lodge 25, Ennis Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 183, Arlington 2nd - Lodge 84, Dallas 3rd - Lodge 25, Ennis Individual Talent Ages 6 to 8 1st - Erica Clark (25) 2nd - Angel Pace (154) 3rd - Pierce Tignor (25)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Madeline Clark (25) 2nd - Melinda McClellan (84) 3rd - Paige Tignor (25) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Alexa Hubenak (92) 2nd - Gena Weeks (183) 3rd - Katie Weeks (183)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brooke Hood (92) 2nd - Courtney Halbert (6) Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 154, Fort Worth 2nd - Lodge 25, Ennis 3rd - Lodge 25, Ennis Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 92, Fort Worth 2nd - Lodge 183, Arlington 3rd - Lodge 6, Cottonwood Royalty District Three King Paris Milan (154) District Three Duke Kyler Dunlap (154) District Three Queen Alexa Hubenak (92) District Three Duchess Lauren Traugott (92)

First Runner-Up Queen Chelsea Reed (183) First Runner-Up Duchess Sophie Milan (154) Second Runner-Up Queen Brooke Hood (92) Second Runner-Up Duchess Andrea Tatarevich (92)

28

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t T h r e e Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y F irst Place Winners 2008 - 2009 District Three Royalty

Youth Achievement Awards

Left to right, District Three Duke Kyler Dunlap and King Paris Milan, both of Lodge 154, Fort Worth, Queen Alexa Hubenak and Duchess Lauren Traugott, both of Lodge 92, Fort Worth.

LEFT PHOTO: District Three Youth Counselor Bessie Petr and State Youth Director John Hoelscher, right, present the Youth Achievement Award to Blake Ryan of Lodge 25, Ennis. RIGHT PHOTO: Andrew Dulock of Lodge 6, Cottonwood accepts the Youth Achievement Award from DYC Bessie Petr.

Top Junior and Top Teen

Junior Group Talent

Senior Group Talent

District Three Top Junior Hayley Slovak (25) and Top Teen Blake Ryan (25).

Lodge 154, Fort Worth. Left to right, Angel Pace and Talia Milan.

Lodge 92, Fort Worth. Left to right, Alexa Hubenak and Brooke Hood.

Individual Talent

Poster

Scrapbook

Left to right, Erica Clark (25), Madeline Clark (25), Alexa Hubenak (92), Brooke Hood (92).

Lodge 183, Arlington Youth Club

Lodge 183, Arlington Youth Club

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VÓ–STNĂ?K

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t T h r e e Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y First Place Craf t Winne rs

29

Constructed Items

Foods

Handicraft

Left to right, Kyler Dunlap (154), Devin Krajca (25), Michael Jurik (25), Colton Daniel (183).

Left to right, Austen Holland (25), Alison Moore (6), Michael Jurik (25), Colton Daniel (183).

Left to right, April Dvorak (25), Amanda Jurik (25), Talia Milan (154), Colton Daniel (183).

Hobby Kits

Needlework

Photography

Left to right, Erica Clark (25), Paige Tignor (25), Victoria Motley (25), Emily Humphreys (154).

Left to right, Raiven Jackson (6), Paige Tignor (25), Amelia Peterson (6), Courtney Halbert (6).

Left to right, Carter Charanza (6), Devin Krajca (25), Katie Weeks (183), Brooke Hood (92).

Pictorial Arts

Science and Education

Sewing

Left to right, Angel Pace (154), Dustin Motley (25), Talia Milan (154), Anna Dulock (6).

Left to right, Amanda Droste (25), Melinda McClellan (84).

Left to right, Raiven Jackson (6), Katelyn Daniel (183), Talia Milan (154), Anna Dulock (6).

30

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

D i s t r i c t T h r e e Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y S c e n e s

LEFT PHOTO: Pictured are, left to right, District Three Youth Counselor Bessie Petr, Assistant DYC Lynda Novak, and Assistant DYC Diana En-

gelke. RIGHT PHOTO: The 2008 District Three Youth Achievement Day participants!

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 135, Ennis Vice President Jerry Chudej welcomes everyone to Lodge 135 who hosted this year’s YAD. The day’s emcee Mary Steinman is also pictured. PHOTO 2: Emcee Mary Steinman interviews Leader-in-Training Tommy Weeks of Lodge 183, Arlington. PHOTO

3: Lori Pace, left, and Rosie Steinman, both of Lodge 154, Fort Worth look at the cookie entries in the silent auction. Funds raised went to the SPJST Education and Nature Center. RIGHT PHOTO: Debra Daniel, left, and Ann Pustejovsky, both of Lodge 183, Arlington admire the craft entries.

LEFT PHOTO: Thanks to tabulators, left to right, George Pauling of Lodge 66, Waco; Gordon and Cheryl Hubenak, both of Lodge 92, Fort Worth; and standing, District Three Director Johnnie Krizan and Larry Hargiss of

Lodge 154, Fort Worth. CENTER PHOTO: Attendees review the scrapbook entries. RIGHT PHOTO: Anne, Scott, and Elisabeth Cowan, all of Lodge 84, Dallas, look at the craft entries.

LEFT PHOTO: Duke Kyler Dunlap and King Paris Milan, both of Lodge 154, Fort Worth. CENTER PHOTO: Thanks to the 2007-2008 District Three Royalty: Duchess Reagan Moore and Queen Julia Tucker, both of Lodge 6, Cottonwood, and King Blake Ryan and Duke Austen Holland, both of Lodge 25, Ennis. RIGHT PHOTO: Queen and Duchess Contestants. Front, left to

right, Sophie Milan (154), Andrea Tatarevich (92), Melinda McClellan (84), Lauren Traugott (92), Rachael Humphreys (154), and Raiven Jackson (6).

Back: Chelsea Reed (183), Brooke Hood (92), Desiree Christman (84), Alexa Hubenak (92), Emily Humphreys (154), and Courtney Halbert (6).

Thanks to all contestants who participating.

D i s t r i c t F o u r Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y 2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

31

Saturday, July 12, 2008 - Culpepper’s in Abilene Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Shalee Williams (215)

Constructed Items Ages 12 to 14 1st - Audree Williams (215)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Audree Williams (215) 2nd - Kaycee Lehmann (215) 3rd - Chevante Bell (229)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Reed Williams (215) Foods Ages 6 to 8 1st - Shalee Williams (215)

Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - Jordan Taylor (229)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Audree Williams (215) 2nd - Carson Lehmann (215) 3rd - Kaycee Lehmann (215)

Sewing Ages 6 to 8 1st - Shalee Williams (215)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Audree Williams (215)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Reed Williams (215) Poster 1st - Lodge 215, South Plains

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Katelyn Taylor (229)

Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 215, South Plains

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Christine Brooks (229) 2nd - Chevante Bell (229)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Reed Williams (215) Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - Jordan Taylor (229)

2008 - 2009 District Four Royalty

Individual Talent Ages 6 to 8 1st - Shalee Williams (215) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Chevante Bell (229) Royalty District Four King Reed Williams (215) District Four Queen Kenzie Angeley (215) District Four Duchess Shalee Williams (215)

First Runner-Up King Chevante Bell (229)

District Four Royalty Participants

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Katelyn Taylor (229)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Kaycee Lehmann (215) 2nd - Chevante Bell (229) Hobby Kits Ages 12 to 14 1st - Chevante Bell (229)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Reed Williams (215) Needlework Ages 12 to 14 1st - Carson Lehmann (215) 2nd - Chevante Bell (229)

District Four Royalty participants are, front, left to right, Left to right, District Four King Reed Williams, Shalee Williams (215), Kenzie Angeley (215), and Queen Kenzie Angeley, and Duchess Shalee Malique Jackson (229). BACK: Reed Williams (215) and Williams, all of Lodge 215, South Plains.

Chevante Jackson (229).

Top Junior and Top Teen

Poster

Scrapbook

District Four Top Junior Audree Williams (215) and Top Teen Christine Brooks (229).

Lodge 215, South Plains Youth Club

Lodge 215, South Plains Youth Club

32

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t F o u r Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y First Place Craf t Winne rs

District Four Youth Achievement Day was held Saturday, July 12, 2008, in Abilene, Texas. There

were 28 craft entries, two individual talents, and three royalty contestants. Youth members were from

Lodges 215, South Plains and 229, Abilene.

—Submitted by Janeece Williams

Constructed Items

Foods

Handicraft

Left to right, Audree Williams (215), Reed Williams (215).

Left to right, Shalee Williams (215), Audree Williams (215), Reed Williams (215).

Left to right, Jordan Taylor (229), Katelyn Taylor (229), Kaycee Lehmann (215).

Hobby Kits

Needlework

Photography

Left to right, Chevante Bell (229), Reed Williams (215).

Carson Lehmann (215).

Left to right, Shalee Williams (215), Audree Williams (215).

Pictorial Arts

Sewing

Individual Talent

Left to right, Jordan Taylor (229), Katelyn Taylor (229), Christine Brooks (229).

Left to right, Shalee Williams (215), Audree Williams (215), Reed Williams (215).

Left to right, Shalee Williams (215), Chevante Bell (229).

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

D i s t r i c t F i v e Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y

33

Sunday, June 29, 2008 - SPJST Lodge 88, Houston

Constructed Items Ages 6 to 8 1st - Blake Brogdon (88) 2nd - Sean Moncrief (88)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Allison Wockenfuss (88)

Foods Ages 6 to 8 1st - Blake Brogdon (88) 2nd - Mackenzie Collins (162) 3rd - Nicholas Latigo (88) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Cole Collins (162) 2nd - Denae Bronikowski (88) 3rd - Collin Zwahr (162) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Ashley Moncrief (88) 2nd - Austin Harmon (88) 3rd - Devon Zwahr (162)

Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - Alyssa Moyle (162) 2nd - MacKenzie Collins (162) 3rd - Sean Moncrief (88) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Ryan Bronikowski (88) 2nd - Allison Wockenfuss (88) 3rd - Avery Moyle (162) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Devon Zwahr (162) 2nd - Ashley Moncrief (88)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Jodi Malovets (162) Hobby Kits Ages 6 to 8 1st - Sean Moncrief (88) 2nd - Jessica Schoen (88) 3rd - Alyssa Moyle (162)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Rheana Bounds (142) 2nd - Allison Wockenfuss (88) 3rd - Ryan Bronikowski (88) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Austin Harmon (88) 2nd - Ashley Moncrief (88)

Needlework Ages 6 to 8 1st - Jessica Schoen (88) 2nd - Jorgia Conway (142)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Denae Bronikowski (88) Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Alyssa Moyle (162) 2nd - Jessica Schoen (88) 3rd - Nicholas Latigo (88)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Avery Moyle (162) 2nd - Denae Bronikowski (88) 3rd - Jaci Malovets (162)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Krystal Elizabeth Flores (88) 2nd - Douglas Coleman (88) 3rd - Austin Harmon (139) Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Jodi Malovets (162) Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - Blake Brogdon (88) 2nd - MacKenzie Collins (162) 3rd - Sean Moncrief (88) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Ryan Bronikowski (88) 2nd - Denae Bronikowski (88) 3rd - Cole Collins (162) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Ashley Moncrief (88) 2nd - Douglas Coleman (88) Science and Education Ages 6 to 8 1st - Jessica Schoen (88) 2nd - Blake Brogdon (88)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Allison Wockenfuss (88) 2nd - Jaci Malovets (162) Ages 12 to 14 1st –Austin Harmon (139) Sewing Ages 9 to 11 1st - Collin Zwahr (162)

Ages 12 to 14 1st –Devon Zwahr (162)

Poster 1st - Lodge 88, Houston 2nd - Lodge 162, Iowa Colony 3rd - Lodge 142, Houston Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 88, Houston 2nd - Lodge 162, Iowa Colony 3rd - Lodge 142, Houston Individual Talent Ages 9 to 11 1st - Avery Moyle (162) 2nd - Denae Bronikowski (88) 3rd - Rheana Bounds (142) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Ashley Moncrief (88) 2nd - Douglas Coleman (88)

Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 88, Houston Royalty King District Five King Devon Zwahr (162) District Five Duke Collin Zwahr (162) District Five Queen Jodi Malovets (162) District Five Duchess Alyssa Moyle (162)

First Runner-Up King Douglas Coleman (88) First Runner-Up Duke Nicholas Latigo (88)

See how many craft-related words you can find and circle throughout the puzzle below.

34

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t F i v e Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y Winners 2008 - 2009 District Five Royalty

District Five Royalty Participants

Left to right, District Five Duchess Alyssa Moyle, Queen Jodi Malovets, King Devon Zwahr, and Duke Collin Zwahr, all of Lodge 162, Iowa Colony.

Front, left to right, Alyssa Moyle (162), 2007-2008 District Five Duchess Allison Wockenfuss (88), 2007-2008 District Five Duke Zachary Collins (162), Nicholas Latigo (88), and Collin Zwahr (162). BACK: Jodi Malovets (162), 2007-2008 District Five Queen Ashley Moncrief (88), 2007-2008 District Five King Douglas Coleman (88), and Devon Zwahr (162).

District Five Youth Leaders

Top Junior

Junior Group Talent

Thanks to Assistant District Five Youth Counselor Brenda Moyle and District Five Youth Counselor Barbara Linney-Gonzalez.

District Five Top Junior Allison Wockenfuss (88).

Not pictured: Top Teen Kayla Kucera (162).

Lodge 88, Houston. Left to right, Jessica Schoen and Allison Wockenfuss.

Individual Talent

Poster

Scrapbook

Left to right, Avery Moyle (162), Ashley Moncrief (88).

Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club

Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t F i v e Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y First Place Craf t Winne rs

35

Constructed Items

Foods

Handicraft

Left to right, Blake Brogdon (88), Allison Wockenfuss (88).

Left to right, Blake Brogdon (88), Cole Collins (162), Ashley Moncrief (88).

Left to right, Alyssa Moyle (162), Ryan Bronikowski (88), Devon Zwahr (162), Jodi Malovets (162).

Hobby Kits

Needlework

Photography

Left to right, Sean Moncrief (88), Rheana Bounds (142), Austin Harmon (139).

Left to right, Jessica Schoen (88), Denae Bronikowski (88).

Left to right, Alyssa Moyle (162), Avery Moyle (162), Krystal Flores (88), Jodi Malovets (162).

Pictorial Arts

Science and Education

Sewing

Left to right, Blake Brogdon (88), Ryan Bronikowski (88), Ashley Moncrief (88).

Left to right, Jessica Schoen (88), Allison Wockenfuss (88), Austin Harmon (139).

Left to right, Collin Zwahr (162), Devon Zwahr (162).

36

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

D i s t r i c t F i v e Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y S c e n e s

LEFT PHOTO: Assistant DYC Brenda Moyle and DYC Barbara Linney. PHOTO 2: Following the opening ceremonies, DYC Barbara Linney and the District Five Youth Department surprised past DYC Dorothy

Pflughaupt with birthday wishes. Dorothy served as District Five DYC from 1983 to 1986. Dorothy celebrated her birthday at YAD. RIGHT PHOTO: Dorothy Pflughaupt, left, and DYC Barbara Linney-Gonzalez.

LEFT PHOTO: J.R. Coleman, left, visits with Floyd Harmon, both of Lodge 88, Houston. CENTER PHOTO: Clarice Keith, left, and Lowrina Lindemann,

both of Lodge 88, Houston, admire a craft entry. RIGHT PHOTO: The day’s emcee Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny visits with Leander Pflughaupt.

LEFT PHOTO: Carolyn Harmon bids on a silent auction entry. CENTER PHOTO: Assistant DYC Brenda Moyle, daughter Avery, and Mackenzie Collins select cookies to bid on in the silent auction. RIGHT PHOTO:

Lodge 162, Iowa Colony is excited about the first-ever District Five King and Queen from Lodge 162. Pictured are, left to right, Jess Frank, Geraldine Frank, Betty Crawford, and Bessie Planka.

LEFT PHOTO: Looking at the beautiful scrapbooks are, left to right, Karol Coleman, Denae Bronikowski, Kim Woodall, and Doris Bronikowski, all of Lodge 88, Houston. CENTER PHOTO: Thanks to the tabulators, left to right, Jack Manchack of Lodge 142, Houston; Fred Buri

of Lodge 88, Houston; Lily Villareal of Lodge 88, Houston; and District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt. RIGHT PHOTO: Pictured are, left to right, Clarice Keith, Lowrina Lindemann, Clara Broz, and Mary Krippner, all of Lodge 88, Houston.

D i s t r i c t S i x Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

Sunday, July 13, 2008 - Taiton Community Center

District Six held its Youth Achievement Day on July 13, 2008. Lodge 30, Taiton hosted the day’s event under the direction of District Six Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela. Youth clubs participating were: Lodge 4, Hallettsville Lodge 30, Taiton Lodge 32, Victoria Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Lodge 97, Placedo

Serving as emcees were 2006-2007 District Six King Travis Krpec and graduating senior Danielle Zalman, both of Lodge 30, Taiton. Also attending and helping out with the day’s events were State Youth Director John Hoelscher; Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny and husband David; District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom and wife Kathy; and District Six State Field Representative Karen Kaspar. Many thanks for taking

time out to be with us on this special day. Your help and kindness made the day run smoothy. It is always a pleasure to have you all participate in the youth program.

Our opening ceremony began with the presenting of the flags and saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Lodge 30, Taiton President Yvonne Marcaurele welcomed everyone to Youth Achievement Day. The beseda was performed by Lodge 30, Taiton. Youth club members dancing were Stephanie, Jessica and Allison Fucik, Kenna Bubela, Ryan and Steven Drapela, Dylan Treumer and Gerard Marcaurele.

I am very proud of District Six. We had many new participants this year.

We had more than 150 entries and a lot of great talent entries.

I would like to congratulate Danielle Zalman of Lodge 30, Taiton for receiving the Youth Achievement Award.

Our district merit point winners

What’s the Difference?

There are five things difference between Picture A and Picture B. Can you find them?

were Allison Fucik - Junior of the Year and Kenna Bubela - Senior of the Year.

They are both from Lodge 30, Taiton.

Great job, ladies!

The District Six Queen is Stephanie Fucik, and District Six King is Gerard Marcaurele. Gerard’s duke is Donovan Krpec. They are all from Lodge 30, Taiton. Congratulations, guys, you are a great looking court.

I would like to say many thanks to all judges, tabulators, parents, and youth leaders who helped to make the day run so smoothly. You all worked so well together, and that made for a pleasant day.

Thanks to the youth who donated their cookies for the silent auction. The money will go to the SPJST Education and Nature Center. This is a great committee, and State Youth Director John Hoelscher and the members of ENC are working very hard to make this dream become more than a reality so that the members and youth of SPJST

37

will have the opportunity to enjoy a great faculty. Thanks to those who purchased the cookies. Your help is always needed and appreciated.

Congratulations to all youth who participated in the this year’s District Six YAD. I am proud of each and everyone of you for taking the time to make your crafts and for the time you spend on talent practice. I know you could be doing other things, but you always choose the SPJST Youth Program first, and it shows!

I hope that everyone had a great time. I was very pleased at the day’s events ran so smoothly. I thank the SPJST organization for believing in our youth of tomorrow and giving them the opportunity to show their many talents.

Fraternally, Lisa Bubela District Six Youth Counselor —SPJST—

Maze Craze See if you can find your way to the “You Win!” at the center of the maze.

38

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

D i s t r i c t S i x Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y

Sunday, July 13, 2008 - Taiton Community Center Constructed Items Ages 9 to 11 1st - Craig Cerny (40)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Vincent Lutringer (30) 2nd - Allison Fucik (30) 3rd - Ryan Drapela (30)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Steven Drapela (30) Foods Ages 6 to 8 1st - Colby Cerny (40)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Donovan Krpec (30) 2nd - Mercedes Leos (32) 3rd - Marina Rivas (32)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Jessica Fucik (30) 2nd - Dylan Treumer (30) 3rd - Jose Enriquez (40)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Dera O’Canas (40) 2nd - Gerard Marcaurele (30) 3rd - Stephanie Fucik (30) Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - Colby Cerny (40)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Daisy Enriquez (40) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Nicole Laitkep (40) 2nd - Jessica Fucik (30) 3rd - Ryan Drapela (30)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Steven Drapela (30) 2nd - Stephanie Fucik (30) 3rd - Kenna Bubela (30) Hobby Kits Ages 6 to 8 1st - Colby Cerny (40)

Ages 9 to11 1st - Donovan Krpec (30) 2nd - Craig Cerny (40) 3rd - Daisy Enriquez (40)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Allison Fucik (30) 2nd - Jonathan Vahalik (4) 3rd - Vincent Lutringer (30)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Stephanie Fucik (6) 2nd - Dera O’Canas (40) 3rd - Gerard Marcaurele (30) Needlework Ages 9 to 11 1st - Natalie Rendon (32)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Jonathan Vahalik (4) 2nd - Allison Fucik (30) 3rd - Jose Enriquez (40)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Kimberly Enriquez (40) Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Colby Cerny (40)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Nikolas Rendon (32) 2nd - Mercedes Leos (32) 3rd - Donovan Krpec (30)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Jessica Fucik (30) 2nd - Norma Rendon (32) 3rd - Vincent Lutringer (30)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Kenna Bubela (30) 2nd - Stephanie Fucik (30) 3rd - Dera O’Canas (40) Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - Colby Cerny (40)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Vincent Lutringer (30) 2nd - Ryan Drapela (30)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Steven Drapela (30) Science and Education Ages 9 to 11 1st - Craig Cerny (40) 2nd - Natalie Rendon (32) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Jonathan Vahalik (4) 2nd - Jessica Fucik (30) 3rd - Dylan Treumer (30)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Kenna Bubela (30) Sewing Ages 9 to 11 1st - Daisy Enriquez (40) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Jessica Fucik (30) 2nd - Allison Fucik (30) 3rd - Jose Enriquez (40)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Stephanie Fucik (30) 2nd - Kimberly Enriquez (40) Poster 1st - Lodge 30, Taiton 2nd - Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 30, Taiton

Individual Talent Ages 9 to 11 1st - Daisy Enriquez (40) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Allison Fucik (30) 2nd - Jessica Fucik (30)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Stephanie Fucik (30) 2nd - Kenna Bubela (30) Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 30, Taiton

Royalty District Six King Gerard Marcaurele (30) District Six Duke Donovan Krpec (30) District Six Queen Stephanie Fucik (30)

First Runner-Up Queen Kenna Bubela (30)

Creative Coloring!

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t S i x Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y F irst Place Winners

39

2008 - 2009 District Six Royalty

Youth Achievement Award

Left to right, District Six Queen Stephanie Fucik, King Gerard Marcaurele, and Duke Donovan Krpec, all of Lodge 30, Taiton.

District Six Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela, left, and State Youth Director John Hoelscher present the Youth Achievement Award to Danielle Zalman of Lodge 30, Taiton.

Top Junior and Top Teen

Lodge 30, Taiton Senior Beseda

Senior Group Talent

District Six Top Junior Allison Fucik (30) and Top Teen Kenna Bubela (30).

Front, left to right, Dylan Treumer, Steven Drapela, Gerard Marcaurele, Ryan Drapela.

BACK: Allison Fucik, Kenna Bubela, Stephanie Fucik, Jessica Fucik.

Lodge 30, Taiton. Left to right, Jessica Fucik, Stephanie Fucik, Gerard Marcaurele, Travis Krpec, Kenna Bubela, Allison Fucik.

Individual Talent

Poster

Scrapbook

Left to right, Daisy Enriquez (40), Allison Fucik (30), Stephanie Fucik (30).

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club

40

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t S i x Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y F irst Place C raf t Winners Constructed Items

Foods

Handicraft

Left to right, Craig Cerny (40), Vincent Lutringer (30), Steven Drapela (30).

Left to right, Colby Cerny (40), Donovan Krpec (30), Jessica Fucik (30), Dera O’Canas (40).

Left to right, Colby Cerny (40), Daisy Enriquez (40), Nicole Laitkep (40), Steven Drapela (30).

Hobby Kits

Needlework

Photography

Left to right, Colby Cerny (40), Donovan Krpec (30), Allison Fucik (30), Stephanie Fucik (30).

Left to right, Natalie Rendon (32), Jonathan Vahalik (4), Kimberly Enriquez (40).

Left to right, Colby Cerny (40), Nikolas Rendon (32), Jessica Fucik (30), Kenna Bubela (30).

Pictorial Arts

Science and Education

Sewing

Left to right, Colby Cerny (40), Vincent Lutringer (30), Steven Drapela (30).

Left to right, Craig Cerny (40), Jonathan Vahalik (4), Kenna Bubela (30).

Left to right, Daisy Enriquez (40), Jessica Fucik (30), Stephanie Fucik (30).

VӖSTNÍK

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t S i x Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y F irst Place C raf t Winners

41

LEFT PHOTO: Thanks to the youth leaders of District Six. They are, left to right, Lodge 4, Hallettsville YL Shirley Kalmus; Lodge 32, Victoria YL Mary Monclova; Lodge 32, Victoria AYL Mary Tijerina; Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje YL Norma O’Canas; Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje; District Six Youth Counselor/Lodge 30, Taiton YL Lisa Bubela; AYL Judy O’Canas, Lodge 97,

Placedo YL Bernadette Bellanger; and Lodge 240, Bay City YL Karen Sharp.

RIGHT PHOTO: District Six Leaders-in-Training were recognized at YAD. They are, left to right, Travis Krpec (30), Kimberly Enriquez (40), Jose Enriquez (40), Vincent Lutringer (30), Steven Drapela (30), Dera O’Canas (40), Stephanie Fucik (30), Kenna Bubela (30), and Gerard Marcaurele (30).

LEFT PHOTO: Serving as emcees for the day were Travis Krpec and Danielle Zalman. CENTER PHOTO: Thanks to everyone who bid on cookies in the silent auction to raise funds for the SPJST Education and Na-

ture Center. RIGHT PHOTO: Royalty participants were front, Donovan Krpec and back, Stephanie Fucik, Gerard Marcaurele, and Kenna Bubela.

They are all from Lodge 30, Taiton.

LEFT PHOTO: Helping in the kitchen are, left to right, Patricia Lutringer, Thomas Lutringer, Steven Drapela, Yvonne Marcaurele, Thomas Drapela, and District Six State Field Representative Karen Kaspar. RIGHT PHOTO:

Thanks to the tabulators. They are, left to right, Helen Zabransky of Lodge 4, Hallettsville; District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom; Patsy Zabransky of Lodge 4, Hallettsville; and Kathy Ahlstrom of Lodge 32, Victoria.

42

D i s t r i c t S e v e n Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y 2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

Sunday, June 30, 2008 - New Braunfels, Texas

District Seven Youth Achievement Day was hosted by Lodge 185, New Braunfels at the Comal County Fair Grounds on Sunday, June 29, 2008.

We had a nice turn out, and many talented youth in our district.

The morning started with registration. A big thank you to the adults who helped with registration and setting up the crafts. Thanks to State Youth Director John Hoelscher and Assistant DYC Belenda Barta for helping check all of the crafts to see that everyone folConstructed Items Ages 6 to 8 1st - Ryan Henke (107)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Noah Schmidt (185) 2nd - Eric Carpenter (107)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Shelby Carpenter (107) 2nd - Clay Howard (185)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brandon Korus (107) Foods Ages 6 to 8 1st - Elizabeth Hancock (185) 2nd - Ryan Henke (107) 3rd - Jordan Woodall (185)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Emily Hancock (185) 2nd - Hannah Hancock (185) 3rd - Isabella Wiederhold (202)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Charly Stokes (185) 2nd - Miranda Wiederhold (202) 3rd - Hope Bayer (107) Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Stephen Mazur (202) 2nd - Braxton Rico (185) 3rd - Brandon Korus (107) Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kelly House (202) 2nd - Elizabeth Hancock (185) 3rd - Tyler Hilbig (185) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Emily Hancock (185) 2nd - Isaac Schmidt (185) 3rd - Michelle House (202)

lowed the rules. Thanks to District Seven Director Bob Bayer for handing out participation awards. Also, a big thank you to Veronica Barta (past District Seven Queen) for serving as mistress of ceremonies.

Lodge 185 youth led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you all for your help.

We then held the royalty competition with two young men vying for the title of king. They both did a wonderful job. Congratulations to District

Seven King Stephen Mazur of Lodge 202, Jourdanton and Duke Ryan Henke of Lodge 107, Floresville.

Next was the talent competition. We had a variety of talents from karate to a parade drill and everything in between.

Everyone is so talented. I am so proud of everyone that can get up in front of a crowd and perform.

Thanks to Valarie Barta and ADYC Belenda Barta for helping me with tabulation. Thanks to Polly Bayer for getting the list of winners prepared for the

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Stephen Mazur (202) 2nd - Brandon Korus (107) 3rd - Travis Purchis (107)

Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - Leah McDonald (185) 2nd - Tyler Hilbig (185)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Luke Jaroszewski (185) 2nd - Clay Howard (185) 3rd - Miranda Wiederhold (202)

Hobby Kits Ages 6 to 8 1st - Ryan Henke (107) 2nd - Kelly House (202) 3rd - Jordan Woodall (185)

Ages 9 to11 1st - Michelle House (202) 2nd - Isabella Wiederhold (202) 3rd - Hannah Hancock (185)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Miranda Wiederhold (202) 2nd - Luke Jaroszewski (185)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brandon Korus (107) 2nd - Travis Purchis (107) Needlework Ages 9 to 11 1st - Liliana Wiederhold (202) Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Ryan Henke (107) 2nd - Kelly House (202) 3rd - Leah McDonald (185)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Michelle House (202) 2nd - Noah Schmidt (185) 3rd - Hannah Hancock (185) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Shelby Carpenter (107) 2nd - Charly Stokes (185) 3rd - Clay Howard (185)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Veronica Barta (202) 2nd - Travis Barta (202) 3rd - Brandon Korus (107)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Liliana Wiederhold (202) 2nd - Abigail Schmidt (185) 3rd - Michelle House (202) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Shelby Carpenter (107)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Veronica Barta (202) 2nd - Travis Barta (202) 3rd - Travis Purchis (107) Science and Education Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kelly House (202) 2nd - Ryan Henke (107) 3rd - Jordan Woodall (185)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Isaac Schmidt (185) 2nd - Abigail Schmidt (185) 3rd - Liliana Wiederhold (202) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Luke Jaroszewski (185) 2nd - Shelby Howard (185) 3rd - Clay Howard (185)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Veronica Barta (202) Sewing Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kelly House (202) 2nd - Leah McDonald (185)

Home Office. I know I could not have done it as quickly without your help.

Congratulations to all of the winners. All of the first place winners went on to compete at State YAD in August.

Thanks again to everyone who helped this day run so smoothly.

Fraternally, Wendy Pruski District Seven Youth Counselor —SPJST— Ages 9 to 11 1st - Liliana Wiederhold (202) 2nd - Isabella Wiederhold (202) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Shelby Howard (185)

Poster 1st - Lodge 107, Floresville

Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 107, Floresville 2nd - Lodge 185, New Braunfels Individual Talent Ages 6 to 8 1st - Ryan Henke (107)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Abigail Schmidt (185) 2nd - Liliana Wiederhold (202) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Clay Howard (185) 2nd - Luke Jaroszewski (185) 3rd - Shelby Howard (185)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Travis Purchis (107)

Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 185, New Braunfels Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 185, New Braunfels Royalty District Seven King Stephen Mazur (202) District Seven Duke Ryan Henke (107)

First Runner-Up King Travis Purchis (107) First Runner-Up Duke Eric Carpenter (107)

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t S e v e n Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y F irst Place Winners

43

2008 - 2009 District Seven Royalty Participants

Left to right, First Runners-Up Duke Eric Carpenter and King Travis Purchis, both of Lodge 107, Floresville, and 2008-2009 District Seven King Stephen Mazur of Lodge 202, Jourdanton and Duke Ryan Henke of Lodge 107, Floresville.

Craft judges look over each of the entries. Nine craft categories are judged: Constructed Items, Foods, Handicraft, Hobby Kits, Needlework, Photography, Pictorial Arts, Science and Education, and Sewing. Each youth may enter up to five crafts, each in a different category.

Top Teen and Top Junior

Junior Group Talent

Senior Group Talent

District Seven Top Teen Travis Purchis (107) and Top Junior Ryan Henke (107).

Lodge 185, New Braunfels. Left to right, Hannah Hancock, Emily Hancock, Elizabeth Hancock.

Lodge 185, New Braunfels. Left to right, Shelby Howard, Jordan Woodall, Clay Howard.

Individual Talent

Poster

Scrapbook

Left to right, Travis Purchis (107), Clay Howard (185), Abigail Schmidt (185), Ryan Henke (107).

Lodge 107, Floresville Youth Club

Lodge 107, Floresville Youth Club

44

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VÓ–STNĂ?K

2 0 0 8 D i s t r i c t S e v e n Yo u t h A c h i e v e m e n t D a y First Place Cr af t Winne rs Constructed Items

Foods

Handicraft

Left to right, Ryan Henke (107), Noah Schmidt (185), Shelby Carpenter (107), Brandon Korus (107).

Left to right, Elizabeth Hancock (185), Emily Hancock (185), Charly Stokes (185), Stephen Mazur (202).

Left to right, Kelly House (202), Emily Hancock (185), Luke Jaroszewski (185), Stephen Mazur (202).

Hobby Kits

Needlework

Photography

Left to right, Ryan Henke (107), Michelle House (202), Miranda Wiederhold (202), Brandon Korus (107).

Liliana Wiederhold (202).

Left to right, Ryan Henke (107), Michelle House (202), Shelby Carpenter (107), Veronica Barta (202).

Pictorial Arts

Science and Education

Sewing

Left to right, Leah McDonald (185), Liliana Wiederhold (202), Shelby Carpenter (107), Veronica Barta (202).

Left to right, Kelly House (202), Isaac Schmidt (185), Luke Jaroszewski (185), Veronica Barta (202).

Left to right, Kelly House (202), Liliana Wiederhold (202), Shelby Howard (185).

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

45

2007-2008 SPJST Youth Merit Point Winners DISTRICT ONE JUNIORS

Place Lodge

2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

9 9 9 9 17 17 17 186 1 1 1 1 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 13 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 186 186 186 1 1 1 1 1 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 13 13 17 186

9 9 9 9 186 1 9 17 17 17 1 1 1 1 9 9 9 9 13 17 17 17 17 17 17 186 1 1 9 9 13 17 17 17 17 186 186 186

Youth

Hayden Kovar Emily Lewis Colton Orsak Natalee See Sierra Cash Kellie Ihlenfeldt Dillon Narro Kyle Brinkman Jeri Stanley Jesse Evans Fidel Aparicio Brandon Lovell Haily Dever Deanna Hairrell Grace Lewis Raquel Reyes Matthew Schoppe Sierra Sebesta Morgan Sebesta Carlee See Patrick David Coy Cass Laramie Cass Tabor Dowell Trey Groce William Ihlenfeldt Logan Jones Tyler Sandner Zella Zaskoda Elias Rose Shelby-Lynn Rose Grace Vann Ivy Tithmus Logan Spanihel Jade Wessels Jagger Wessels Shannon Cole Mackenzie Allen Riley Allen Shelby Allen Lauren Burkhalter Landon Eldridge Caleb Granger Dustin Jakubik Charlie Reyes Justin Tarver Clint Lehmann Kyle Lehmann Jeremy Ree Makenzie Mendez

DISTRICT ONE TEENS Zachary Shelfer Hannah Kovar Josef Orsak Bradley Shelfer Dylan Roesler Bowyn Bauer Robert Lewis Meghan Blum Colby Havemann Nicholas Havemann Cody Scully Maverick Evans J.W. Evans Brittany Thompson Cody Dever Cullen Hairrell Jenna Jakubik Robin Jakubik John Russell Nathan Blum Brittanie Gaas Kara Ihlenfeldt Lindsey Jones Kimberly Skrabanek Kristina Skrabanek Anthony Gutierrez Joshua Cox Jordan Evans Taylor Allen Tiffany Burkhalter Erin Jatzlau Grace Dusek Grant Dusek Chandler Malazzo Shelby Norman Casey Brinkman Chelsey Brinkman David Mendez

Points

2995 2600 2635 2350 2260 2200 2375 2145 1550 1550 1765 1705 1745 1775 1820 1680 1740 1595 1670 1985 1740 1575 1615 1875 1905 1870 1880 1775 1800 1530 1625 1505 1290 1215 1220 1255 1120 1235 1280 1370 1020 1405 1095 1330 1375 1250 1180 1150 1400 1300

3045 2980 2750 2930 2505 2030 2315 2095 2370 2080 1515 1655 1570 1540 1755 1920 1560 1540 1555 1755 1710 1830 1915 1505 1575 1790 1320 1175 1255 1020 1000 1215 1450 1215 1050 1135 1345 1015

5 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

1 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 1

186

Daniel Pipkin

DISTRICT TWO JUNIORS 24 Sam Vanicek 80 Nichole Festa 80 Samantha White 80 Alexis Festa 29 Kaitlyn Whatley 47 Brandon Hoelscher 48 Kacie Vanecek 48 Kayla Wuensche 24 Cortni Ashcraft 47 Brady Alexander 47 Chase Alexander 47 Abigale Fulton 47 Bayley Fulton 47 Justin Kraatz 47 Jerry Pechal 48 Collin Vanecek 48 Amy Wuensche 18 J.B. Anderson 18 T.J. Anderson 24 Dustin Andel 24 Rachel Andel 24 Kalen Ashcraft 24 Macey Malcik 24 Ty Stock 29 Brandon Girod 47 Brooke Hoelscher 47 Kyle Hoelscher 47 Colton Regan 47 Christopher Zavodny 47 Julia Zavodny 48 Kayla Hannington 48 Alexis Taylor 48 Alyssa Torres 24 Abigail Bruggman 24 Shelby Bruggman 24 Cade Campbell 24 Cole Campbell 24 Nash Campbell 24 Allison Evatt 24 Tyler Evatt 24 Jarrod Godwin 24 Michael Hoelscher 24 Madison Malcik 24 Meghan Malcik 24 Luke Ray 24 Seth Ray 29 Blake Heap 29 Dounia Mohad 29 Isac Waters 47 Mickinzy Beck 47 Madeline Cummings 47 Carley Cummings 47 Zoe Edwards 47 Paige Golemon 47 Dakota Popelka 47 Haley Popelka 47 Angelina Ringwald 80 Ryan Festa 80 Garrett Festa 80 Jacqui Wiest

24 80 80 80 18 24 48 80 18 47 48 48 80 29 47 47 47 47 48 80

DISTRICT TWO TEENS Stephanie Vanicek Victoria Pajestka Kirsten White Cyril Pajestka Mikhaila Nelson Amber Penn Connor Vanecek Heather Tschoerner E.J. Anderson Matthew Hoelscher Bret Wuensche Daniel Leatherman Clay Tschoerner Najatt Mohad Crystal Morris Josef Morris Neil Rabroker Ashlyn Zavodny Joshua Hannington Alysse Luna

DISTRICT THREE JUNIORS 25 Hayley Slovak 25 April Dvorak 25 Tori Motley

1045 3395 3505 3660 3465 2790 2755 2590 2610 2030 2035 2360 2425 2485 2260 2120 2480 2050 1955 1955 1920 1575 1935 1510 1750 1720 1955 1890 1870 1535 1655 1635 1950 1910 1100 1060 1050 1235 1050 1105 1010 1435 1025 1205 1005 1290 1300 1140 1345 1040 1305 1145 1105 1075 1010 1235 1235 1170 1440 1425 1025

3385 3080 3765 3408 2165 2420 2200 2120 1820 1875 1785 1650 1995 1025 1380 1095 1265 1045 1475 1052 3460 3415 3035

2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

5 5 5 5 5 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

6 6 25 25 25 183 6 6 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 84 183 25 154 154 6 25 54 84 84 154 154 154 154 154 154 183 154

Tiffany Moore Amelia Peterson Dustin Motley Devin Krajca Amanda Jurik Katelyn Daniel Reagan Moore Alison Moore Amanda Droste Madeline Clark Brandon Droste Pierce Tignor Erica Clark Paige Tignor Austen Holland Melinda McClellan Levi Adamek Justin Mraz Sophie Milan Talia Milan Raven Jackson Madysen Cox Michaela Niemeyer Rachel McManus Zachary McManus Allyssa Carmin Sydney Milan Taylor Cornell Gage Cornell Rachel Humphreys Angel Pace Cassidy Higgins Kyler Dunlap

DISTRICT THREE TEENS 6 Courtney Halbert 6 Lakn Dieterich 6 Anna Dulock 25 Blake Ryan 6 Julia Tucker 6 Andrew Dulock 6 Bracy Craig 25 Michael Jurik 183 Gena Weeks 183 Katie Weeks 183 Tommy Weeks 25 Raychel Clark 25 Jordan Hunter 25 Dillon Baker 66 Eric Wallace 154 Emily Humphreys 183 Colton Daniel 183 Chelsea Reed 183 Rachel Reed 92 Alexa Hubenak 154 Paris Milan 154 Brianna Carmin

DISTRICT FOUR JUNIORS 215 Kohl Angeley 215 Kaycee Lehmann 215 Audree Williams 229 Clay Starr 229 Jordan Taylor 229 Katelyn Taylor 229 Cutter Star

215 215 215 229 229

DISTRICT FOUR TEENS Reed Williams Carson Lehmann Kenzie Angeley Chevante Bell Christine Brooks

DISTRICT FIVE JUNIORS 88 Allison Wockenfuss 88 Denae Bronikowski 142 Aryanna Saxton 142 Zoe Saxton 162 Alyssa Moyle 162 Avery Moyle 88 Ryan Bronikowski 88 Austin Harmon 142 Jorgia Conway 162 Cole Collins 162 MacKenzie Collins 162 Zachary Collins 162 Koby Rosier

2685 2560 2840 2895 2525 2610 2470 2390 2220 2070 2215 2120 2100 2135 2165 2120 2180 1850 1525 1635 1145 1060 1040 1370 1400 1065 1015 1355 1440 1375 1115 1375 1250

3040 3095 3295 3785 2585 2590 2660 2535 2880 2925 2985 2155 1900 1690 1555 1515 1920 1545 1550 1025 1010 1120 1255 1355 1405 1065 1075 1125 1090

1400 1355 1235 1455 1490 2140 1585 1680 1680 1915 1845 1285 1140 1020 1005 1065 1175 1005

5 5

162 162

1 1 1 2 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

30 30 30 30 40 40 40 4 4 4 30 30 40 40

1 1 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

2 2 3 3 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 5 5

30 30 30 30 30 30 30 4 30 4 40 40 40

DISTRICT FIVE TEENS Kayla Kucera Jodi Malovets

DISTRICT SIX JUNIORS Ryan Drapela Allison Fucik Dylan Treumer Donovan Krpec Nicole Laitkep Colby Cerny Craig Cerny Morgan Scott Jonathan Vahalik Sarah Siptak Jacob Supak Jeremy Supak Daisy Enriquez Zakary Laitkep DISTRICT SIX TEENS Kenna Bubela Steven Drapela Jessica Fucik Stephanie Fucik Gerard Marcaurele Vincent Lutringer Danielle Zalman Holly Scott Sarah Supak Mark Siptak Jose Enriquez Kimberly Enriquez Dera OʼCanas

DISTRICT SEVEN JUNIORS 107 Ryan Henke 107 Shelby Carpenter 107 Eric Carpenter 202 Michelle House 185 Leah McDonald 185 Isaac Schmidt 185 Luke Jaroszewski 185 Ross Jaroszewski 185 Jordan Woodall 202 Sammy Hoggard 202 Kelly Ann House 202 Isabella Wiederhold 202 Liliana Wiederhold 202 Miranda Wiederhold 185 Charly Stokes 185 Noah Schmidt 185 Abigail Schmidt 185 Hannah Hancock 185 Elizabeth Hancock 185 Emily Hancock 185 Hailey Hilbig 185 Tyler Hilbig 202 Amanda Hoggard 185 Luke Stanaland 185 Foster Rico 185 Kelly Dangerfield 202 Cassandra Reyes 202 Angel Valdez 202 Samara Valdez 202 Devin Vasquez

DISTRICT SEVEN TEENS 107 Brandon Korus 107 Travis Purchis 107 Zachary Bayer 202 Travis Barta 202 Veronica Barta 202 Lane Hoggard 202 Stephen Mazur 107 Hope Bayer 185 Clay Howard 185 Shelby Howard 185 Braxton Rico 202 CeCe Reyes 202 Raven Vasquez

1235 1005 3095 3425 3340 2835 1543 1690 1885 1055 1095 1305 1305 1340 1380 1450 3700 3300 3615 3520 2910 2085 2240 1640 1510 1045 1325 1305 1255 3330 2940 2825 2610 2075 2010 2070 2085 2015 2210 2495 2165 2270 2165 1800 1795 1830 1785 1675 1820 1635 1680 1970 1365 1340 1070 1225 1345 1345 1250

2555 2890 2240 2365 2255 2180 2280 1380 1245 1220 1325 1285 1065

46

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

District One: Swimming Fun at Schlitterbahn

SPJST District One youth traveled to New Braunfels on Thursday, July 31, 2008, for our annual summer trip

to Schlitterbahn. Everyone was anxious to attend since our 2007 trip was cancelled due to a tropical storm. One

Splashtown Welcomes District Seven

District Seven members gather at Splashtown in San Antonio.

For our district outing this year, on July 20, 2008, District Seven went to Splashtown in San Antonio, Texas. We had 51 members, guests, and chaperones enjoy the day. Everyone met at the front gate, and we were all anxious to go in and cool off. Everyone was given an arm band for all the rides and for lunch. We all enjoyed the lazy river and the many water slides that the park offers. The youth were turned loose

with their chaperones to go and enjoy all the park. They could eat lunch when they wanted and have all the soda they wanted for the entire day.

Many thanks to the chaperones who helped keep our kids safe. I look forward to our outing next year.

Wendy Pruski District Seven Youth Counselor —SPJST—

hundred thirty-nine youth and adults attended this year’s trip and arrived at the waterpark on three chartered buses.

Creative Coloring!

A fun day was had by all.

Susan Skrabanek District One Youth Counselor

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

District Two Recaps 2007-2009 Banner Youth Year

The 2007-2008 District Two youth year has been great. I thank all youth members for their participation in many activities. Parents, thank you for your support and getting your youth where they need to be. Youth Leaders, you are the backbone of the success of our youth. Thank you! Thank you!

Thank you for your hard work, time, and love for all youth.

Our two, and now three, beseda circles have been very busy entertaining across Central Texas, including at Texas Fraternal Congress and the Austin Czech Historical Association’s Czech Celebration, to name a few.

Many youth participated in the first ever Czech Feszt held in Temple.

Youth clubs set up booths as fund-raisers, and many members participated in the Mr. and Miss Czech Feszt contest, beseda, and the pig scramble.

June found our teens attending the LIT workshop. We also had a district swim party. Both events were well-attended.

District Two Camp and Youth Achievement Day were our big days in July.

August’s highlight was State YAD, where many of our youth received awards.

The District Two Fall meeting was held in September in Elgin.

October found us at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington for our District Two trip.

Our district lock-in was held at Lodge 48, Beyersville in November. A Guitar Hero contest was the highlight.

Special thanks to Cristy Girod and Tammy Whatley for being in charge of crafts and to Carol Tallas for the cookies.

A youth leader and camp chaperone appreciation banquet was held in December. We also had youth members participate in the Temple Christmas Parade.

We actually had a little much needed downtime in January, but we started back strong in February.

February found many of our youth clubs and members receiving awards at the SPJST Awards Banquet. We also had our annual District Two Skating party.

March was busy with our district meeting, the SPJST Easter Eggstravaganza, and the youth leader workshop.

District Youth Leader training and Core Challenge were highlights of April. We had a great turnout with quite of few non-members participating in the Challenge.

This year, our May Join Hands Day

47

project touched all of us deeply. We had a fund-raiser for youth member Justin Benner, who was severely injured in an automobile accident. With everyone’s support, we were able to raise quite a bit of money to help him along in his recovery.

I am so proud to have so many youth and adults attending our district activities. We always welcome everyone to join us. I look forward to seeing everyone soon. Youth members, start thinking about your crafts and talent for the 2009 YAD, and keep your calendar open for camp. It will be here before you know it.

Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor —SPJST—

48

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

District Six Rolls at Bowling Social District Six was rolling, and oh, what fun was had. District Six held its first outing for the 2008-2009 youth year. We met at the El Campo Bowling Center in El Campo at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30.

The youth and adults enjoyed their time bowling and visiting with members from other lodges. A hamburger lunch was served. The youth clubs that attended were Lodges 4, Hallettsville; 30, Taiton; 40, El Campo-Hillje; 97, Placedo; and 240, Bay City. Glad you all had a great time!

El Campo is proud of its bowling

facility. It is a great place to meet and have fun. We have a lot of good bowlers. Maybe you are practicing for our District Six Bowling Tournament coming in the fall! Thanks to all the parents who made it such a success and so much fun by bringing their youth.

I am looking forward to another District Six outing soon.

Fraternally, Lisa Bubela District Six Youth Counselor —SPJST—

VӖSTNÍK

L e a d e r s - i n - Tr a i n i n g Re t r e a t

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

49

June 6 to June 8, 2008 • Forest Glen in Huntsville, Texas

50

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District One Camp

VӖSTNÍK

July 24 to 27, 2008 • Forest Glen in Rosebud, Texas

D istrict One Camp was again a huge

success. Wow! District One attended summer camp from July 24 to 27, 2008, at Camp Forest Glen in Rosebud, Texas.

There were 110 total in attendance this year! This was our third time at Camp Forest Glen, and it was a blast!

This year, once again, “The Blob” was a big hit The lake was beautiful, and everyone enjoyed swimming and blobbing. A new attraction at camp were the water slides. The campers also enjoyed canoeing and fishing in the lake. Some campers pulled out some pretty good-sized bass from the lake! Catching the bait was a big part of the fun! All of the campers enjoyed shooting at the rifle range, and for the most part, all had pretty good aim.

This year’s craft was making tie-dye tee-shirts. They all turned out unique and beautiful! The last day, campers wore the shirts to breakfast, and we took a colorful picture. Thank you,

Sharon Russell, Ms. Ann, Susan Skrabanek, and Marie Shelfer for assisting with this project.

Ropes course was also a big hit.

The campers (and some leaders and chaperones!) got to rock climb and participate in the ropes course.

The nighttime activities were great!

One night, we had a dance that was awesome! We danced and danced . . .

Cupid Shuffle will never be the same!

Another night, we had movie night and made fresh movie popcorn. Also, we had a campfire and made s’mores. On the last night, we had our awards ceremony, initiation, and each group performed skits. Every group did a great job on their skits, and all were quite funny! Each camper received a personalized award and best camper and LIT awards were given.

The 2008 best camper award recipients are: Group 1 Elias Rose and Jade Wessels

Group 2 Laramie Cass and Shannon Schultz Group 3 Nate Schielack and Carlee See Group 4 Jeremy Ree and Deanna Hairrell Group 5 Jesse Evans and Haily Dever Group 6 Vincent Miller and Kara Ihlenfeldt

Best LIT awards were presented to Colby Havemann and Shelby Norman.

Congratulations to all!

This year, we had two significant injuries at camp requiring two visits to the emergency room. Hats off to the two injured campers who were truly heroic. The chaperones and LIT’s with the campers handled themselves unbelievably, and thank you for doing such a great job.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s camp a huge success!

Thank you, Mrs. Susan Skrabanek, for

2007-2008 State King Colby Havemann and State Queen Lindsey Jones

all of your hard work and dedication to District One. Thank you, Mrs. Marie Shelfer, Mrs. Ann Schoeneman, and Mrs. Sharon Russell for everything you did. Thank you, Mr. Donnie Victorick and Mrs. Janice Victorick, for the cookies and sodas you provided for all the campers and chaperones to enjoy. We look forward to those refreshments every year. Thank you, Sue David, for helping with duties as camp nurse. Thank you, LITs, for being such a great group. Thanks for working so great with all of the campers. Chaperones and leaders, we could not have done it without you. Thanks for all you did to make camp a huge success.

All in all, this was a great camp!

Fun was had by all, and we can’t wait until next year!

Fraternally, Holly Narro Assistant District One Youth Counselor —SPJST—

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

Lodge 1, Fayetteville Campers

Lodge 9, Snook Campers

51

Lodge 13, Dime Box Campers

Lodge 186, Caldwell Campers Also attending but not pictured: Lodge 39, Bryan Campers

Lodge 17, New Tabor Campers

Susan presents Best LIT awards Colby Havemann and Shelby Norman

Best Camper Awards! Congratulations!

52

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

D i s t r i c t Tw o C a m p

VӖSTNÍK

July 10 to 13, 2008 • Stoney Creek Ranch in Columbus, Texas

2 008 Camp Theme: “SPJST—The

shed then no one wanted to go home.

One of them even brought me a pink rose. Thanks, Stephanie. There were a few late ones (not to mention any names, ha) who could not read the map!

Due to the price of gas and the distance, a chartered bus was hired to transport campers. Thanks to Tammy Pechal for coordinating the head count that morning. Once the bus finally arrived, we (101 total campers/chaperones/staff) went over all the rules then campers along with their chaperones headed to their cabins to unpack.

After an afternoon of activities, we then enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the camp staff. What cooks! Every meal was fantastic, and everyone asked for more. Thanks to our kitchen staff— Mark and Patricia Hoelscher, David Koslovsky, and Elden Zavodny. A big thank you to Heleana White who floated around, doing a lot of cleaning, and making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The kitchen staff was very pa-

tient with us the few times we were late.

Oops, let me rephrase that. Patricia was patient!

On Friday, we began our day with the flag ceremony, prayer, and another delicious meal. Each group headed to the various activities. State Youth Director John Hoelscher was gracious enough to set up a few elements of the Challenge Course, which the campers participated in Friday morning. Thank you so much, John, for all of your hard work and countless hours ensuring that our youth are well taken care of. It was so nice to have Lisa, Emma, and Abby visit with us. Other activities included swimming, blobbing, kayaking, fishing, sand volleyball, Frisbee golf, crafts, indoor games (including pool and ping pong), and slip-n-slide. The campers were surprised with shaving cream at the slip-n-slide. The sand volleyball was at the top of the list for fun—once again, something new at camp. All seemed to have a great time.

Thanks to Carol Tallas for heading up the crafts. All campers were given a short lesson on basket weaving, and the results were incredible. So many used their imaginations and expounded on the original basket to make some truly amazing designs of their own. Campers also made their own Chia person. I wonder if any of them grew a full head of hair?

The groups were each assigned a group craft. Since the camp theme this year was “Celebrate ’08,” we were going to have a big party the last night of camp and wanted each group to make a decoration for it. Campers were given an appliance size cardboard box, duct tape, paints, and an assortment of oddsand-ends decorations that were left over from numerous previous camps. (The goal for me was to get rid of as much of this stuff as possible. I was running out of storage room at home.) A present, banner, and party food were among the clever decorations made. What imagi-

ADYC Carol, ADYC Janet, DYC Patsy and Nurse Becky

Thanks, LITs!

Thanks to the cooks!

Elden, Patricia, Mark, and David

Kayaking was a big hit!

LIT Matthew and his campers.

Swim time!

Crafting fun.

Who said, “No shaving cream!”

Celebrate ’08 design.

Front view of District Two Camp’s “resort.”

Let’s all dance!

LIT Amber leads karaoke with Dustin, Kyle, and Angelina.

Best in the State, Celebrate ’08” is exactly what District Two campers enjoyed as they headed south rather than northwest for their camping season this year.

We camped at Stoney Creek Ranch near Columbus. What an absolutely beautiful camp! Stone cabins, three lakes, an amazing pool, and every building air conditioned. This is the first time in the history of District Two Camp that there has been air conditioning. I heard no complaints. I think we are spoiled from now on. I kept hearing “like a resort” from parents and campers alike.

Life is good!

Check-in time began at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2008. Parents, chaperones, and campers all gathered in the dining hall, waiting for the cabin assignments. We had several new “little” (five- and six-year-old) campers this year. Only a few tears for moms were

VӖSTNÍK

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

53

see you back next year. It was so good to see former campers coming back as chaperones. They were Crystal Bartek Greger, Janet Baca, Rachel Baca, Daniel Beckendorf, David Koslovsky, Michael Morris, and Jordan Lyon. Wow! What can that say for District Two Camp?

LITs, you helped out so much. I am just so proud of each of you.

As I said earlier, we weren’t late to too many meals. We were just having so much fun, we wanted to keep going.

We enjoyed an outdoor cook out Friday evening at the lake. The oversized burgers took a little bit longer to cook than the cooks anticipated. Therefore, they were not ready at 6:30 p.m. on the dot.

They were late! So, we sang our latecomer camp song (“You’ve been primping!”) to the kitchen staff, with the words changed to fit the moment.

Frank Klinkovsky (Former DYC and Honorary District Two Director) along with Laverne Vanicek was gracious enough to come out to our camp to teach our youth Czech and camp songs. For

the rest of the camp (and at YAD), you could hear our youth singing A Je Sam and Aj Lucka, Lucka. Thanks so much, Frankie, for keeping us all young. We missed District Two Director Bobby Wuensche (our current director) and his wife, Ruth Ann, who was scheduled to visit us but had to cancel due to a death in Ruth Ann’s family (her brother). Our thoughts and prayers were with them.

Everyone also signed a card for Kandace Stone, one of our members who had to cancel camp at the last minute due to an emergency appendectomy.

We hope she is feeling better and hope to see her at camp next year.

We finished the day with karaoke and the grand march, in which the Stoney Creek Ranch staff (who had never seen this) participated in. Thank you, Holland, for the use of the karaoke machine.

We are so glad you won it at the awards banquet and for letting us use it.

We enjoyed all our activities Saturday, including scavenger hunts. Thanks, Janet, for planning the scavenger hunts again. You do an awesome job. This year, I participated. It was so much fun.

Of course, my team was so excited to have someone with such knowledge of the camp grounds and where everything was. Alas, my memory did not withhold. It was great getting back to the finish first, thinking we had won, only to find out we missed two clues.

Michael Morris sure can ask sneaky questions to find clues. Note to self: Next year, do not answer any questions he asks during the scavenger hunt.

District One Director Donnie Victorick and his wife Janice came and visited us. Thank you so much for the cookies you brought. They were enjoyed by all.

Shortly after supper (another excellent meal by our kitchen staff), we went out to a campfire and enjoyed s’mores.

Michael Morris shared Czech history with us. When we returned to the dining hall, it had been transformed into a party room, filled with balloons, pinatas, cupcakes, and gifts. Everyone gathered in circles playing the silly left/right game.

What a story I made up as the gifts were passed around. The younger campers then each got swings at the pinata. Did we ever have to get up and move out of the way when the baseball playing kids got up to take a swing! While everyone was enjoying their cupcakes, I was surprised with a gift and an anniversary “cake,” this being my 20th year as DYC. The multi-tiered, five-foot “cake” was made with the leftover cardboard, paint, and decorations from the group crafts. I was so touched that I had to take it home. (So much for more storage room . . . now I have less!) I hope everyone saw it at YAD. Campers enjoyed a late night hike before calling it a day.

We all had a great and safe camp.

Thank you, Becky Zavodny, for once again taking care of all the injuries and meds. Our groups of campers were fantastic. I just appreciate the good attitudes, well behaved kids, and fun we all seem to have when we are together.

Words cannot express my appreciation to each chaperone. I thank you for taking time off to volunteer for our youth.

To returning chaperones, once again, I love having you. There were several new chaperones/staff this year (Kimberly Evatt, Christine Festa, Christy Girod, Patricia Hoelscher, and Frank Horak). You were all great. Hope you enjoyed your time at the “spa.” Hope to

Bayley, Julia, and Madison pose in the “deluxe” suite.

Chaperones Michael Morris and Janet Baca LITs Josh Hannington and Ashlyn Zavodny

Chaperones Daniel Beckendorf and Kim Campbell LITs Kayla Benner, Kirsten White, Sam Vanicek

Chaperones Crystal Greger and Tammy Whatley LITs Neil Rabroker, Erin Mathis, Alyssa Torres

Chaperones Douglas Galler and John Wuensche LIT Amber Penn

Chaperones Kim Evatt, Rachel Baca, Cristy Girod LITs Crystal Morris and Matt Hoelscher

nations! They all looked super and colorful.

We asked the chaperones to jot down some of the more interesting comments they heard during this year’s camp. Following are a few of the more clever ones:

“I can’t use this, it’s a left handed pen.” (This happened to be a quote from a chaperone.)

“Men don’t primp, they accessorize.”

“Hurry! I’m in a discomforting pose.” (heard during a Twister game)

“Patsy should have the best room at camp. She’s the one that keeps this all together for us.”

“She’s terrorizing little children!”

(I’m not sure who they were talking about ;( ).

“This is luxury with camp activities.”

“The Blob” was voted the #1 favorite!

Chaperones and Staff Janet Baca (47), Christy Girod (29), Kim Evatt (24), Kim Campbell (24), Rachel Baca (47), Crystal Greger (47), Tammy Whatley (29), Daniel Beckendorf (182), Christine Festa (80), Frank Horak (80), John Wuensche (48), Tammy Pechal (47), Jordan Lyon (80), Michael Morris (47), Heleana White (80), and Douglas Galler (Home Office), Becky Zavodny (47) - Nurse, Elden Zavodny (47) - Kitchen, Mark Hoelscher (47) - Kitchen, Patricia Hoelscher (47) Kitchen, David Koslovsky (47) Kitchen.

Leaders-in-Training Crystal Morris (47) - Senior LIT, Erin Mathis (246), Joshua Hannington (47), Kayla Benner (89), Connor Vanecek (48), Kirsten White (80), Stephanie Vanicek (24), Amber Penn (24), Rachel Hattemer (24), Matthew Hoelscher (24), Josef Morris (47), Neil Rabroker (47), Alyssa Torres (48), Sam Vanicek (24), and Ashlyn Zavodny (47).

I look forward to camp again next year. Wherever we camp, I know we will have a great time. I thank you for being the best!

Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor —SPJST—

Chaperones Frank Horak and Jordan Lyon LITs Stephanie Vanicek, Rachel Hattemer, Josef Morris, Connor Vanecek

54

District T hree Camp

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

July 24 to 27, 2008 • Camp Huawni near Timpson, Texas

T his is the year we celebrated in ’08!

District Three—for the first time in several decades—did not return to our usual campground in McGregor, Texas—Camp Val Verde now known as Camp Hope. We adventured into the East Texas Piney Woods to Timpson, Texas, and Camp Huawni.

Safety was our first thought because of the long distance our youth and chaperones would have to travel. Under the direction of Fort Worth Youth Leader Sheri Humphreys, we carefully helped comfort that discussion. She prepared well with all youth leaders to hire two buses to carefully pick our youth and chaperones up and drop off to safety in high quality. After discussing this delicate matter at the district meetings, youth leaders workshop, and our final decision at District Three Youth Achievement Day, it was all systems ahead.

With the help of each lodge, youth club, or special donor, each camper and chaperone could afford the bus price.

Many thanks to Sheri and her special talents in organizing this kit glove discussion and handling this with such high class.

As the buses arrived at the new campground of Camp Huawni, they were greeted with the legend of the wild woman. She is out to find her lost lover who was a lumberjack, that her parents would not let her marry. After years

passed, she had turned herself into a gorilla and upon finding her lost lover, she will become that beautiful woman. But, if she did not find her lover, she would mistreat anyone or anything.

Camp Huawni offered us so many activities. Our new activities consisted of “The Critter” (also known as “The Blob”) water zip line, water slide, challenge course, sand volleyball, kick ball/soccer field, canoes, yard games (croquette and washers), bike trails, fishing, basketball court, horses, hiking trails (especially late night for older campers), junior scavenger hunt and GPS hunt for senior groups, hay ride, and swimming.

We also added the SPJST Core Challenge; skit night in which only the chaperones would come up with and perform while the campers were the judges; karaoke; team building; archery; our traditional John Hoelscher camp fire ceremony; and Jerry’s snow cones. As a special treat for our LITs, Camp Huawni offered parasailing at early sunrise, which made the sky look different as the younger campers were beginning to wake up for the day.

I was very pleased with the planning of my assistants, Diana and Lynda, with the help of John Engelke and my district youth leaders. It was enjoyable to watch the youth and especially to see how they enjoyed the new surroundings and activities. I would like to give a special thanks to State Youth Director John

Hoelscher and Fraternal Department Assistant Douglas Galler for coming out to our new campground and especially helping me out when I wanted to look for a new camp. They were always there to hop in the car and meet me for that traveling time and support to make sure District Three youth would have a great camping experience.

Saturday night seemed to be my special day of camp. Knowing that Sunday would be a short day with clean-up and the long traveling, I was surprised with a special puzzle birthday wishes and a special decorated birthday cake from all the campers and chaperones. The younger groups, during their craft time, each made me an individual birthday card. I just felt so special with my District Three youth!

As Sunday approached, our traditional Jerry Zabojnik church service always reminds us to stop and give thanks for our many blessings. This year, we all enjoyed his hand drawn pictures to make sure we clearly understood his lesson. Thank you, Jerry, for the many hours of preparations you put into it this year. It was just perfect!

I would like to take this time to thank all my youth leaders and parents for helping me make this year the best camp we ever had. Without you, camp could not have happened so successfully. A special thanks to our nurse Mary Karlik.

She successfully made sure there were no trips to the hospital but only minor

aches and pain that only her hugs and kisses cured the boo-boos. Thanks to John Engelke and CJ Novak for making sure each event had plenty of water and snacks. Also, thanks for the many behind-the-scenes things you both do that not everyone knows about but is always appreciated. You really do know how to make camp fun and enjoyable for all.

Each year, I am blessed with the many members who want to make sure the children have enough snacks, water, sodas, or whatever is needed to complete our stay at camp. A special thank you to who all donated because the children truthfully enjoyed your thoughtfulness very much.

Last, but not least, I need to say thank you to the chaperones. Without you, camp could never happen. You have taken off time from your busy schedule and donated it to our children. Thank you for caring for the youth in District Three and making sure they had fun. It is only because of you that the youth are saying they want camp to be longer, even though we went to a different camp. Thank you, kids, for attending and making my year with you a big CELEBRATION in ’08.

See you next year for another new camping experience!

Fraternally yours, Bessie Petr District Three Youth Counselor —SPJST—

District Three Leaders

Lodge 6, Cottonwood Campers

Lodge 25, Ennis Campers

Lodge 66, Waco Campers

Lodge 84, Dallas Campers

Lodge 92, Fort Worth Campers

Lodge 154, Fort Worth Campers

Lodge 183, Arlington Campers

VӖSTNÍK

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

55

56

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

District Three Teens, Leaders Travel Together To Training

District Three enjoys having all the LITs travel together to their camp each year.

This year, we rented two vans to carry all possible candidates. It seems like they enjoy being together. This workshop is an excellent experience for these young adults. They learn valuable experience of leadership and responsibility, develop creative skills and talents, enrich knowledge of the Czech culture, teamwork, problem solve, and work under guidance of the District Youth Counselor. This workshop can be a positive influence on their lives while developing important

lifelong skills. Many of these youth make lifelong friends throughout the state. I believe that is why this year we had to have another van because the older youth enjoy seeing and being with other youth from other districts.

Thanks to State Youth Director John Hoelscher and Fraternal Department Assistant Douglas Galler for organizing another great camp and teaching the LITs such great traits.

Fraternally Bessie Petr District Three Youth Counselor —SPJST—

VӖSTNÍK

D i s tr i c t Fo u r Ca m p

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

July 25 to 27, 2008 • Camp Butman in Merkel, Texas

S ixteen campers met on July 25,

2008, at Camp Butman located outside of Merkel, Texas. Out west in District Four, we don’t measure in mileage— we measure in hours. Luckily enough, the three youth clubs—Lodge 76, Wichita Falls; Lodge 215, South Plains; and Lodge 229, Abilene—were able to meet with no one driving more than four hours.

After unloading, campers enjoyed going to the pool. Youth were given a swim test and wrist bands for the deep end of the pool. Supreme Lodge Pres-

ident Brian Vanicek surprised the youth with a chance to dive for gold dollars and other coins.

Later, a picnic was held at the gym.

Basketball, ping pong, and volleyball were enjoyed before retiring to the lodge.

On Saturday morning after our flag ceremony and breakfast, youth members tested their climbing skills. Two were able to master the third section of the climbing wall. DYC Janice Stevens climbed the first level after the campers!

After dinner, a wild time was had on

Lodge 76, Wichita Falls Campers

the slip and slide. Chaperone Austin showed the campers how it was done by sliding down in a surfing stance.

Everyone was ready to beat the 100plus degree heat by hitting the pool.

After supper, off to the balloon launch we went. The LITs were a big help in filling all the water balloons and aiding the younger campers in launching their balloons.

Some very creative tie-dyed teeshirts were made. Also during crafts, wooden crosses were made.

Have you seen any yucca plants?

That was just one plant species the

Lodge 215, South Plains Campers

2008 District Four Campers

57

youth were looking for on their scavenger hunt and nature hike up the hill to one of the crosses.

Although it was a fast weekend, fun was had by all campers. No one complained too much about being so tired or sunburned. They complained more about all the chaperones putting sun screen or aloe on them!

Fraternally, Janeece Williams Lodge 215, South Plains Youth Leader —SPJST—

Lodge 229, Abilene Campers

58

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Five Camp

VӖSTNÍK

July 27 to 30, 2008 • YMCA Camp Cullen in Trinity 1

4

3

2

6

5

7

8

1 - Pictured are, left to right, Ryan Bronikowski (sitting on the fence), Chaperone Paul Allen Bourque, Blake Brogdon, Cole Collins, and Devon Zwahr. 2 - Denae Bronikowski is pictured at her bunk. 3 - 2008 District Five Campers. Relaxing in front is Paul Allen Bourque. Front, left to right, Chaperones Catherine Manchack, Doris Bronikowski, Assistant DYC Brenda Moyle, Jennifer Malovets, DYC Barbara Linney Gonzalez, and Robert Bronikowski. Second row: Jorgia Conway, Zachary Collins, Lane Galbreath, Avery Moyle, Delaney Bourque, Alyssa Moyle, and Mackenzie Collins. Third row: Denae Bronikowski, Allison Wockenfuss, Collin Zwahr, Zoe Saxton, Jaci Malovets, and Blake Brogdon. Back: Jodi Malovets, Aaron Manchack, Ashley Moncrief, Devon Zwahr, Cole Collins,

9

10

Ryan Bronikowski, Krystal Flores, and Aryanna Saxton. Not pictured are J.R. Coleman, Doug Coleman, and Rheana Bounds. 4 - Ashley Moncrief and Allison Wockenfuss check out their bunks. 5 - Cole Collins points out the rules. 6 - Ryan Bronikowski poses on the bridge going to the cabins. 7 - Blake Brogdon sits on the fence. 8 - Cabin 9 steps out for a photo.

They are Denae Bronikowski, Aryanna Saxton, Catherine Manchack, DYC Barbara Linney-Gonzalez, Ashley Moncrief, and Jorgia Conway (seated).

Not pictured are Allison Wockenfuss, Krystal Flores, and Doris Bronikowski. 9 - Lane Galbreath is ready to go down the pipeline. 10 Aryanna Saxton, Zoe Saxton, Jaci Malovets, Mackenzie Collins, Jorgia Conway, Allison Wockenfuss, and Ashley Moncrief pose in their cabin.

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

DYC Barbara after the banana boat!

DYC Barbara before the banana boat ride talking to Assistant DYC Brenda.

Denae Bronikowski shows off the YMCA sign at Camp Cullen!

DYC Barbara and the banana boat!

59

60

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Six Camp

VӖSTNÍK

June 27 to 29, 2008 • Stoney Creek Ranch in New Ulm, Texas

S PJST District Six campers were

celebrating ’08! The District Six Youth Leaders, DYC Lisa Bubela, and District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom made plans for an awesome camp that was held the weekend of June 27 to 29, 2008. It was held at Stoney Creek Ranch in New Ulm, Texas. There was a total of 48 youth and chaperones from various lodges, including 4, Hallettsville; 30 Taiton; 32, Victoria; 40, El Campo-Hillje; 97, Placedo; and 240, Bay City. The camp was under the direction of District Six Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela. Serving as Leaders-inTraining for the weekend were Steven Drapela, Stephanie Fucik, Kenna Bubela, and Gerard Marcaurele, all of Lodge 30, Taiton, and Dera O’Canas, Kimberly Enriquez, and Joe Enriquez, all of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje.

Through the weekend, the LITs were in charge of various responsibilities and activities. They made sure all the youth participated and were on time for each event such as singing, dancing, games, devotional, and planning for

the last night’s event party.

Myself, husband Greg, daughter Kenna, and District Six Director Mike and wife Kathy arrived at the camp at 12:30 p.m. to get things in order and set up before the campers arrived at 2 p.m.

As the campers arrived, they were welcomed by DYC Lisa Bubela and District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom.

By the way, thanks to Mike and Kathy—they provided snacks for the campers as they arrived. What a treat because it was very hot. The youth were asked to find their seat with their name tags and get to know the camper who was seated next to them. We had a lot of new members who have never attended SPJST camp, and this was their first time.

After everyone arrived safely, DYC Lisa welcomed the group, then followed was the orientations of camp rules given by the camp facilitator Kelly. From there, room assignments were given. Then, they were dismissed to find their rooms and set up their beds and get ready for the first event of the weekend—swim time.

As they went back to the dining hall before swimming, State Youth Director John Hoelscher and his family arrived. We were delighted to see them all—his wife Lisa, children Michael, Emma, and Abby. What a great family! It is always a pleasure to have them at any event.

After swimming, the youth participated in one of our crafts for the weekend. They painted clay pots with their thumb prints and made lady bugs, bumble bees, butterflies, inch worms, and some even got more creative. We do have a lot of talented youth.

Then, it was time for our first meal.

We were fed like kings and queens for the weekend. The LITs and State Youth Director John led the youth in a meal song to the tune of “Super Man.” Great job, gang. A great big thank you to our wonderful kitchen crew. They really, really worked hard, and the food they prepared was delicious. Greg Bubela and District Director Mike and wife Kathy were great cooks. We had fajitas and the trimmings.

After such a meal, it was time to

work it off. The LITs were in charge of the youth. They played games and sang karaoke that was provided by State Youth Director John. What a day!

The evening ended with singing songs and “The Pudding Song” and game presented by State Youth Director John and chaperone Yvonne Marcaurele of Lodge 30, Taiton. We all got a great laugh! What troopers to have pudding slapped all over them. They were coved from head to toe—even some of the youth were lucky enough to get pudding on them. After cleaning up, the youth were assisted by the LITs and chaperones in making s’mores by the camp fire. It was a sweet night. To finish off the evening, the LITs prepared a special devotional.

Saturday morning began with singing “Star Spangled Banner” and saying a meal prayer. Then, we were off to breakfast. After breakfast, we were off to the pond where the blob was waiting for us. The youth had a great time blobbing each other off— even “the kid” John loved to blob the little kids off.

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

From there, we were off to the lake for canoeing and kayaking, and some of the youth brought their fishing poles so they were able to fish. I don’t think they caught anything. There was too much fun going on in the lake as the canoes and kayakers were splashing each other and having a great ol’ time.

It was great for the chaperones to sit back and watch and visit with each other.

We enjoyed an outdoor hamburger lunch prepared by our wonderful cooks.

The afternoon was spent playing outdoor games and enjoying snow cones in the heat of the afternoon.

From there, they were off to finish the craft they had begun the day before— the painted pots. DYC Lisa gave a quick lesson on how to plant ivy in the pots and the watering they take— somewhat of an educational program.

With our own camp coming soon, we are really wanting a lot of educational programs like this so what a better way to get it started.

Everyone then got ready for the evening party. It was a luau theme. The youth and chaperones came dressed in their Hawaiian attire. The dining tables were decorated with our Hawaiian theme of flower leis and umbrellas.

The evening meal was a steak supper and trimmings. It was great! Well, of

course, we had to work it off so the youth and some of our chaperones enjoyed an evening dip in the pool.

After cooling off, we all went inside to the play room and enjoyed playing games, limbo, foosball, dancing, and more karaoke. I did not realize how many Hannah Montanas we have in our district! You go, girls. It was time to say farewell to State Youth Director John and his family. We really enjoyed all the fun you shared with us, John.

What can I say—you are a good ole boy if you let Yvonne slap pudding on you. Thanks for all the other fun games and songs you provided.

The party concluded with ice cream sundaes. Lisa Bubela thanked our nurse for the weekend—former District Four Youth Counselor Leta Cross—for doing a wonderful job and taking the time to spend with us at camp. It is always great to see people from the other districts helping each other out.

Sunday morning’s activities included cleaning the cabins and packing to head home after breakfast. Everyone had a safe trip home.

Youth of District Six, I hope you all enjoyed your stay at Stoney Creek Ranch, and most of all, I appreciate you all coming out for our District Six camp. Without you, it would not be possible. I hope you had a great time.

I cannot say enough about my LITs.

You are the greatest. You are great leaders of tomorrow. Some day, I can hope that one of you will fill my shoes.

Special thanks to my chaperones both new and old.

Lodge 4, Hallettsville Susan Siptak and Philip Vahalik

Lodge 97, Placedo David and Bernadette Bellanger

Lodge 30, Taiton Tommy Drapela, Marjorie Treumer Yvonne Marcaurele, Nancy Fucik Lodge 32, Victoria Mary Monclova and Mary Tijerina Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Norma O’Canas Lodge 240, Bay City Karen Sharp

Thanks for the great help and hard work for always staying with the youth and on top of things. I know most of you have jobs, and I appreciate you taking the time off to spend with us as a chaperone.

And, to my cooks—great job! You are booked for next year!

A special thanks to our wonderful District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom. It

61

was great to have you all weekend— even if you were in the kitchen most of the time, but you always gave me encouraging words and stood by me the whole weekend and days before. You made me feel as if I had done this before. Thank you, Kathy, for being such a great person. You were a big help at camp and worked so hard in the kitchen. I really appreciate you giving so much of your time to our District Six Youth Program.

Now to my husband Greg, daughters Kirby and Kenna, and grandson Grant—a great big hug to you all. Yes, we did it! Without all of your support, love, and help, I probably could not have pulled off camp. I know that God helped me through it. He always does.

Who said you can’t plan a full camp in 10 days! With the help of my family, youth leaders, parents, state youth director, and district director, a great time was had by all. Well, the youth of today always say it is the SPJST Program that puts self-confidence into our lives and makes us strong and standing tall. It is a great privilege to serve as District Six Youth Counselor.

I am looking forward to a bigger and better camp next year!

Fraternally, Lisa Bubela District Six Youth Counselor —SPJST—

62

District Seven Camp

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

July 28 to 31, 2008 • Echo Hill Ranch in Medina

D istrict Seven attended camp at

Echo Hill Ranch in Medina, Texas, on Sunday, July 28 to 31, 2008. We had many activities planned for our camp.

We had 30 campers, seven leadersin-training, one senior LIT, and 13 staff.

The staff and LITs began arriving at 2 p.m. after I made a wrong turn, and we took the scenic loop about 20 minutes out of the way and much curvier than we had anticipated! We began setting up and painting signs for the cabins.

The campers began arriving at 6 p.m.

They got their name tags and water bottles that they decorated. Then, they were assigned bunks and got them ready for the rest of the week. We then enjoyed a wonderful meal of roasted hot dogs— thanks to Oscar Korus (again thanks for hauling the pit—it worked great) and Valarie Barta.

Thanks to our LIT. They led the group in songs while we got ready for the campfire. I know they wanted to sing “the Alligator Song,” but nobody knows the words but our great song leader SYD John, and he didn’t make it in time.

Everyone was given a glow-necklace or bracelet to wear during the campfire.

The camp staff had a campfire set up for us, and we had our campfire ceremony with our senior LIT and our two new campers Shelby and Clay Howard. We sang more campfire songs and the camp staff lead us in a few that they sing at their camps.

We had our initiation following the campfire, and we had many of the camp staff join in and get initiated, also. We welcomed them into SPJST and asked them to have a seat on a big soaking wet ice cold sponge. Gets them every time!

Some of the activities that the youth enjoyed included swimming, archery, horseback riding, water hikes, crafts (this year, each camper made a tie-dyed towel that they could use or take home as a reminder of the great time they had a camp), and State Youth Director John and Fraternal Department Assistant Douglas brought the Core Challenge.

One evening, the campers and chaperons climbed Echo Hill (not an easy task I might add as ADYC Belenda and I climbed it earlier in the day). You feel you are on top of the world. It’s the tallest hill in that part of the Hill Country.

When everyone was back down, we had an LIT find. All of the LITs were hiding in different areas of the camp, and the rest of the campers were given

clues to find them. All were found except for one we left in the trees. Only kidding! Zach was a little hard to find, but everyone eventually found him.

At our second day of crafts, the youth made decorations for the party, and we had a really big birthday card that the campers made for Cece. Everyone signed it and told her goodbye. She was our senior LIT who celebrated her 18th birthday with us. She has celebrated almost every birthday with us for the last six or so years. We will definitely miss her.

Wednesday evening, we took group pictures then we had our Celebrate ’08 karaoke party. We have many good singers in the group. After birthday cake for our senior LIT Cece and the younger groups going to bed, the LITs began singing, and boy, were they good!

This year, we surprised the campers with cabin inspections. We gave white, red, and black flags. You would be surprised to know that the middle age boys had the cleanest cabins, and no surprise—the LIT boys had the messiest.

All the girls need work, but they weren’t that bad! Everyone needs to be prepared for next year.

Thanks to all of the LITs for their help at camp this year with setting up and cleaning up and with the LIT find.

You know that you are all special to me.

I will miss you, Cece, as this is the last event in our great youth program.

Thanks to all of the chaperones who volunteer their time each year to make this camp special to all of our campers.

Thanks to Theresa Haag for always having our snacks ready at snack time.

Thanks to Valarie Barta for helping with the crafts and to Sandy Vasquez for making the homemade salsa. It was good!

Thanks to my super awesome best friend and Assistant DYC Belenda for helping me plan a great camp and being there to help in any way you can. I know I couldn’t plan such a great camp without you by my side. This year was particularly hard since the fire and my not having a computer to get a lot of the piddly little things done. You give me strength to make it through another year.

I look forward to a great camp in 2009!

Wendy Pruski District Seven Youth Counselor —SPJST—

Lodge 107, Floresville Campers

Lodge 185, New Braunfels Campers

Lodge 202, Jourdanton Campers

Lodge 258, Seguin Campers

VӖSTNÍK

Happy 18th, CeCe!

DYCs, SYD John, and Chaperones

2008 District Seven Campers and Chaperones

2008 SPJST Youth Spectacular

63

What can you get a child for $70? $70 will provide your child with $10,000 of permanent life insurance for a whole year! Plus, your child can join an SPJST Youth Club.

Children will outgrow their clothes and shoes.

But, the SPJST Youth Achiever life insurance certificate offers benefits that can last a lifetime!

SPJST Youth Achiever A Fraternal Life Insurance Plan for Young People Ages 0 to 15

SPJST’s Youth Achiever is life insurance coverage at very affordable rates.

You can get $10,000 to $50,000 of life insurance coverage for your child or grandchild for just pennies a day.

SPJST

Insuring and Enriching Lives Since 1897.

Home Office at 520 North Main, Temple, Texas 76501 • (800) 727-7578 • www.spjst.org