Vestnik 2009 10 14

Volume 97 Number 40

Benevolence

ISSN —07458800

Brotherhood

H E R A L D

Humanity

S P J S T

ˇ ´ VESTNIK October 14, 2009

2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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ˇ ´ VESTNIK

2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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/ 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

SUPREME LODGE 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

COMMITTEES 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: bvhouse@att.net

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

INSURANCE COMMITTEE District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 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, 192 Prairie Springs Loop, Georgetown, Texas 78626 - (512) 948-5339 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 FINANCIAL SECRETARY JERRY MIKULAS Office: (254) 773-1575 email: jerrymik@spjst.com

FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER PHILIP McBEE, FICF, CFFM (325) 784-9800 • Mobile: (325) 647-1949 email: philipmcbee@aol.com

STATE FIELD REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICTS ONE/TWO/THREE Hiram Dixon, FICF, LUTCF, CFFM Mobile: (254) 231-7722 email: hadixon2003@yahoo.com DISTRICT FOUR - Bobby Gene Davis, FICF, CFFM Mobile: (325) 450-3748 Home: (325) 947-0027 • Office: (325) 657-8400 Email: bgdsr2428@aol.com DISTRICTS FIVE/SIX/SEVEN Karen Kaspar, FIC, CFFM Mobile: (979) 332-1616 • Home: (979) 543-2532 email: k-kaspar@hotmail.com

STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR CHESTER JENKE, SR., FICF Home: (830) 303-4316 Mobile: (210) 413-3053 email: cejenke@wmconnect.com STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR JOHN HOELSCHER Mobile: (254) 534-0681 • ENC: (979) 249-5674 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 AND GENEALOGY CENTER Executive Director Sandi Wicker (254) 899-2935 • www.chmgc.com email: ssandiwicker@aol.com

Editor’s Note

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Czech Out Our Youth Program really is a great organization. One of the best things about SPJST is its investment in its youth members.

If you are looking for a dynamic youth program that gets your child involved and teaches him/her leadership skills and teamwork, I invite you to visit an SPJST youth club today.

Get involved and learn what a difference SPJST can make in your child’s or grandchild’s life.

The youth program is available for young people in grades kindergarten through high school senior.

It’s all about making new friends, learning how to be a leader, giving back to the community, and having fun!

Thanks to the contributions of hundreds of adults who volunteer their time, the SPJST Youth Program is helping to shape many of our future leaders. The SPJST Youth Program has a reputation of turning ordinary young people into extraordinary leaders.

This year’s SPJST Youth Spectacular features almost 500 photos of SPJST youth, leaders, and volun-

SPJST

teers in action. I invite and encourage you to look through the issue and see all of the excitement that our young people have experienced this past summer. Youth achievement days, summer camps, district trips and socials . . . And, these are only the summer activities. SPJST’s publication, Vestnik, features a youth section each week that includes reports and photographs from youth members and leaders about activities throughout the year.

The section also includes information about upcoming activities. Youth clubs participate in holiday socials, rest home visits, district events, Join Hands Day and other community service projects. Youth clubs also meet monthly. For more information about the youth program and how to get involved contact State Youth Director John Hoelscher (254) 534-0681 or email johnh@spjst.com or any of these leaders list on page 4.

Again, a huge thanks to our youth leaders on the local lodge, district and state levels. Keep up the great work. And, thanks to our youth members for continuing SPJST’s traditions.

—SPJST—

On the Front Cover

TOP PHOTO: Laramie Cass (17) and Andi LaFountain (17) are ready to dance the beseda. LEFT CENTER PHOTO: First place special category, ages 15 to high school senior, design by Stephanie Vanicek (24). BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO: Amanda Droste (25) rides a horse at camp. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Water sports fun at camp! BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO: Katherine Durham (92) shows off her camp tee-shirt, and Courtney Halbert (6) is pictured in Czech kroj.

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.

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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

From the State Youth Director What

a great year 2009 has been 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.

SPJST was founded 113 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.

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, talent contests and other local and statewide contests.

SPJST also has a great scholarship program that has helped to enable hundreds of SPJST youth to continue their higher education.

SPJST strives to instill a healthy lifestyle for children and families with programs like SPJST summer camp. Summer camp provides our

members with the chance to have fun in the great outdoors and foster friendships that will last a lifetime.

Creating experiences that help children develop a love of the outdoors and be physically active at the same is big part of the SPJST mission.

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 2009 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

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SPJST State Youth Director John Hoelscher

available through the purchase of a life insurance certificate from SPJST. If you are not currently a member of 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 (254) 534-0681 or email johnh@spjst.com.

Fraternally, John Hoelscher State Youth Director —SPJST—

Educational Vestnik Projects are also available online.

Thanks!

Youth Spectacular

Contents

SPJST Youth Leaders ................4 State YAD Results.....................6 District One YAD .....................16 District Two YAD .....................21 District Three YAD...................26

Merit Point Winners.................31 District Four YAD.....................32 District Five YAD .....................34 District Six YAD .......................38 District Seven YAD .................42 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 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 5; call (800) 727-7578; or visit www.spjst.org.

SPJST Youth Spectacular

Edited by Melanie Zavodny, Vestnik 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  2009 by SPJST. All rights reserved.

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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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 Mobile: (254) 534-0681 E-mail: johnh@spjst.com

FRATERNAL SERVICES SPECIALIST TAMMY MARTINEZ PO Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Office: (254) 773-1575 (800) 727-7578 Fax: (254) 774-7447 E-mail: tammym@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 TWO YOUTH COUNSELOR PATSY KOSLOVSKY 764 South St. Joseph’s Road Burlington, Texas 76519 (254) 985-2396 E-mail: p_koslovsky@yahoo.com Assistant Janet Lyon (254) 527-4371 Assistant Carol Tallas (512) 365-5033

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 Assistant Brenda Moyle (281) 369-3503

DISTRICT SIX YOUTH COUNSELOR LISA BUBELA 1405 Divide El Campo, Texas 77437 (979) 543-7120 E-mail: lbubela@warpspeed1.net Assistant Susan Siptak (409) 244-4415

DISTRICT SEVEN YOUTH COUNSELOR WENDY PRUSKI 1100 Hospital Boulevard Floresville, Texas 78114 (830) 393-9073 E-mail: wap6564@felpsis.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) Sharon Russell (979) 884-0807

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) Betty Macalik (972) 878-7719

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) Ardis Bacak (979) 543-7514

Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Lynette Talasek (254) 778-8273

Lodge 142, Houston (5) Catherine Manchack (281) 448-0469

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

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

Lodge 79 Corpus Christi (7) Paige Watson (361) 288-5333

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

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

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

Lodge 80, Holland (2) Frank Horak (254) 657-3018 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 Anderson (817) 337-0964 Lodge 97, Placedo (6) Bernadette Bellanger (361) 578-4253

Lodge 107, Floresville (7) Connie Jo Purchis (830) 393-6881

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

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

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

Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Regina House (830) 569-5070 Lodge 215, South Plains (4) Janeece Williams (806) 495-3351 Lodge 219, El Paso (4) Edna Rivas (915) 727-2048 Lodge 229, Abilene (4) Janice Stevens (325) 537-9224 Lodge 246 Morgan’s Point (2) Trish Konkler (254) 931-7230

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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 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 Contest Talent Contest Royalty Contest 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 7, 2010, 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.

2009 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

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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 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 2009.

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—

2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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Fort Worth, New Tabor, Ennis Youth Win State Crowns

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SPJST Youth Showcase Talents at State Youth Achievement Day

pproximately 250 SPJST youth from across Texas met at the Frank W. Mayborn Convention Center in Temple, Texas, on Saturday, August 1 to showcase their knowledge and skills at SPJST State Youth Achievement Day (YAD).

The 2009 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 a white sheet of paper and a box of crayons to display the “Art of Fraternalism”.

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, Cyclone, Dallas, Anson, Houston, Taiton, and Poteet.

The grand finale of the 2009 State

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2009 - 2010 SPJST State Royalty

Pictured are, left to right, State Duke Brandon Droste of Lodge 25, Ennis; State King Jackson Durham of Lodge 92, Fort Worth; and State Queen Grace Dusek and State Duchess Andi LaFountain, both of Lodge 17, New Tabor.

Youth Achievement Day was the presentation of the 2009-2010 State Royalty Court. Crowned to represent the SPJST in the coming year were King Jackson Durham of Lodge 92, Fort Worth, Duke Brandon Droste of Lodge 25, Ennis, and Queen Grace Dusek and Duchess Andi LaFountain, both of Lodge 17, New Tabor.

King Jackson, 15, is the son of Jon and Danelle Durham. Jackson is a

sophomore at Richland High School.

Duke Brandon is eight years old and the son of Tom and Allis Droste.

Queen Grace, 15, is the daughter of Ted Dusek and Roxanne Dusek. She is a sophomore at Caldwell High School. Duchess Andi, age six, is the daughter of Michael and Bobbi Jo LaFountain.

First runners-up were King Cullen Hairrell and Duke Colby See, both of

Lodge 6, Cottonwood teen receives $1,500 State Merit Grant Anna Dulock, age 17, a member of Lodge 6, Cottonwood, is the recipient of the 2009 SPJST State Merit Grant.

She is the daughter of Jimmy and Mary Beth Dulock of West. Anna is a senior at West High School. She received the $1,500 grant during the SPJST State Youth Achievement Day awards ceremony in Temple. Anna will graduate high school in June 2010. Her plans include studying nursing or mathematics at McLennan Community College

then transferring to a four-year college or university.

Teens from each district with the most youth merit points over the last three years competed for the Anna Dulock grant. As part of the competition, each teen submitted a 1,000-word essay on the topic “SPJST

Youth—Czech Us Out.” The winner was selected by a panel of judges using the following criteria: 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 2009 District Merit Grant winners are:

Lodge 9, Snook, and Queen Gena Weeks of Lodge 183, Arlington and Duchess Caroline Durham of Lodge 92, Fort Worth.

Second runners-up were King Lane Hoggard of Lodge 202, Jourdanton, Duke Ryan Henke of Lodge 107, Floresville, and Queen Nichole Festa and Duchess Shelby Horak, both of Lodge 80, Holland.

—SPJST— District One—Meghan Blum Lodge 17, New Tabor

District Two—Stephanie Vanicek Lodge 24, Cyclone District Four—Reed Williams Lodge 215, South Plains District Six—Steven Drapela Lodge 30, Taiton

District Seven—Travis Barta Lodge 202, Jourdanton

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

7

2009 District Merit Grant Winners

2009 Top Junior and Top Teen

Congratulations to the 2009 SPJST District Merit Grant Winners. They are, left to right, Meghan Blum of Lodge 17, New Tabor (District One); Stephanie Vanicek of Lodge 24, Cyclone (District Two); State Merit Grant Winner Anna Dulock of Lodge 6, Cottonwood; Reed Williams of Lodge 215, South Plains (District Four); and Travis Barta of Lodge 202, Jourdanton (District Seven). Not pictured is Steven Drapela of Lodge 30, Taiton (District Six).

Congratulations to 2009 Top Junior Allison Wockenfuss of Lodge 88, Houston in District Five and Top Teen Kenna Bubela of Lodge 30, Taiton in District Six. Allison earned 156 merit points, and Kenna earned 173 merit points to achieve these honors. Both were recognized for their achievements during opening ceremonies at State YAD.

State Merit Grant Essay: SPJST Youth—Czech Us Out Hilsher Pech, SPJST member, wrote, “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.”

This quote has helped me understand what SPJST is all about.

“Czeching” out each piece of SPJST through the many activities it has to offer, has given me the opportunity to be a part of this great organization.

The opportunities and challenges are definitely reason to “Czech” out SPJST youth. The SPJST Youth Program is put together with many pieces. Starting out in the SPJST Youth Program was a challenge at first. After learning new and diverse things from other youth members and adult leaders, SPJST led me to start checking out all the youth activities. I then became more familiar and involved with the youth program. The longer I am involved with SPJST, the more I am learning things positive for my community.

Birdie

By Anna Dulock of Lodge 6, Cottonwood - District Three

Volunteering my time to help others has a great impact on my life. I enjoy helping the residents at the rest homes, churches, local lodge, and helping other members. Learning good ethics to live by and knowing how to make the right choices is something that SPJST has instilled in me. SPJST has helped build character and helped me get more out of my life. By being involved in SPJST, I have learned about leadership and what it takes to be a leader. SPJST has helped me to take the extra step to achieve more than is required from me. It has molded me into what I am today.

Volunteering, the first piece to “Czech Out,” is a special activity of SPJST. Our local youth group volunteers time throughout the year devoting time and energy making projects for the nursing home residents in our area. When we deliver them, we visit with each resident, share a hug, a smile, and even a few kind words. It makes it refreshing to see them so happy. Our youth also participate in many community service projects. One project that we do every year is Join Hands Day. We help our local churches, our local lodge, and residents in the community by cleaning, doing yard work,

2009 State Merit Grant Winner Congratulations to 2009 SPJST State Merit Grant Winner Anna Dulock of Lodge 6, Cottonwood in District Three.

Anna received a $1,500 grant to the college of her choice during State Youth Achievement Day.

painting, or any job that needs to be completed. Completing these tasks makes you feel really good inside.

Youth Achievement Day, the second piece to “Czech Out,” is an opportunity for youth members to be active in SPJST and to show off their talent. Each June, other lodges in our

district come together and compete against each other in craft, talent, and royalty contests. As you go through looking at the projects, you can tell that the members put in a lot of effort and thought into their craft projects. I myself, put many hours Continued on Page 8.

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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Preserving Czech Heritage With SPJST

Royalty Speech By 2009-2010 State King Jackson Durham

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” Adding on to this quote

by Jane Howard, we need the SPJST! Good afternoon, distinguished judges, family, and friends. What are your first memories of SPJST? Mine are running around the dance floor in my boots and cowboy hat with the polka music as my rhythmic guide. As an infant I began my life wrapped in a SPJST blanket that my grandmother so proudly gave to me. This marked my destiny to preserve the Czech heritage within the SPJST. After my grandmother passed on I lost touch with my SPJST family and became more involved with my school activities. Gradually I felt there was something missing in my life, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. Then it hit me, I needed polka, I needed my SPJST family.

Grant Essay

(Continued from page 7.)

into my craft projects. As the youth perform their talent acts and royalty participants give their speeches, you can tell they are sincere in their efforts. Youth Achievement Day helps keep me busy with my projects and involved with other youth members.

A State Youth Achievement Day is held in August which youth members from around the state come together to compete in royalty, talent, crafts, and special category.

SPJST has given youth an opportunity to get involved in leadership skills which is a third piece to “Czech Out.” This past June was the first Leaders-in-Training (LIT) retreat that I have been able to attend.

Leaders-in-Training camp is one opportunity that helps acquire many leadership skills. We have learned many skills and activities that we bring back to our mother lodge. We learn the value of teamwork, and the LIT retreat gives me the chance to

And like that I was back in the mix of things. Now, I eagerly await the monthly dances when I slip on an apron and fire up the grill in the kitchen and cook our famous family hamburgers. I also look forward to going to camp every summer where I am able to renew old friendships and build lasting relationships.

Why is preserving the Czech heritage through the SPJST so important to me? Because it has brought me closer to my family and fraternal brothers and sisters by giving me a solid foundation that I can build upon. I want my sisters, family, friends, and future generations to experience the same feelings and memories that I have been a part of through SPJST. I will work my hardest to carry on the traditions and values that have been instilled in me since I first received my SPJST blanket.

—SPJST—

make new friends and be a part of a team.

The SPJST district summer camp program, the fourth piece to “Czech Out,” offers active youth members an opportunity to attend a free fourday camp. Each district offers a camp. The camp is filled with fun activities from arts and crafts, swimming, horseback riding, archery, hay ride, hikes for teens and younger campers, and a challenge course.

The challenge course gives everyone a chance to overcome their fear of heights and to learn endurance. This will definitely help you challenge your fears. We have the responsibility of organizing the hay ride and helping the younger youth campers.

We become role models for the younger youth, and hopefully, they in turn will want to achieve what we have done. We learned to pull together and make the camp a success.

As an SPJST member, it is our role to serve others, and face challenges to bring the best opportunities for each of us. By attending SPJST activities each year, I have the oppor-

Preserving Czech Heritage With SPJST

Royalty Speech By 2009-2010 State Queen Grace Dusek

All of my life, it seems I have been asked this question, “What is SPJST, and what do you do?” When I was younger, I always dreaded answering that, worried that I would say the wrong thing, or even worse, not know what to say at all. As the years have gone by, however, I have realized that there is really one word needed to answer that question. That word is heritage.

Dobrý den. Good afternoon and welcome, family, friends, and judges. I really had no choice in the matter when it came to joining SPJST. I was a lifetime member, and when I was old enough, my father started taking me to meetings.

Eventually, I began to see why my entire family was so adamant that I remain active within my youth club. It was simply so I could learn about my Czech heritage and traditions. As an active member of my lodge, I see firsthand how SPJST is enriching countless youth’s lives as well as my own, by keeping the Czech heritage very much alive.

One way I have personally connected to the Czech culture is through beseda dancing. Dance has always been an integral part of the Czech culture, and has always played a major role in my life. Without SPJST, I would not be able to share my love of dance with the community, or perform a dance that originated in the Czech Republic hundreds of years ago.

Another way the Czech heritage influences my life is through food.

From kolaches to sauerkraut, there are so many Czech foods that I eat

tunity to see my old friends, and to make new friends that I will have for life.

As I begin my last year as an SPJST youth, I see why SPJST is an organization the youth should “Czech Out.” The more effort you put into your life, the more you have to show for it. I am thankful that I have been involved in this organization. It has given me the opportunity to serve my community, learn leadership skills, and make new friends

on a regular basis. SPJST preserves this essential part of the Czech culture by giving youth opportunities to learn how to make traditional dishes that they can share with future generations. And, I know that I cannot imagine a world without kolaches, so this is very important to me.

What makes SPJST unique from all other Czech organizations is its focus on the youth. SPJST has embedded years of Czech history and tradition into my mind, not to mention my heart. Now I am able to share my knowledge of my heritage with others. By continuing to teach and promote Czech customs to children and adults, SPJST is ensuring that the Czech culture will not fade in the future. With an informed and enthusiastic new generation, I am confident that Czech culture will continue to influence SPJST members’ everyday lives, and because of this, spark curiosity in others to see what SPJST is all about.

I believe the secret to preserving Czech heritage in SPJST is to simply keep instilling the values that SPJST was founded on in young people. Fraternity, leadership, citizenship, and responsibility are all part of the Czech heritage as well as necessary tools needed to be successful in life. Because of SPJST, I can say I know exactly who I am and where I come from, and more importantly, I can say with complete confidence that my heritage will never, ever be forgotten. Dêkuji.

Thank you.

—SPJST—

from around the state that will stay with me the rest of my life. 2009 has shown that SPJST is the right organization to “Czech Us Out.” —SPJST—

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2009 State Junior Group Talent Winners

LODGE 25, ENNIS. Left to right, Jacob Mraz, Austen Holland, Amanda Droste, Brandon Droste, Justin Mraz.

2009 State Senior Group Talent Winners

LODGE 17, NEW TABOR. Front, left to right, Grace Dusek, Tyler Sandner, Grant Dusek, Coy Cass. BACK: Logan Jones, Zella Zaskoda, Meghan Blum, Willie Ihlenfeldt.

2009 State Individual Talent Winners

Left to right, Caroline Durham (92), Melinda McClellan (84), Sarah Siptak (4), Grace Dusek (17).

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2009 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

State Royalty State King Jackson Durham Lodge 92, Fort Worth District Three State Duke Brandon Droste Lodge 25, Ennis District Three State Queen Grace Dusek Lodge 17, New Tabor District One State Duchess Andi LaFountain Lodge 17, New Tabor District One King First Runner-Up Cullen Hairrell Lodge 9, Snook District One Duke First Runner-Up Colby See Lodge 9, Snook District One Queen First Runner-Up Gena Weeks Lodge 183, Arlington District Three Duchess First Runner-Up Caroline Durham Lodge 92, Fort Worth District Three

King Second Runner-Up Lane Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton District Seven Duke Second Runner-Up Ryan Henke Lodge 107, Floresville District Seven Queen Second Runner-Up Nichole Festa Lodge 80, Holland District Two Duchess Second Runner-Up Shelby Horak Lodge 80, Holland District Two

Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 25, Ennis (3) “Nothin Like a Dame” Lip Sync Amanda Droste Brandon Droste Austen Holland Jacob Mraz Justin Mraz

2nd - Lodge 9, Snook (1) “Heard It Through the Grapevine” Skit Mackenzie Allen Riley Allen Jaxson Brisco Jaycie Brisco Konnor Eldridge Kyleigh Hruska Grace Lewis Colton Orsak Madelyn Rodriguez Carlee See Colby See Natalee See

3rd - Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) “Who’s on First” Poetry Isabella Wiederhold Liliana Wiederhold

Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) “Salute to Vegas” Skit Meghan Blum Coy Cass Grace Dusek Grant Dusek Willie Ihlenfeldt Logan Jones Tyler Sandner Zella Zaskoda

2nd - Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) “I Run to You” Instrumental Clay Howard Shelby Howard

3rd - Lodge 80, Holland (2) “SOS” - Dance Alexis Festa Nichole Festa

Individual Talent Ages 6 to 8 1st - Caroline Durham Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) “Let’s Get Crazy” Dance 2nd - Grace Lewis Lodge 9, Snook (1) “Seasons” Poem 3rd - Abigale Fulton Lodge 47, Seaton (2) “Evolution of Dance” Dance

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Melinda McClellan Lodge 84, Dallas (3) “Choo-Choo Cha Boogie” Dance 2nd - Denae Bronikowski Lodge 88, Houston (5) “Ordinary Miracle” Dance

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2009 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

3rd - Angel Valdez, II Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) “Since U Been Gone” Instrumental

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Sara Siptak Lodge 4, Hallettsville (6) “Rock ’n Roll Mix” Dance 2nd - Grace Vann Lodge 186, Caldwell (1) “Popular” Dance 3rd - Jordan Eilers Lodge 91, Crosby (5) “American Bandstand Boogie” Dance

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Grace Dusek Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) “Can-Can Dance” Dance 2nd - Jackson Durham Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) “Everyday” Instrumental 3rd - Ashley Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) “Dear God” Dance Poster 1st - Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) 2nd - Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) 3rd - Lodge 183, Arlington (3) Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 25, Ennis (3) 2nd - Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) 3rd - Lodge 88, Houston (5)

Special Category (Drawing) Ages 6 to 8 1st - Jessica Schoen Lodge 88, Houston (5) 2nd - Macey McCuller Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) 3rd - Caroline Durham Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Julia Zavodny Lodge 47, Seaton (2) 2nd - Bayleigh Washam Lodge 20, Granger (2) 3rd - Jacqui Wiest Lodge 80, Holland (2)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Brooke Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton (2) 2nd - Amelia Peterson Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) 3rd - Katelyn Daniel Lodge 183, Arlington (3)

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2009 State Poster Winner

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Stephanie Vanicek Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) 2nd - Ashley Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) 3rd - Bowyn Bauer Lodge 1, Fayetteville (1) Constructed Items Ages 6 to 8 1st - Macey McCuller Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Noah’s Ark 2nd - Kelly House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Cutie Bear 3rd - Sean Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) The Great Outdoors

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Julia Zavodny Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Christmas Wreath 2nd - Jaci Malovets Lodge 162, Iowa Colony (5) Inch Worm and Mushrooms 3rd - Gage Cornell Lodge 154, Fort Worth (3) Racing Strips

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Brooke Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Noah and Friends 2nd - Zella Zaskoda Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Delight Cupcake 3rd - Taylor Cornell Lodge 154, Fort Worth (3) Spring in Bloom

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Anna Dulock Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Clean Pig 2nd - Ashley Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) White Kitten 3rd - Travis Barta Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Doitsu Koi Foods (Candy) Ages 6 to 8 1st - Zoe Edwards Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Peanut Brittle 2nd - Ryan Henke Lodge 107, Floresville (7) Mexican Pecan Candy 3rd - Kohl Junek Lodge 9, Snook (1) Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars

LODGE 17, NEW TABOR. Front, left to right, Andi LaFountain, Macy Narro, Dillon Narro, Tabor Dowell, Laramie Cass, Sierra Cash. Center row: Meghan Blum, Logan Jones, Tyler Sandner, Kellie Ihlenfeldt, Macey McCuller. Back: Willie Ihlenfeldt, Coy Cass, Colby Havemann, Grant Dusek, Grace Dusek.

2009 State Scrapbook Winner

LODGE 25, ENNIS. Front, left to right, Jacob Mraz, Amanda Droste, Hannah Slovak, Austen Holland. BACK: Hayley Slovak, April Dvorak, Justin Mraz, Devin Krajca, Brandon Droste.

2009 State Special Category Winners

Left to right, Jessica Schoen (88), Julia Zavodny (47), Brooke Hoelscher (47), Stephanie Vanicek (24).

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2009 State Constructed Items Winners

Left to right, Macey McCuller (17), Julia Zavodny (47), Brooke Hoelscher (47), Anna Dulock (6).

2009 State Foods Winners

Left to right, Zoe Edwards (47), Jacqui Wiest (80), Daisy Enriquez (40), Josef Orsak (9).

2009 State Handicraft Winners

2009 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Jacqui Wiest Lodge 80, Holland (2) Swirlicious Chocolate-Peanut Toffee 2nd - Carlee See Lodge 9, Snook (1) Peanut Brittle 3rd -Lauren Traugott Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) Cookies ’n Cream Fudge

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Austin Harmon Lodge 139, Danbury (5) Honey-Maple Bird House 2nd - Alexis Festa Lodge 80, Holland (2) Can Tab Centerpiece 3rd - Zella Zaskoda Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Green and Silver Set

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Josef Orsak Lodge 9, Snook (1) Pralines 2nd - Matthew Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Millionaires 3rd - Ashley Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) Double Fantasy Fudge

Hobby Kits Ages 6 to 8 1st - Brooke Henke Lodge 107, Floresville (7) Stallion 2nd - Blake Zielonka Lodge 148, El Maton (6) Power Miners 3rd - Colby See Lodge 9, Snook (1) Mosaic Turtle Kit

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Daisy Enriquez Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) Layered Mint Chocolate Fudge 2nd - Jordan Eilers Lodge 91, Crosby (5) Chocolate Bon Bons 3rd - Michelle House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Special Nut Toffee

Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - Brooke Henke Lodge 107, Floresville (7) Ladybug Birdhouse with Chimes 2nd - Grace Lewis Lodge 9, Snook (1) Flower Stepping Stone 3rd - Sean Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) Squirrel Feeder Ages 9 to 11 1st - Dillon Narro Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Birdhouse 2nd - Sky Garcia Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) Crucifix 3rd - Angel Valdez, II Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Green Turtle

Left to right, Brooke Henke (107), Dillon Narro (17), Austin Harmon (139), Travis Barta (202).

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Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Travis Barta Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Tidal Wave 2nd - Sarah Supak Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Cross 3rd - Stephanie Vanicek Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Cheetah

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Brady Alexander Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Indiana Jones 2nd - Dillon Narro Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Star Wars Jedi Starfighter 3rd - Hayley Slovak Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Pipe Cleaner Forest Animals Ages 12 to 14 1st - Jonathan Vahalik Lodge 4, Hallettsville (6) Huggables Latch Hook 2nd - Sammy Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) The Big Wheel 3rd - Zella Zaskoda Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Pearl Jewelry Set

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ashley Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) Scene of Italy 2nd - Grant Dusek Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Mini Ball Machine

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2009 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

3rd - Gerard Marcaurele Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Wolfpack

Needlework Ages 6 to 8 1st - Meghan Malcik Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Blue Bird 2nd - Carter Charanza Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Spot - Dalmatian 3rd - Colby See Lodge 9, Snook (1) Latch Hook

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Isabella Wiederhold Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) The Kitten 2nd - Julia Zavodny Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Flower Bouquet 3rd - Carlee See Lodge 9, Snook (1) Scarf

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Audree Williams Lodge 215, South Plains (4) High Heel Doily 2nd - Deanna Hairrell Lodge 9, Snook (1) Baby Hat 3rd - Ryan Bronikowski Lodge 88, Houston (5) Gone Fishing

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Jessica Fucik Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Counted Cross Stitch Picture 2nd - Stephanie Vanicek Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Avocado Lap Afghan 3rd - Anna Dulock Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) “Eeyore”

Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kyleigh Hruska Lodge 9, Snook (1) Sports Picture 2nd - Kelly House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) “Whoa” 3rd - Reanna Perez Lodge 88, Houston (5) Watching the Play

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2009 State Hobby Kits Winners

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Cortni Ashcraft Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) On the Edge 2nd - Avery Moyle Lodge 162, Iowa Colony (5) Team Penning 3rd - Cynthia Garcia Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) Kick the Ball Ages 12 to 14 1st - Chris Zavodny Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Summer Fun 2nd - Cole Collins Lodge 162, Iowa Colony (5) Horseshoes 3rd - Reagan Langer Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Basketball Star

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brandon Korus Lodge 107, Floresville (7) At the Ball Game 2nd - Matthew Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Fun in the Sun Knee Boarding 3rd - Jodi Malovets Lodge 162, Iowa Colony (5) Play Ball

Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - Macey McCuller Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Coffee in the House 2nd - Michael Hoelscher Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Traffic 3rd - Ryan Henke Lodge 107, Floresville (7) The Ocean

Left to right, Brooke Henke (107), Brady Alexander (47), Jonathan Vahalik (4), Ashley Moncrief (88).

2009 State Needlework Winners

Left to right, Meghan Malcik (24), Isabella Wiederhold (202), Audree Williams (215), Jessica Fucik (30).

2009 State Photography Winners

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kellie Ihlenfeldt Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Lovin’ the Farm 2nd - Isabella Wiederhold Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Brownie 3rd - Devin Krajca Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Wildlife

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Lane Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Grave Consequences 2nd - Sam Vanicek Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) The Great Depression

Left to right, Kyleigh Hruska (9), Cortni Ashcraft (24), Chris Zavodny (47), Brandon Korus (107).

VӖSTNÍK

2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2009 State Pictorial Arts Winners

13

2009 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

3rd - Zachary Shelfer Lodge 9, Snook (1) “Hoops”

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Travis Barta Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Mystic Koi 2nd - Stephanie Vanicek Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Into the Woods 3rd - Sara Supak Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Beach Oasis

Left to right, Macey McCuller (17), Kellie Ihlenfeldt (17), Lane Hoggard (202), Travis Barta (202).

2009 State Science and Education Winners

Left to right, Alyssa Moyle (162), Melinda McClellan (84), Amanda Jurik (25), Jessica Fucik (30).

2009 State Sewing Winners

Science and Education Ages 6 to 8 1st - Alyssa Moyle Lodge 162, Iowa Colony (5) Arctic Habitat 2nd - Angelina Ringwald Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Lemon Battery 3rd - Kelly House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Closed Circuits

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Melinda McClellan Lodge 84, Dallas (3) Jellybeans: The Taste of Color 2nd - Dillon Narro Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Volcano 3rd - Sky Garcia Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) Dice Calculations Ages 12 to 14 1st - Amanda Jurik Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Wildflower Project 2nd - Deanna Hairrell Lodge 9, Snook (1) Homemade Beauty 3rd - Jonathan Vahalik Lodge 4, Hallettsville (6) What Ap “Peels” to Bananas

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Jessica Fucik Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Cell Structure 2nd - Travis Barta Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Which is Better?

3rd - Tommy Weeks Lodge 183, Arlington (3) Polyhedron

Left to right, Sidney Faust (9), Brady Alexander (47), Nicole Laitkep (40), Cullen Hairrell (9).

Sewing Ages 6 to 8 1st - Sidney Faust Lodge 9, Snook (1) Baby Quilt 2nd - Chase Alexander Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Penguin Pillow 3rd - Brooke Henke Lodge 107, Floresville (7) Jungle Print Reading Pillow Ages 9 to 11 1st - Brady Alexander Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Apron 2nd - Isabella Wiederhold Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Plaid Outfit 3rd - Natalee See Lodge 9, Snook (1) Pink with Dots Pillow Case

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Nicole Laitkep Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) New Dress 2nd - Katelyn Daniel Lodge 183, Arlington (3) Dress 3rd - Deanna Hairrell Lodge 9, Snook (1) Lined Dress Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Cullen Hairrell Lodge 9, Snook (1) Laptop Bag 2nd - Sarah Supak Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Leopard Print Top 3rd - Anna Dulock Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Tote Bag —SPJST—

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2009 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. Seven groups exhibited the dance at the 2009 State Youth Achievement Day on August 1 in Temple.

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 — kroje — 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, Angelina Ringwald (47), Carley Cummings (47), Zoe Edwards (47), Abigale Fulton (47). BACK: Justin Kraatz (47), Michael Hoelscher (24), Ryan Festa (80), Garrett Festa (80).

District Two Senior Beseda Dancers

Lodge 9, Snook Junior Beseda Dancers

Front, left to right, Alexis Festa (80), Stephanie Vanicek (24), Julia Zavodny (47), Bayley Fulton (47). BACK: Brandon Hoelscher (47), Chris Zavodny (47), Sam Vanicek (24), Nichole Festa (80).

Front, left to right, Natalee See, Carlee See, Riley Allen, Grace Lewis.

BACK: KJ Macik, Colton Orsak, Kohl Junek, Colby See.

2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VÓ–STNĂ?K

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Lodge 9, Snook Senior Beseda Dancers

Lodge 9, Snook Senior Beseda Dancers

Front, left to right, Mackenzie Allen, Emily Lewis, Deanna Hairrell, Shelby Allen. BACK: Zachary Shelfer, Landon Eldridge, Justin Tarver, Hayden Kovar.

Front, left to right, Hannah Kovar, Taylor Allen, Aimee Winstead, Haily Dever. BACK: Cullen Hairrell, Robert Lewis, Josef Orsak, Cody Dever.

Lodge 17, New Tabor Junior Beseda Dancers

Lodge 17, New Tabor Senior Beseda Dancers

Front, left to right, Alexia Perkkio, Macey McCuller, Kellie Ihlenfeldt, Andi LaFountain. BACK: Tabor Dowell, Jeremy Ree, Dillon Narro, Laramie Cass.

Front, left to right, Zella Zaskoda, Sierra Cash, Grace Dusek, Meghan Blum. BACK: Logan Jones, Willie Ihlenfeldt, Grant Dusek, Tyler Sandner.

Thanks to SPJST Youth Beseda Dancers and Their Families for Promoting Czech Heritage in Texas!

Beseda dancers perform at events throughout the state during the year. They also exhibit the dance at State Youth Achievement Day.

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District One Youth Achievement Day

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Sunday, July 26, 2009 - Caldwell Civic Center Constructed Items Ages 6 to 8 1st - Macey McCuller (17) 2nd - Tabor Dowell (17) 3rd - Mitchell Parks (17)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Laramie Cass (17) 2nd - MacKenzie Allen (9) 3rd - Sierra Cash (17) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Zella Zaskoda (17) 2nd - Tyler Sandner (17) 3rd - Shelby Allen (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Bowyn Bauer (1) 2nd - Taylor Allen (9) 3rd - Josef Orsak (9) Foods Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kohl Junek (9) 2nd - Kyleigh Hruska (9) 3rd - Colby See (9) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Morgan Sebesta (9) 2nd - Carlee See (9) 3rd - Dillon Narro (17)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Zachary Shelfer (9) 2nd - Aimee Winstead (9) 3rd -Deanna Hairrell (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Josef Orsak (9) 2nd - Hanna Kovar (9) 3rd - Grant Dusek (17) Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - Grace Lewis (9) 2nd - Kyleigh Hruska (9) 3rd - Macey McCuller (17) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Dillon Narro (17) 2nd - Patrick David (13) 3rd - Morgan Sebesta (9) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Zella Zaskoda (17) 2nd - Robert Lewis (9) 3rd - Zachary Shelfer (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Shiloh Perry (13) 2nd - David Mendez (186) 3rd - Cullen Hairrell (9) Hobby Kits Ages 6 to 8 1st - Colby See (9) 2nd - Kyleigh Hruska (9) 3rd - Jessica Enrique (186)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Dillon Narro (17) 2nd - Hayden Kovar (9) 3rd - Jeremy Ree (17)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Zella Zaskoda (17) 2nd - Aimee Winstead (9) 3rd - Emily Lewis (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Grant Dusek (17) 2nd - Christian Brinkman (186) 3rd - Mavrick Evans (1) Needlework Ages 6 to 8 1st - Colby See (9) 2nd - Grace Lewis (9) 3rd - Jessica Enrique (186)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Carlee See (9) 2nd - Zachary Escobar (17) 3rd - Matthew Schoppe (9) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Deanna Hairrell (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Josef Orsak (9) Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kyleigh Hruska (9) 2nd - Riley Allen (9) 3rd -Andi Jo LaFountain (17) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Dillon Narro (17) 2nd - MacKenzie Allen (9) 3rd - Sierra Cash (17)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Zachary Shelfer (9) 2nd - Willie Ihlenfeldt (17) 3rd - Tyler Sandner (17)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Grant Dusek (17) 2nd - Kara Ihlenfeldt (17) 3rd - Grace Dusek (17)

Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - Macey McCuller (17) 2nd - Mitchell Parks (17)

Poster 1st - Lodge 17, New Tabor 2nd - Lodge 1, Fayetteville

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Zachary Shelfer (9) 2nd - Zella Zaskoda (17) 3rd - Grace Vann (186)

Individual Talent Ages 6 to 8 1st - Grace Lewis (9)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kellie Ihlenfeldt (17) 2nd - Zachary Escobar (17)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Bowyn Bauer (1) Science and Education Ages 6 to 8 1st - Riley Allen (9)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Dillon Narro (17) 2nd - Natalee See (9) 3rd - Matthew Schoppe (9) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Deanna Hairrell (9) 2nd - Nikolas Faust (9) 3rd - Aimee Winstead (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Cullen Hairrell (9) 2nd - Meghan Blum (17) 3rd - Shiloh Perry (13) Sewing Ages 6 to 8 1st - Sydney Faust (9) 2nd - Kyleigh Hruska (9) 3rd - Kyle Brinkman (186)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Natalee See (9) 2nd - Matthew Schoppe (9) 3rd - Nate Schielack (1) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Deanna Hairrell (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Cullen Hairrell (9) 2nd - Meghan Blum (17) 3rd - David Mendez (186)

Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 17, New Tabor

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Grace Vann (186) 2nd - Emily Lewis (9) 3rd - Brandon Canik (1)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Grace Dusek (17) 2nd - Shiloh Perry (13) Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 9, Snook 2nd - Lodge 17, New Tabor Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 17, New Tabor 2nd - Lodge 9, Snook Royalty District One King Cullen Hairrell (9) District One Duke Colby See (9) District One Queen Grace Dusek (17) District One Duchess Andi Jo LaFountain (17) First Runner-Up King Grant Dusek (17) First Runner-Up Duke Mitchell Parks (17)

First Runner-Up Queen Hannah Kovar (9) First Runner-Up Duchess Grace Lewis (9)

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2009 District One Youth Achievement Day First Place Winners 2009 - 2010 District One Royalty

Youth Achievement Awards

Left to right, District One Duchess Andi LaFountain and Queen Grace Dusek, both of Lodge 17, New Tabor, and King Cullen Hairrell and Duke Colby See, both of Lodge 9, Snook.

District One Youth Counselor Susan Skrabanek presents Youth Achievement Awards to, left to right, Bradley Shelfer of Lodge 9, Snook; John Russell of Lodge 13, Dime Box; Shelby Norman, Nicholas Havemann, and Chandler Malazzo, all of Lodge 17, New Tabor; and J.W. Evans of Lodge 1, Fayetteville. Not pictured are John Wheeler of Lodge 9, Snook; Kristina Skrabanek and Nathan Blum, both of Lodge 17, New Tabor; and Dylan Roesler of Lodge 39, Bryan.

Top Junior and Top Teen

Junior Group Talent

Senior Group Talent

District One Top Junior Dillon Narro (17) and Top Teen Colby Havemann (17) (Nicholas Havemann accepting award).

Lodge 9, Snook. Front, left to right, Jaxson Brisco, Kyleigh Hruska, Jaycie Brisco, Madelyn Rodriguez, Konnor Eldridge. Second row: Riley Allen, Grace Lewis, Natalee See, Colby See. Back: Carlee See, Mackenzie Allen, Colton Orsak.

Lodge 17, New Tabor. Left to right, Willie Ihlenfeldt, Logan Jones, Meghan Blum, Tyler Sandner, Grant Dusek, Grace Dusek, Coy Cass, Zella Zaskoda.

Individual Talent

Poster

Scrapbook

Left to right, Grace Lewis (9), Grace Vann (186), Grace Dusek (17).

Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club

Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2009 District One Youth Achievement Day First Place Craft Winners Constructed Items

Foods

Handicraft

Left to right, Macey McCuller (17), Laramie Cass (17), Zella Zaskoda (17), Bowyn Bauer (1).

Left to right, Kohl Junek (9), Morgan Sebesta (9), Zachary Shelfer (9), Josef Orsak (9).

Left to right, Grace Lewis (9), Dillon Narro (17), Zella Zaskoda (17), Shiloh Perry (13).

Hobby Kits

Needlework

Photography

Left to right, Colby See (9), Dillon Narro (17), Zella Zaskoda (17), Grant Dusek (17).

Left to right, Colby See (9), Carlee See (9), Deanna Hairrell (9), Josef Orsak (9).

Left to right, Kyleigh Hruska (9), Dillon Narro (17), Zachary Shelfer (9), Grant Dusek (17).

Pictorial Arts

Science and Education

Sewing

Left to right, Macey McCuller (17), Kellie Ihlenfeldt (17), Zachary Shelfer (9), Bowyn Bauer (1).

Left to right, Riley Allen (9), Dillon Narro (17), Deanna Hairrell (9), Cullen Hairrell (9).

Left to right, Sydney Faust (9), Natalee See (9), Deanna Hairrell (9), Cullen Hairrell (9).

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2009 District One Beseda Dancers Lodge 9, Snook Junior Beseda

Lodge 9, Snook Senior Beseda

Lodge 9, Snook Senior Beseda

Front, left to right, Colten Orsak, Tyler Turskey, KJ Macik, Colby See. BACK: Carlee See, Natalee See, Riley Allen, Grace Lewis.

Front, left to right, Justin Tarver, Landen Eldridge, Zachary Shelfer, Hayden Kovar. BACK: Deanna Hairrell, Emily Lewis, Mackenzie Allen, Shelby Allen.

Front, left to right, Cullen Hairrell, Robert Lewis, Josef Orsak, Cody Dever. BACK: Hannah Kovar, Taylor Allen, Aimee Winstead, Haily Dever.

Lodge 17, New Tabor Junior Beseda

Front, left to right, Tabor Dowell, Laramie Cass, Jeremy Ree, Dillon Narro. BACK: Alexia Perkkio, Andi LaFountain, Macey McCuller, Kellie Ihlenfeldt.

Lodge 17, New Tabor Senior Beseda

Front, left to right, Willie Ihlenfeldt, Coy Cass, Grant Dusek, Logan Jones. BACK: Sierra Cash, Brittanie Gaas, Grace Dusek, Kara Ihlenfeldt.

Thanks, District One Youth Leaders!

Front, left to right, 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; Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Leader Mabrey Dowell; Lodge 186, Caldwell Youth Leader Yolanda Brinkman; Assistant District One Youth Counselor Ann Schoeneman; Lodge 39, Bryan Youth Leader Binnie Ann Roesler. BACK: Lodge 1, Fayetteville Youth Leader Ronnie Pflughaupt; Lodge 1, Fayetteville Assistant Youth Leader Debby Pflughaupt; District One Youth Counselor Susan Skrabanek; Lodge 9, Snook Assistant Youth Leader Sharon Kovar; Lodge 13, Dime Box Youth Leader Sharon Russell; Lodge 13, Dime Box Assistant Youth Leader Sue Ellen David; Lodge 17, New Tabor Assistant Youth Leader Randy Gaas; Lodge 186, Caldwell Assistant Youth Leader Carol Coker; Lodge 39, Bryan Assistant Youth Leader Ronnie Roesler.

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District One Youth Achievement Day Scenes

LEFT PHOTO: Left to right, Kyle Skrabanek (17), Josef Orsak (9), and Bill Orsak (9) visit before the royalty competition. PHOTO 2: Youth Leader Sharon Russell (13), son Justin Pinkard (13), and his children Nila and Trent. PHOTO 3: Tabulating scores are, left to right, District

One Director Donnie Victorick (9), Debby Pflughaupt (1), Donna Jatzlau (13), and Larry Brinkman (186). RIGHT PHOTO: Preparing the prizes are Assistant DYC Ann Schoeneman (9), left, and Betty Suehs (17).

LEFT PHOTO: Registering crafts are Carol Coker (186) and Mabrey Dowell (17) PHOTO 2: 2007 SPJST State Queen Lindsey Jones (17) and brother Logan (17). PHOTO 3: Randy See (9) assists son Colby (9) with

his tie. RIGHT PHOTO: Enjoying a moment of socializing are, left to right Emily Lewis, Morgan Sebesta, Sierra Sebesta, and Deanna Hairrell (holding Hagen Sebesta), all of Lodge 9, Snook.

LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are James Schoeneman (9), District One Director Donnie Victorick (9) and Janice Victorick (9). PHOTO 2: Binnie Ann Roesler (39), left, and Brittanie Gaas (17). PHOTO 3: Sheila

Orsak (9), left, and Sharon Kovar (9). RIGHT PHOTO: Assisting with registration are, left to right, Sue Ellen David (13), Carol Petty (17), and Linda Gaas (17).

LEFT PHOTO: 2008-2009 District One King Chandler Malazzo (17), Duke Tabor Dowell (17), Queen Grace Dusek (17), and Duchess Alexia Perkkio (17). RIGHT PHOTO: District One Royalty contestants gather before the competition. Front, left to right, Colby See (9), Kyle Peschel (1), Mitchell Parks (17), Jaxson Brisco (9), Konnor Eldridge (9), Kohl Junek (9), Grace

Lewis (17), Riley Allen (9), Andi LaFountain (17), and Macey McCuller (17). Back: Cullen Hairrell (9), Mavrick Evans (1), Grant Dusek (17), Josef Orsak (9), Zachary Shelfer (9), Robert Lewis (9), Shiloh Perry (13), Hannah Kovar (9), Taylor Allen (9), Grace Dusek (17), and Meghan Blum (17).

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District Two Youth Achievement Day Sunday, July 26, 2009 - Lodge 24, Cyclone

Congratulations to all youth members who participated in District Two Youth Achievement Day held on Sunday, July 26, 2009, at Lodge 24, Cyclone. We had a tremendous audience.

Thank you to all who came and supported our youth. Thank you also to Lodge 24 for your kind hospitality.

Thanks to all who prepared the food. It was great.

This year, we once again topped the 300-mark for entries. It is great to see so many youth participating. It takes countless hours of preparations for any entry, whether it be craft, talent, royalty, beseda, poster, or scrapbook. I must say these youth are very dedicated as are their leaders and parents. I thank each one of you for being involved in the SPJST Youth Program.

District Two Flag Bearers Ryan Festa of Lodge 80, Holland and Colton Regan of Lodge 47, Seaton presented the flags.

Reigning District Queen Amber Penn of Lodge 24, Cyclone sang “The Star Spangled Banner.” What a beautiful voice for such a sweet, young lady! Introductions included State Youth Director John Hoelscher and wife Lisa, Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek and wife Joan, District Two Director Bobby Wuensche and wife Ruth Ann, Honorary District Two Director Frank Klinkovsky and friend LaVerne Vanicek, past SPJST Library, Archives and Museum (LAM) Curator Dorothy Pechal, and Lodge 24, Cyclone President Daniel Wilde.

District Two Royalty participants. Front, left to right, Dounia Mohad (29), Meghan Malcik (24), Zoe Edwards (47), Kayla Hannington (48), Duchess Shelby Horak (80), Duke Ty Stock (24), Koby Stone (47), Garrett Festa (80), and Colton Regan (47). BACK: Najatt Mohad (29), Stephanie Vanicek (24), Kandace Stone (47), Alyssa Torres (48), Queen Nichole Festa (80), King Sam Vanicek (24), Chris Zavodny (47), Josh Hannington (48), and Matthew Hoelscher (47).

Our day began with the royalty competition. What an honor to have with us our past 2005-2006 and 20062007 District Two King Kyle Vanecek of Lodge 29, Taylor and our reigning 2008-2009 and 2006-2007 District Two Queen Amber Penn. It is very special when our past members come back and get involved. Thank you for a job well done and continuing to support our program. Five beautiful young ladies and four handsome young men took the stage to give the judges and audience of what “Preserving the Czech Heritage Within the SPJST” means to them. Each contestant pre-

sented themselves and their speeches so well. I am so proud of each of you.

I must say, I did not envy the judges.

Congratulations to 2009-2010 District Two Royalty: Queen Nichole Festa of Lodge 80, Holland and King Sam Vanicek of Lodge 24, Cyclone. Proudly supporting them are Duke Shelby Horak and Duke Ty Stock. Second place went to Alyssa Torres of Lodge 48, Beyersville and Chris Zavodny of Lodge 47, Seaton along with their duchess and duke, Kayla Hannington and Koby Stone. Other queen participants included Najatt Mohad with duchess Dounia Mohad, Kandace

Stone with duchess Zoe Edwards, and Stephanie Vanicek with duchess Meghan Malcik. King participants included Josh Hannington with duke Garrett Festa, and Matthew Hoelscher with duke Colton Regan.

I would like to thank our 2008-2009 District Two King Matthew Hoelscher, his duke Kyle Hoelscher, and District Two Queen Amber Penn, her duchess Macey Malcik, for your outstanding representation of District Two this past year.

Individual and group talent was awesome. For some, it was their first year to perform in front of an audience.

Two circles of District Two beseda groups performed. I must say the crafts were unbelievable. What talent you all have. All participants—whether you take home a ribbon or not, remember, in my book, all District Two youth are winners. I am so proud of each of you!

You make so many people proud of you. You deserve to give yourself a pat on your back.

I want to thank all who helped in any way to make this day possible. You are an awesome group of people.

Thank you to the many people who bid on the candy in the silent auction.

With your kindness, we were able to donate $529 to the SPJST Education Nature Center (ENC) which will play a big part in our youth’s life.

Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor —SPJST—

District Two Junior Beseda Dancers

District Two Senior Beseda Dancers

Front, left to right, Michael Hoelscher (47), Garrett Festa (80), Justin Kraatz (47), Ryan Festa (80). BACK: Carley Cummings (47), Abigale Fulton (47), Angelina Ringwald (47), Zoe Edwards (47).

Front, left to right, Chris Zavodny (47), Brandon Hoelscher (47), Sam Vanicek (24), Nichole Festa (80). BACK: Stephanie Vanicek (24), Alexis Festa (80), Julia Zavodny (47), Bayley Fulton (47).

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District Two Youth Achievement Day Sunday, July 29, 2009 - Lodge 24, Cyclone

Constructed Items Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kalen Ashcraft (24) 2nd - Cade Campbell (24) 3rd - Ryan Festa (80) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Julia Zavodny (47) 2nd - Tyler Evatt (24) 3rd - Kyle Hoelscher (47)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Brooke Hoelscher (47) 2nd - Chris Zavodny (47)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Stephanie Vanicek (24) 2nd - Josh Hannington (48) 3rd - Matthew Hoelscher (47) Foods Ages 6 to 8 1st - Zoe Edwards (47) 2nd - Chase Alexander (47) 3rd - Cade Campbell (24) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Jacqui Wiest (80) 2nd - Kyle Hoelscher (47) 3rd - Jacob Horak (80)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Collin Vanecek (48) 2nd - Madeline Cummings (47) 3rd - Jerry Pechal (47)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Matthew Hoelscher (47) 2nd - Josh Hannington (48) 3rd - Mikhaila Nelson (18) Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - Shelby Bruggman (24) 2nd - Kayla Wuensche (48) 3rd - Ryan Festa (80) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Dounia Mohad (29) 2nd - Cortni Ashcraft (24) 3rd - Cole Campbell (24)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Alexis Festa (80) 2nd - Madeline Cummings (47) 3rd - Brooke Hoelscher (47)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Stephanie Vanicek (24) 2nd - Jacqueline Klaus (29) 3rd - Mikhaila Nelson (18) Hobby Kits Ages 6 to 8 1st - Colton Regan (47) 2nd - Kalen Ashcraft (24) 3rd - Meghan Malcik (24)

Ages 9 to11 1st - Brady Alexander (47) 2nd - Kacie Vanecek (48) 3rd - Kyle Hoelscher (47)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Brandon Hoelscher (47) 2nd - Collin Vanecek (48) 3rd - Madeline Cummings (47)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Matthew Hoelscher (47) Needlework Ages 6 to 8 1st - Meghan Malcik (24) 2nd - Kayla Wuensche (48) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Julia Zavodny (47) 2nd - Justin Kraatz (47) 3rd - Cortni Ashcraft (24)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Elizabeth Tischler (20) 2nd - Brandon Hoelscher (47) 3rd - Collin Vanecek (48)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Stephanie Vanicek (24) Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kalen Ashcraft (24) 2nd - Cade Campbell (24) 3rd - Macey Cummings (47) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Cortni Ashcraft (24) 2nd - Jacqui Wiest (80) 3rd - Cole Campbell (24)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Chris Zavodny (47) 2nd - Sam Vanicek (24) 3rd - Madeline Cummings (47)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Matthew Hoelscher (47) 2nd - Stephanie Vanicek (24) Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - Michael Hoelscher (24) 2nd - Abigale Fulton (47) 3rd - Zoe Edwards (47) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Cortni Ashcraft (24) 2nd - Dounia Mohad (29) 3rd - Landon Stock (24)

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

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Stephanie Vanicek (24) 2nd - Najatt Mohad (29) 3rd - E.J. Anderson (18) Science and Education Ages 6 to 8 1st - Angelina Ringwald (47) 2nd - Ty Stock (24) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Tyler Evatt (24) 2nd - Kacie Vanecek (48) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Maura Vestal (20)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Najatt Mohad (29) Sewing Ages 6 to 8 1st - Chase Alexander (47) 2nd - Kalen Ashcraft (24) 3rd - Abigale Fulton (47)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Brady Alexander (47) 2nd - Cortni Ashcraft (24) 3rd - Kayla Hannington (48)

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

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Josh Hannington (48) 2nd - Najatt Mohad (29)

Poster 1st - Lodge 29, Taylor 2nd - Lodge 24, Cyclone 3rd - Lodge 47, Seaton Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 24, Cyclone 2nd - Lodge 47, Seaton 3rd - Lodge 80, Holland Individual Talent Ages 6 to 8 1st - Abigale Fulton (47) 2nd - Kayla Wuensche (48) 3rd - Angelina Ringwald (47) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Bayleigh Washam (20) 2nd - Julia Zavodny (47) 3rd - Bayley Fulton (47)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Kandace Stone (47) 2nd - Jerry Pechal (47) 3rd - Elizabeth Tischler (20)

Ages 15 to High School Senior.

1st - Najatt Mohad (29) 2nd - Josh Hannington (48) Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 47, Seaton Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 80, Holland District Two King Sam Vanicek (24) District Two Duke Ty Stock (24) District Two Queen Nichole Festa (80) District Two Duchess Shelby Horak (80)

First Runner-Up King Chris Zavodny (47) First Runner-Up Duke Koby Stone (47) First Runner-Up Queen Alyssa Torres (48) First Runner-Up Duchess Kayla Hannington (48)

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2009 District Two Youth Achievement Day First Place Winners Youth Achievement Award

2009 - 2010 District Two Royalty

Lodge 20, Granger Youth Leader Emilie Tischler presents the Youth Achievement Award to daughter Mary Kathryn Tischler. Other District Two Youth Achievement Award recipients are Amber Penn of Lodge 24, Cyclone; Bret Wuensche and Connor Vanecek, both of Lodge 48, Beyersville; and Victoria Pajestka of Lodge 80, Holland.

Left to right, District Two Duchess Shelby Horak and Queen Nichole Festa, both of Lodge 80, Holland, King Sam Vanicek and Duke Ty Stock, both of Lodge 24, Cyclone.

Top Junior and Top Teen

Junior Group Talent

Senior Group Talent

District Two Top Junior Brandon Hoelscher (47) and Top Teen Sam Vanicek (24).

Lodge 47, Seaton. Left to right, Madeline Cummings, Bayley Fulton, Carley Cummings, Abigale Fulton, and Macey Cummings.

Lodge 80, Holland. Left to right, Alexis Festa and Nichole Festa.

Individual Talent

Poster

Scrapbook

Left to right, Abigale Fulton (47), Bayleigh Washam (20), Kandace Stone (47), Najatt Mohad (29).

Lodge 29, Taylor Youth Club

Lodge 24, Cyclone Youth Club

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2009 District Two Youth Achievement Day First Place Craft Winners Constructed Items

Foods

Handicraft

Left to right, Kalen Ashcraft (24), Julia Zavodny (47), Brooke Hoelscher (47), Stephanie Vanicek (24).

Left to right, Zoe Edwards (47), Jacqui Wiest (80), Collin Vanecek (48), Matthew Hoelscher (47).

Left to right, Shelby Bruggman (24), Alexis Festa (80), Dounia Mohad (29), Stephanie Vanicek (24).

Hobby Kits

Needlework

Photography

Left to right, Colton Regan (47), Brady Alexander (47), Brandon Hoelscher (47), Matthew Hoelscher (47).

Left to right, Meghan Malcik (24), Julia Zavodny (47), Elizabeth Tischler (20), Stephanie Vanicek (24).

Left to right, Kalen Ashcraft (24), Cortni Ashcraft (24), Chris Zavodny (47), Matthew Hoelscher (47).

Pictorial Arts

Science and Education

Sewing

Left to right, Michael Hoelscher (24), Cortni Ashcraft (24), Sam Vanicek (24), Stephanie Vanicek (24).

Left to right, Angelina Ringwald (47), Tyler Evatt (24), Maura Vestal (20), Najatt Mohad (29).

Left to right, Chase Alexander (47), Brady Alexander (47), Brandon Hoelscher (47), Josh Hannington (48).

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District Two Youth Achievement Day Scenes

LEFT PHOTO: Youth admire the many craft entries. PHOTO 2: 2008-2009 District Two Queen Amber Penn (24) interviews duchess Dounia Mohad (29). PHOTO 3: 2007-2008 District Two King Kyle Vanecek (29) interviews

Duke Kyle Hoelscher (47). RIGHT PHOTO: District Two Flag Bearers Colton Regan (47) and Ryan Festa (80) prepare to bring in the flags before YAD.

LEFT PHOTO: Youth Leader Frank Horak (80) makes his plate. Lodge 24, Cyclone catered the noon meal. CENTER PHOTO: Visiting are, left to right, Koby Stone (47), Chris Zavodny (47), Matthew Hoelscher (47), and

Sam Vanicek (24). RIGHT PHOTO: Enjoying lunch are, left to right, Brooke Hoelscher (47), Brandon Hoelscher (47), Chase Alexander (47), and Brady Alexander (47).

LEFT PHOTO: Thanks to Lodge 24, Cyclone for providing a delicious lunch.

CENTER PHOTO: Pictured, left to right, are Becky, Julia and Elden Za-

vodny, all of Lodge 47, Seaton, and Royella and Maxie Roesler. RIGHT PHOTO: District Two beseda dancers perform.

LEFT PHOTO: Enjoying lunch are, left to right, Kathy Penn, David Mainard, and 2008-2009 District Two Queen Amber Penn, all of Lodge 24, Cyclone.

CENTER PHOTO: The silent auction raised $529 for SPJST ENC. RIGHT

PHOTO: Assisting with the meal are, left to right, Wilbert Mikeska, Louis Hubnik, Charles Schneider, Johnnie Klecka, Brent Vanicek, and Daniel Wilde, all of Lodge 24, Cyclone.

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District Three Youth Achievement Day

Saturday, June 20, 2009 - SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas

On June 20, 2009, District Three held its youth achievement day at Lodge 84, Dallas. Many thanks to the youth leaders and members of Lodge 84 for organizing another successful day for our youth. We are very proud of our youth turning in more than 300 entries at this year’s Youth Achievement Day! Many winners went on to win at State Youth Achievement Day that was

held in Temple on August 1. Our youth’s talent and craftsmanship just keeps improving each year.

Congratulations to all, and just remember everyone is a winner at District Three Youth Achievement Day. Fraternally, Bessie Petr District Three Youth Counselor —SPJST—

District Three Royalty participants. Front, left to right, are Brandon Droste (25), Katherine Durham (92), Rachael Humphreys (154), Melinda McClellan (84), Caroline Durham (92), Raiven Jackson (6), April Dvorak (25), and Levi Adamek (183). BACK: Jackson Durham (92), Courtney Halbert (6), Katie Weeks (183), Emily Humphreys (154), Desiree Christman (84), Gena Weeks (183), Amelia Peterson (6), Ashley Andreason (84), and Tommy Weeks (183).

District Three: Proud of Youth Accomplishments

District Three was well represented at State Youth Achievement Day. This day consisted of beseda exhibition and talent, craft, poster, scrapbook, and royalty competition. We are very proud of our youth and their accomplishments that day. We had many craft, special category, group and individual winners. First place state winners from District Three include State King Jackson Durham of Lodge 92, Fort Worth; State Duke Brandon Droste of Lodge 25, Ennis; Lodge 25, Ennis - Junior Group Talent and Scrapbook; Caroline Durham (92) - Individual Talent, ages 6 to 8; Melinda McClellan (84) - Individual Talent/Science and Education ages 9 to 11; Anna Dulock (6) - Constructed Items, ages 15 to High School Senior; and Amanda Jurik (25) - Science and Education, ages 12 to 14.

We are most proud of the $1,500 SPJST State Merit Grant winner - Anna Dulock of Lodge 6, Cottonwood.

Anna is 16 years old, attends West High School in West Texas, and is the daughter of Jimmy and Mary Beth Dulock. She has been an active member of Lodge 6 since the age of six. She participates in all the local, district and state activities in SPJST. To receive this

award, Anna earned the highest merit points in our district. She was then asked to write an essay that determined the top state winner.

Other than attending her local meetings, she also participates in Youth Achievement Anna Dulock Day every year.

Just about every year, some of her crafts win and go to State Youth Achievement Day. She also attends summer camp, as well as the LeaderIn-Training camp. Her club is very involved in community service projects every month. She also writes letters and sends pictures to the Vestnik about what her club is involved in. She participates in Join Hands Day, Make A Difference Day, and 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive. She also completes her Vestnik projects that are posted in the Vestnik every month. She enters contests that we have every year such as Flag Day, Christmas ornament, kraslice (Easter egg) decorating, and the camp tee-shirt design. She has held

many of the officer positions in her own youth club as well as in the district. She is looked up to from the younger children as a role model.

Anna is so deserving of this award, and we are very proud of her and her accomplishments.

Another member whom we are very proud of is SPJST State Royalty King Jackson Durham of Lodge 92, Fort Worth and his Duke Brandon Droste of Lodge 25, Ennis. Jackson gave a great speech at State Youth Achievement Day where he earned the title of SPJST

2009-2010 SPJST State King Jackson Durham of Lodge 92, Fort Worth District Three with ADYC Lynda Novak (84), ADYC Diana Engelke (66), DYC Bessie Petr (84), and District Three Director Johnnie Krizan (6).

State King. He is 15 years old and attends Richland High School in North Richland Hills in Fort Worth, Texas.

His parents are Jon and Danele Durham. Duke Brandon is eight years old and the son of Tom and Allis Droste of Heath, Texas. Jackson will attend six public appearances with the State Queen with arrangements made by the State Youth Director.

Fraternally, Bessie Petr District Three Youth Counselor —SPJST—

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District Three Youth Achievement Day

Saturday, June 20, 2009 - SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas Constructed Items Ages 6 to 8 1st - Amanda Droste (25) 2nd - Rachael Humphreys (154) 3rd - Brandon Droste (25) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Gage Cornell (154) 2nd - Lauren Traugott (92) 3rd - Zachary McManus (84) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Taylor Cornell (154) 2nd - Tori Motley (25) 3rd - Alexa Hubenak (92)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Anna Dulock (6) 2nd - Desiree Christman (84) 3rd - Lakn Dieterich (6) Foods Ages 6 to 8 1st - William Andreason (84) 2nd - Rendon Dobecka (6) 3rd - Amanda Droste (25)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Lauren Traugott (92) 2nd - Zachary McManus (84) 3rd - Jason Sims (84) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Reagan Langer (25) 2nd - Alexa Hubenak (92) 3rd - Amelia Peterson (6)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Lakn Dieterich (6) 2nd - Desiree Christman (84) 3rd - Eric Wallace (66) Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - Rendon Dobecka (6) 2nd - Hanna Slovak (25) 3rd - April Dvorak (25)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Devin Krajca (25) 2nd - Lauren Traugott (92) 3rd - Jason Sims (84) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Reagan Langer (25) 2nd - Amelia Peterson (6) 3rd - Katelyn Daniel (183)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Michael Jurik (25) 2nd - Lakn Dieterich (6) 3rd - Gena Weeks (183) Hobby Kits Ages 6 to 8 1st - Austen Holland (25) 2nd - April Dvorak (25) 3rd - Brandon Droste (25) Ages 9 to11 1st - Hayley Slovak (25) 2nd - Paige Tignor (25) 3rd - Levi Adamek (183)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Amelia Peterson (6) 2nd - Elisabeth Cowan (84) 3rd - Katelyn Daniel (183)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Lakn Dieterich (6) 2nd - Courtney Halbert (6) 3rd - Katie Weeks (183) Needlework Ages 6 to 8 1st - Carter Charanza (6) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Raiven Jackson (6) 2nd - Pierce Tignor (25) 3rd - Paige Tignor (25)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Rachel McManus (84) 2nd - Amanda Jurik (25)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Anna Dulock (6) 2nd - Michael Jurik (25) Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Brandon Droste (25) 2nd - Justin Mraz (25) 3rd - Austen Holland (25)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Devin Krajca (25) 2nd - Zachary McManus (84) 3rd - Levi Adamek (183) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Reagan Langer (25) 2nd - Alexa Hubenak (92) 3rd - Rachel McManus (84)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Desiree Christman (84) 2nd - Tommy Weeks (183) 3rd - Brooke Hood (92) Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - April Dvorak (25) 2nd - Hanna Slovak (25) 3rd - Austen Holland (25) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Devin Krajca (25) 2nd - Paige Tignor (25) 3rd - Gage Cornell (154)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Elisabeth Cowan (84) 2nd - Rachel McManus (84) 3rd - Amelia Peterson (6)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Michael Jurik (25) 2nd - Lakn Dieterich (6) 3rd - Anna Dulock (6) Science and Education Ages 6 to 8 1st - Amanda Droste (25) 2nd - April Dvorak (25) 3rd - Rendon Dobecka (6)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Melinda McClellan (84) 2nd - Hayley Slovak (25) 3rd - Devin Krajca (25) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Amanda Jurik (25) 2nd - Reagan Langer (25) 3rd - Elisabeth Cowan (84)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Tommy Weeks (183) Sewing Ages 9 to 11 1st - Melinda McClellan (84) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Katelyn Daniel (183) 2nd - Reagan Langer (25)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Anna Dulock (6) 2nd - Courtney Halbert (6) 3rd - Gena Weeks (183)

Poster 1st - Lodge 6, Cottonwood 2nd - Lodge 183, Arlington 3rd - Lodge 25, Ennis Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 183, Arlington 2nd - Lodge 25, Ennis 3rd - Lodge 6, Cottonwood Individual Talent Ages 6 to 8 1st - Caroline Durham (92) 2nd - Amanda Droste (25) 3rd - April Dvorak (25)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Melinda McClellan (84) 2nd - Katherine Durham (92) 3rd - Gage Cornell (154) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Katelyn Daniel (183) 2nd - Elisabeth Cowan (84)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Jackson Durham (92) 2nd - Gena Weeks (183) 3rd - Desiree Christman (84) Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 25, Ennis 2nd - Lodge 92, Fort Worth 3rd - Lodge 25, Ennis Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 84, Dallas 2nd - Lodge 183, Arlington Royalty District Three King Jackson Durham (92) District Three Duke Brandon Droste (25) District Three Queen Gena Weeks (183 District Three Duchess Caroline Durham (92)

First Runner-Up King Tommy Weeks (183) First Runner-Up Duke Levi Adamek (183) First Runner-Up Queen Emily Humphreys (154) First Runner-Up Duchess Rachael Humphreys (154)

Second Runner-Up Queen Desiree Christman (84) Second Runner-Up Duchess Melinda McClellan (84)

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2009 District Three Youth Achievement Day First Place Winners 2009 - 2010 District Three Royalty

Youth Achievement Awards

Left to right, District Three Duchess Caroline Durham (92), Queen Gena Weeks (183), King Jackson Durham (92), and Duke Brandon Droste (25).

LEFT PHOTO: District Three Youth Counselor Bessie Petr and State Youth Director John Hoelscher, right, present the Youth Achievement Award to Paris Milan of Lodge 154, Fort Worth. Other Youth Achievement Award recipients from District Three were Dillon Baker and Raychel Clark, both of Lodge 25, Ennis, Jake Zabojnik of Lodge 84, Dallas, and Colton Daniel and Chelsea Reed, both of Lodge 183, Arlington.

Top Junior and Top Teen

Junior Group Talent

Senior Group Talent

District Three Top Junior Melinda McClellan (84) and Top Teen Anna Dulock (6).

Lodge 25, Ennis. Justin Mraz, Brandon Droste, Amanda Droste, Austen Holland, Jacob Mraz.

Lodge 84, Dallas. Front, left to right, Melinda McClellan, William Andreason, Alexandria Andreason. BACK: Elisabeth Cowan, Emily Andreason, Desiree Christman, Ashley Andreason, Jason Sims.

Individual Talent

Poster

Scrapbook

Left to right, Caroline Durham (92), Melinda McClellan (84), Katelyn Daniel (183), Jackson Durham (92).

Lodge 6, Cottonwood Youth Club

Lodge 183, Arlington Youth Club

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2009 District Three Youth Achievement Day First Place Craft Winners Constructed Items

Foods

Handicraft

Left to right, Amanda Droste (25), Gage Cornell (154), Taylor Cornell (154), Anna Dulock (6).

Left to right, William Andreason (84), Lauren Traugott (92), Reagan Langer (25), Lakn Dieterich (6).

Left to right, Rendon Dobecka (6), Devin Krajca (25), Reagan Langer (25), Michael Jurik (25).

Hobby Kits

Needlework

Photography

Left to right, Austen Holland (25), Hayley Slovak (25), Amelia Peterson (6), Lakn Dieterich (6).

Left to right, Carter Charanza (6), Raiven Jackson (6), Rachel McManus (84), Anna Dulock (6).

Left to right, Brandon Droste (25), Devin Krajca (25), Reagan Langer (25), Desiree Christman (84).

Pictorial Arts

Science and Education

Sewing

Left to right, April Dvorak (25), Devin Krajca (25), Elisabeth Cowan (84), Michael Jurik (25).

Left to right, Amanda Droste (25), Melinda McClellan (84), Amanda Jurik (25), Tommy Weeks (183).

Left to right, Melinda McClellan (84), Katelyn Daniel (183), Anna Dulock (6).

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District Three Youth Achievement Day Scenes

LEFT PHOTO: District Three Youth Counselor Bessie Petr introduces 1995 SPJST State King CJ Novak (84) who served as the master of ceremonies.

CENTER PHOTO: 2008-2009 District Three Duchess Lauren Traugott (92),

Queen Alexa Hubenak (92), and King Paris Milan (154). RIGHT PHOTO: Thanks for a great YAD! Left to right are Assistant DYC Lynda Novak (84), DYC Bessie Petr (84), and Assistant DYC Diana Engelke (66).

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 84, Dallas President Justine Yeager welcomes all to District Three YAD. PHOTO 2: Jennifer Dvorak (25) and daughter Misty (25) place a silent auction bid. PHOTO 3: District Three Director Johnnie

Krizan (6), left, and District Three FAC George Pauling (66) tabulate the day’s scores. RIGHT PHOTO: Tabulating scores are, left to right, Gordon Hubenak, Melissa Hubenak, Staci Hubenak, and Holly Hubenak Anderson.

LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are David Nauert (246), Eugene Dolezal (25), George Pauling (66), and State Youth Director John Hoelscher (47). CENTER

PHOTO: Jackson Durham (92) visits with Anna Dulock (6), left, and Lakn Dieterich (6). RIGHT PHOTO: Bobby Dobecka (6), left, and John Engelke (66).

LEFT PHOTO: Looking at crafts are, left to right, Arch Tignor (25), Paige Tignor (25), and Melinda McLennan (84). CENTER PHOTO: King contestant Jackson Durham gets family support. They are, front, left to right, aunt Pam (holding Jackson’s cousin Adlar Davies), sister Caroline, cousin Ariana Peterson-Davies, and sister Katherine. Back: Grandfather Dick, and parents Jon and Danele. They are all members of Lodge

92, Fort Worth. RIGHT PHOTO: The Weeks’ triplets, left to right, Katie, Tommy, and Gena, all of Lodge 183, Arlington, participate in District Three royalty. Cheering them on are, left to right, cousin Kim Culliton (183), grandmother Dorothy Gerlich (66), parents Tom and Kay Weeks (183), and grandfather Eugene Gerlich (66), in front. Gena was crowned District Three Queen.

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2008-2009 SPJST Youth Merit Point Winners DISTRICT ONE JUNIORS

Place Lodge

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

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

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

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

Youth

Fidel Aparicio, Jr Logan Spanihel Haily Dever Hayden Kovar Colton Orsak Deanna Hairrell Colby See Grace Lewis Natalee See Patrick David Dillon Narro Tabor Dowell Sierra Cash Logan Jones Kellie Ihlenfeldt Alexia Perkkio Tyler Sandner Laramie Cass Coy Cass Trey Groce Andi LaFountain Jeremy Ree Shelby-Lynn Rose Kyle Brinkman Elias Rose

Points

121 116 129 128 124 120 106 106 106 107 153 152 139 131 128 125 123 113 113 110 108 102 117 116 104

DISTRICT ONE TEENS Bowyn Bauer Mavrick Evans J.W. Evans Zachary Shelfer Bradley Shelfer Josef Orsak Hannah Kovar Cody Dever Robert Lewis John Russell Colby Havemann Meghan Blum Brittanie Gaas Nathan Blum Kara Ihlenfeldt Chandler Malazzo Willie Ihlenfeldt Nick Havemann Grace Dusek Shelby Norman Grant Dusek Zella Zaskoda David Mendez

102 100 100 143 128 124 118 116 110 104 151 149 142 126 118 115 110 109 105 105 104 103 113

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

DISTRICT TWO JUNIORS 18 T.J. Anderson 18 J.B. Anderson 24 Michael Hoelscher 24 Meghan Malcik 24 Macey Malcik 24 Madison Malcik 24 Ty Stock 24 Cole Campbell 24 Cade Campbell 24 Nash Campbell 29 Kaitlyn Whatley 29 Brandon Girod 29 Dounia Mohad 47 Brandon Hoelscher 47 Chase Alexander 47 Brady Alexander 47 Justin Kraatz 47 Kyle Hoelscher 47 Zoe Edwards 47 Angelina Ringwald 47 Colton Regan 47 Abigale Fulton 47 Bayley Fulton 48 Kayla Wuensche 48 Kaycie Vanecek 80 Alexis Festa 80 Ryan Festa 80 Garrett Festa 80 Samantha White

144 137 132 124 124 119 108 105 104 100 144 131 115 152 145 134 132 123 107 104 104 102 102 131 104 134 118 116 108

3 4 2 3 5 3 4 4 5 4 5

18 18 24 24 24 47 47 47 48 80 80

140 131 154 151 116 146 123 119 105 128 115

4 5 5 4 5

DISTRICT TWO TEENS Mikhaila Nelson E.J. Anderson Sam Vanicek Stephanie Vanicek Amber Penn Brooke Hoelscher Matthew Hoelscher Patrick Neil Rabroker Connor Vanecek Nichole Festa Kirsten White

DISTRICT THREE JUNIORS 6 Rendon Dobecka 6 Carter Charanza 6 Raiven Jackson 25 April Dvorak 25 Hayley Slovak

118 116 108 129 114

5 5 3 5 4 5 5 5 5 4 5

25 25 84 92 154 154 154 154 154 183 183

Paige Tignor Pierce Tignor Melinda McClellan Lauren Traugott Angel Pace Gage Cornell Rachael Humphreys Taylor Cornell Sophie Milan Katelyn Daniel Levi Adamek

4 4 4 5 5 5 5

DISTRICT THREE TEENS 6 Anna Dulock 6 Lakn Dieterich 6 Amelia Peterson 92 Brooke Hood 92 Alexa Hubenak 154 Emily Humphreys 183 Tommy Weeks

5

215

4 4 5 5

DISTRICT FOUR JUNIOR Kaycee Lehmann

DISTRICT FOUR TEENS 215 Reed Williams 215 Audree Williams 215 Carson Lehmann 229 Kayla Willcoxson

2 5 4 4

DISTRICT FIVE JUNIORS 88 Allison Wockenfuss 88 Katherine Bronikowski 162 Alyssa Moyle 162 Avery Moyle

5

162

2 2 4 5 5 4

DISTRICT FIVE TEEN Jodi Malovets

DISTRICT SIX JUNIORS 30 Dylan Treumer 30 Allison Fucik 30 Ryan Drapela 30 Luc Marcaurele 30 Donovan Krpec 32 Mercedes Leos

113 108 144 103 118 111 110 109 104 122 108 130 123 120 106 102 117 112 112

132 127 117 100 156 107 131 129 105 156 155 124 115 103 122

5 5 5 5 4 4 5 4 4

32 32 32 32 40 40 40 97 97

5 5 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 4 5

4 4 30 30 30 30 30 30 32 40 40

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

Natalie Rendon Marina Rivas Nikolas Rendon Isabella Ikonomos Colby Cerny Craig Cerny Daisy Enriquez Sarah Bellanger Matthew Bellanger

DISTRICT SIX TEENS Jonathan Vahalik Holly Scott Kenna Bubela Stephanie Fucik Jessica Fucik Gerard Marcaurele Steven Drapela Vincent Lutringer Norma Rendon Kimberly Enriquez Jose Enriquez

DISTRICT SEVEN JUNIORS 107 Ryan Henke 107 Brooke Henke 185 Ross Jaroszewski 185 Noah Schmidt 185 Isaac Schmidt 185 Luke Jaroszewski 185 Jordan Woodall 185 Abigail Schmidt 202 Kelly House 202 Michelle House 202 Amanda Hoggard 202 Miranda Wiederhold 202 Liliana Wiederhold 202 Isabella Wiederhold 202 Samuel Hoggard

DISTRICT SEVEN TEENS 107 Travis Purchis 107 Brandon Korus 185 Clay Howard 185 Shelby Howard 202 Michael Lane Hoggard 202 Stephen Mazur 202 Travis Barta

31

114 109 104 100 122 121 115 129 128 109 100 173 162 156 152 148 132 112 118 101 138 107 119 111 111 110 108 104 128 128 124 121 119 117 116 116 104 125 123 119 116 108

2009 Presidential Service Award Winners

LEFT PHOTO: Gold Presidential Service Award winners Hayden Kovar (9) and Meghan Blum (17). CENTER PHOTO: Silver Presidential Service Award winners, front, left to right, Carlee See (9), Colton Orsak (9), Emily Lewis (9),

GOLD AWARDS Hayden Kovar (9) Meghan Blum (17) Nathan Blum (17) Brooke Henke (107) Ryan Henke (107)

SILVER AWARDS Hannah Kovar (9) Emily Lewis (9) Robert Lewis (9) Colton Orsak (9)

Natalee See (9). Back: Zachary Shelfer (9), Hannah Kovar (9), Josef Orsak (9). RIGHT PHOTO: Bronze Presidential Service Award winners, left to right, Grace Lewis (9), Landen Eldridge (9), Zachary Shelfer (9).

Josef Orsak (9)

BRONZE AWARDS

Carlee See (9)

Landen Eldridge (9)

Bradley Shelfer (9)

Zachary Shelfer (9)

Natalee See (9)

Grace Lewis (9)

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District Four Youth Achievement Day

Saturday, July 18, 2009 - Anson Church of Christ Hall

District Four Youth Achievement Day was held on Saturday, July 18, 2009, at the Anson Church of Christ Fellowship Hall.

Youth from Lodges 215, South Plains and 229, Abilene competed with 13 craft entries, three individual talents, and three royalty contestants.

Each youth club entered a scrapbook, and one poster was entered.

District Four’s youth had a great year. Our group may be small, but we Constructed Items Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Reed Williams (215) Handicraft Ages 9 to 11 1st - Clay Starr (229) 2nd - Cutter Starr (229)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Audree Williams (215) 2nd - Chelsy Stevens (229)

still have a great time. We had some great crafts at our YAD. Our youth are very crafty. In the ages 9 to 11 years, Clay Starr from Lodge 229, Abilene won first place in Hobby Kits; ages 12 to 14 years winner was Audrey Williams of Lodge 215, South Plains in needlework - first place, photography first place, handicraft - first place, and individual talent - first place. I the ages 15 to high school senior category, Reed Williams from Lodge 215 received first Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Reed Williams (215) 2nd - Kayla Willcoxson (229) 3rd - Christine Brooks (229) Needlework Ages 12 to 14 1st - Audree Williams (215) 2nd - Chelsy Stevens (229) Photography Ages 12 to 14 1st - Audree Williams (215)

place in constructed items and handicraft while Kayla Willcoxson of Lodge 229 received first place in pictorial arts.

This year, we also had royalty contestants. Our new District Four King is Reed Williams of Lodge 215. Duke is Cutter Starr of Lodge 229. District Four Queen is Christine Brooks, and Duchess is Jordan Taylor, both of Lodge 229.

At State YAD, Audrey Williams received first place with her beautiful Pictorial Arts Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Kayla Willcoxson (229) 2nd - Christine Brooks (229) Poster 1st - Lodge 215, South Plains

Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 215, South Plains 2nd - Lodge 229, Abilene Individual Talent Ages 12 to 14 1st - Audree Williams (215)

needlework doilys that she embroidered.

After YAD, we had a District Four swim party and cookout. We went swimming at the Anson swimming pool and had our cookout at the park.

Boy, we had some great burgers and hot dogs! Thanks to Trey Stevens, Chelsy Stevens’ dad.

Janice Stevens District Four Youth Counselor —SPJST— Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Reed Williams (215) 2nd - Kayla Willcoxson (229) District Four King Reed Williams (215) District Four Duke Cutter Starr (229) District Four Queen Christine Brooks (229) District Four Duchess Jordan Taylor (229)

First Runner-Up Queen Audree Williams (215)

LEFT PHOTO: District Four Royalty participants are, front, left to right, Christine Brooks (229), Audree Williams (215), and Reed Wiliams (215).

CENTER PHOTO: Left to right are Christine Brooks, Clay Starr, and

Chelsy Stevens, all of Lodge 229, Abilene. RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 215, South Plains Youth Leader Janeece Williams and daughters Addee and Audree.

LEFT PHOTO: District Four Youth Counselor Janice Stevens and youth club members Cutter Starr, Kayla Willcoxson, Chelsy Stevens, and Clay Starr, all of Lodge 229, Abilene look at a scrapbook entry. CENTER PHOTO: Keith

Williams and daughter Addee, both of Lodge 215, South Plains, enjoy the day.

RIGHT PHOTO: Thanks to District Four Director Billy Rollwitz and wife Sylvia, both of Lodge 49, Rowena, for judging the crafts, talents, and royalty speeches.

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2009 District Four Youth Achievement Day First Place Winners 2009 - 2010 District Four Royalty

Top Teen

Poster

Left to right, District Four Queen Christine Brooks of Lodge 229, Abilene and King Reed Williams of Lodge 215, South Plains.

District Four Top Teen Reed Williams (215). Not pictured is Top Junior Kaycee Lehmann (215).

Lodge 215, South Plains Youth Club

Scrapbook

Constructed Items

Handicraft

Lodge 215, South Plains Youth Club

Reed Williams (215).

Left to right, Clay Starr (229), Audree Williams (215), Reed Williams (215).

Needlework/Photography

Pictorial Arts

Individual Talent

Audree Williams (215).

Kayla Willcoxson (229).

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

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District Five Youth Achievement Day

Sunday, June 28, 2009 - SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Constructed Items Ages 6 to 8 1st - Sean Moncrief (88) 2nd - Zoe Saxton (142) 3rd - Alyssa Moyle (162)

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

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Hayley Wedelich (162)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ashley Moncrief (88) 2nd - Jodi Malovets (162) Foods Ages 6 to 8 1st - Jessica Schoen (88) 2nd - Logan Hester (88) 3rd - Reanna Perez (88)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Latricia Swarthout (88) 2nd - Denae Bronikowski (88) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Jordan Eilers (91) 2nd - Austin Harmon (139) 3rd - Ryan Bronikowski (88)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ashley Moncrief (88) Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - Sean Moncrief (88) 2nd - Reanna Perez (88) 3rd - Jessica Schoen (88)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Denae Bronikowski (88) 2nd - Zachary Collins (162) 3rd - Koby Rosier (162)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Austin Harmon (139) 2nd - Cole Collins (162) 3rd - Allison Wockenfuss (88)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ashley Moncrief (88)

Hobby Kits Ages 6 to 8 1st - Sean Moncrief (88)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Denae Bronikowski (88) 2nd - Blake Brogdon (88) 3rd - Jaci Malovets (162) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Austin Harmon (139) 2nd - Hayley Wedelich (162) 3rd - Aryanna Saxton (142)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ashley Moncrief (88) 2nd - Jodi Malovets (162) Needlework Ages 6 to 8 1st - Reanna Perez (88) 2nd - Jessica Schoen (88)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Avery Moyle (162) 2nd - Zachary Collins (162)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Ryan Bronikowski (88)

Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Reanna Perez (88) 2nd - Delaney Bourque (162) 3rd - Jessica Schoen (88) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Avery Moyle (162) 2nd - Jaci Malovets (162) 3rd - Blake Brogdon (88)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Cole Collins (162) 2nd - Austin Harmon (139) 3rd - Robert Perez (88)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Jodi Malovets (162) 2nd - Doug Coleman (88) Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - Alyssa Moyle (162) 2nd - Delaney Bourque (162) 3rd - Jessica Schoen (88) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Jaci Malovets (162) 2nd - Blake Brogdon (88) 3rd - Avery Moyle (162)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Austin Harmon (139) 2nd - Ryan Bronikowski (88) 3rd - Aryanna Saxton (142)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Jodi Malovets (162) Science and Education Ages 6 to 8 1st - Alyssa Moyle (162) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Koby Rosier (162)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Allison Wockenfuss (88) 2nd - Cole Collins (162)

Sewing Ages 12 to 14 1st - Jordan Eilers (91)

Poster 1st - Lodge 162, Iowa Colony 2nd - Lodge 142, Houston

Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 88, Houston 2nd - Lodge 162, Iowa Colony 3rd - Lodge 142, Houston Individual Talent Ages 6 to 8 1st - Jessica Schoen (88)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Denae Bronikowski (88) 2nd - Avery Moyle (162) 3rd - Zachary Collins (162) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Jordan Eilers (91) 2nd - Cole Collins (162) 3rd - Robert Perez (88)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ashley Moncrief (88) 2nd - Doug Coleman (88) Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 88, Houston Royalty District Five King Doug Coleman (88) District Five Duke Zachary Collins (162) District Five Queen Jodi Malovets (162) District Five Duchess Jaci Malovets (162)

Past and present SPJST youth club members gather at District Five Youth Achievement Day held June 28, 2009, at Lodge 88, Houston.

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2009 District Five Youth Achievement Day Winners 2009 - 2010 District Five Royalty

Left to right, District Five Duchess Jaci Malovets and Queen Jodi Malovets, both of Lodge 162, Iowa Colony, King Doug Coleman of Lodge 88, Houston, and Duke Zachary Collins of Lodge 162, Iowa Colony.

Parents congratulate the newly crowned District Five Royalty. Pictured are, left to right, Jennifer Malovets with daughters Duchess Jaci and Queen Jodi; King Doug with parents (in back) Karole and J.R. Coleman; and Duke Zachary with mother Lynn Collins.

Top Junior and Top Teen

Junior Group Talent

Individual Talent

District Five Top Junior Allison Wockenfuss (88) and Top Teen Jodi Malovets (162).

Lodge 88, Houston. Left to right, Reanna Perez and Denae Bronikowski.

Left to right, Jessica Schoen (88), Denae Bronikowski (88), Jordan Eilers (91), Ashley Moncrief (88).

Poster

Scrapbook

Lodge 162, Iowa Colony Youth Club

Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2009 District Five Youth Achievement Day First Place Craft Winners Constructed Items

Foods

Handicraft

Left to right, Sean Moncrief (88), Jaci Malovets (162), Hayley Wedelich (162), Ashley Moncrief (88).

Left to right, Jessica Schoen (88), Jordan Eilers (91), Ashley Moncrief (88). Not shown: Latricia Swarthout (88).

Left to right, Sean Moncrief (88), Denae Bronikowski (88), Austin Harmon (139), Ashley Moncrief (88).

Hobby Kits

Needlework

Photography

Left to right, Sean Moncrief (88), Denae Bronikowski (88), Austin Harmon (139), Ashley Moncrief (88).

Left to right, Reanna Perez (88), Avery Moyle (162), Ryan Bronikowski (88).

Left to right, Reanna Perez (88), Avery Moyle (162), Cole Collins (162), Jodi Malovets (162).

Pictorial Arts

Science and Education

Sewing

Left to right, Alyssa Moyle (162), Jaci Malovets (162), Austin Harmon (139), Jodi Malovets (162).

Left to right, Alyssa Moyle (162), Koby Rosier (162), Allison Wockenfuss (88).

Jordan Eilers (91).

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District Five Youth Achievement Day Scenes

LEFT PHOTO: Edwin Vrazel (139) visits with daughter Carolyn Harmon (139) and his wife Marilyn Vrazel.

CENTER PHOTO: Setting the crafts and preparing them for judging are, left to right, Assistant Youth Leader Michelle Wockenfuss (88), DYC Barbara Lin-

ney Gonzalez (88), and Assistant DYC Brenda Moyle (162). RIGHT PHOTO: Moments before the curtain went up, Lodge 88, Houston President Pat Bruce holds the ladder for Gary Brogdon (88) while he changes a lightbulb on stage.

LEFT PHOTO: Celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary at YAD were Richard and Margie Moncrief (88). Their reception was held at Lodge 88 in

1986. CENTER PHOTO: Lodge 88 members visit: Jerry Wockenfuss, Carol Globke, center, and Pat Bruce. RIGHT PHOTO: Silent auction bidding.

LEFT PHOTO: District Five Youth Counselor Barbara Linney (88), second from left, obtains the day’s results from, left to right, Jack Manchack (142), District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt (88), and Linda Wehring (88). CENTER PHOTO: At the prize drawing table for SPJST Education and Nature Center are, left to right, Shirley Sebesta (91), her grand-

daughter Rayli Eilers (91), and Dorothy Pflughaupt (88). RIGHT PHOTO: Pictured are, left to right, Assistant DYC/Youth Leader Brenda Moyle (162), Queen Jodi Malovets (162), King Doug Coleman (88), DYC/Youth Leader Barbara Linney (88), and District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt (88).

LEFT PHOTO: Enjoying the talented youth of District Five are, left to right, Gladys Havemann, Edna Wehring, Lowrina Lindemann, and Clara

Broz, all members of Lodge 88, Houston. CENTER PHOTO: Hats off to this year’s District Five YAD participants. Go, youth!

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District Six Youth Achievement Day

Sunday, July 19, 2009 - Taiton Community Center Constructed Items Ages 6 to 8 1st - Isabella Ikonomos (32) 2nd - Colby Cerny (40) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Mercedes Leos (32) 2nd - Natalie Rendon (32) 3rd - Marina Rivas (32) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Jonathan Vahalik (4) 2nd - Ryan Drapela (30) 3rd - Allison Fucik (30)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Vincent Lutringer (30) 2nd - Ashley Garza (40) Foods Ages 6 to 8 1st - Luc Marcaurele (30) 2nd - Zakary Laitkep (40) 3rd - Colby Cerny (40) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Natalie Rendon (32)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Daisy Enriquez (40) 2nd - Jonathan Vahalik (4) 3rd - Dylan Treumer (30)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ashley Garza (40) 2nd - Mark Siptak (4) 3rd - Vincent Lutringer (30) Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - Blake Zielonka (148) 2nd - Colby Cerny (40)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Sky Garcia (40) 2nd - Myranda Zielonka (148)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Myranda Zielonka (148) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Jonathan Vahalik (4) 2nd - Dylan Treumer (30) 3rd - Andrew Zielonka (148)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Gerard Marcaurele (30) Needlework Ages 12 to 14 1st - Allison Fucik (30) 2nd - Sarah Siptak (4) 3rd - Dylan Treumer (30)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Jessica Fucik (30) Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Luc Marcaurele (30) 2nd - Colby Cerny (40) 3rd - Isabella Ikonomos (32) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Cynthia Garcia (40) 2nd - Sky Garcia (40) 3rd - Mercedes Leos (32) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Allison Fucik (30) 2nd- Ryan Drapela (30) 3rd - Sarah Siptak (4)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Gerard Marcaurele (30) 2nd - Sarah Supak (30) 3rd - Jessica Fucik (30)

Science and Education Ages 9 to 11 1st - Sky Garcia (40) 2nd - Mercedes Leos (32)

Poster 1st - Lodge 30, Taiton 2nd - Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje 3rd - Lodge 4, Hallettsville

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Jessica Fucik (30)

Individual Talent Ages 12 to 14 1st - Sarah Siptak (4) 2nd - Allison Fucik (30) 3rd - Dylan Treumer (30)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Jonathan Vahalik (4) 2nd - Craig Cerny (40) 3rd - Nicole Laitkep (40)

Sewing Ages 6 to 8 1st - Zakary Laitkep (40) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Marina Rivas (32)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Nicole Laitkep (40) 2nd - Allison Fucik (30) 3rd - Daisy Enriquez (40)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Sarah Supak (30) 2nd - Jecenia Guevara (40) 3rd - Mark Siptak (4) S u m m e r

Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - Luc Marcaurele (30) 2nd - Blake Zielonka (148) 3rd - Colby Cerny (40)

C a m p

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Andrew Zielonka (148) 2nd - Jeremy Supak (30) 3rd - Daisy Enriquez (40)

F i n d

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Sarah Siptak (4) 2nd - Andrew Zielonka (148) 3rd - Jeremy Supak (30)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Marina Rivas (32) 2nd - Mercedes Leos (32) 3rd - Myranda Zielonka (148)

W o r d

Hobby Kits Ages 6 to 8 1st - Blake Zielonka (148) 2nd - Luc Marcaurele (30)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Sarah Supak (30) 2nd - Ashley Garza (40) 3rd - Jecenia Guevara (40)

Can you find these 20 words?

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Sarah Supak (30) 2nd - Gerard Marcaurele (30) 3rd - Jessica Fucik (30)

Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 30, Taiton 2nd - Lodge 32, Victoria

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Sarah Supak (30) 2nd - Jessica Fucik (30) Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 30, Taiton Royalty District Six King Jonathan Vahalik (4) District Six Duke Luc Marcaurele (30)

District Six Queen Jessica Fucik (30) District Six Duchess Myranda Zielonka (148)

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2009 District Six Youth Achievement Day First Place Winners Youth Achievement Awards

2009 - 2010 District Six Royalty

Congratulations to District Six Youth Achievement Award recipients Kenna Bubela, left, and Stephanie Fucik, both of Lodge 30, Taiton.

Not pictured are Steven Drapela of Lodge 30, Taiton and Kimberly Enriquez of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje.

Left to right, District Six King Jonathan Vahalik of Lodge 4, Hallettsville and Queen Jessica Fucik of Lodge 30, Taiton.

Top Junior and Top Teen

Senior Group Talent

District Six Top Junior Dylan Treumer (30) and Top Teen Kenna Bubela (30).

Lodge 30, Taiton. Left to right, Dylan Treumer, Allison Fucik, Luc Marcaurele, Gerard Marcaurele, Jessica Fucik, Sarah Supak.

Individual Talent

Poster

Scrapbook

Left to right, Sarah Siptak (4), Sarah Supak (30).

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2009 District Six Youth Achievement Day First Place Craft Winners Constructed Items

Foods

Handicraft

Left to right, Isabella Ikonomos (32), Mercedes Leos (32), Jonathan Vahalik (4), Vincent Lutringer (30).

Left to right, Luc Marcaurele (30), Natalie Rendon (32), Daisy Enriquez (40), Ashley Garza (40).

Left to right, Blake Zielonka (148), Sky Garcia (40), Sarah Siptak (4), Sarah Supak (30).

Hobby Kits

Needlework

Photography

Left to right, Blake Zielonka (148), Myranda Zielonka (148), Jonathan Vahalik (4), Gerard Marcaurle (30).

Left to right, Allison Fucik (30), Jessica Fucik (30).

Left to right, Luc Marcaurele (30), Cynthia Garza (40), Allison Fucik (30), Gerard Marcaurele (30).

Pictorial Arts

Science and Education

Sewing

Left to right, Luc Marcaurele (30), Marina Rivas (32), Andrew Zielonka (148), Sarah Supak (30).

Left to right, Sky Garcia (40), Jonathan Vahalik (4), Jessica Fucik (30).

Left to right, Zakary Laitkep (40), Marina Rivas (32), Nicole Laitkep (40), Sarah Supak (30).

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2009 District Six Youth Achievement Day Scenes

LEFT PHOTO: Serving as emcees for the day were Stephanie Fucik (30), left, and Kenna Bubela (30). They are 2009 high school graduates and were active youth club members for many years. CENTER PHOTO: Flag

presentation during opening ceremonies. RIGHT PHOTO: Left to right are District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom (32), State Youth Director John Hoelscher (47), and Tommy Drapela (30)

LEFT PHOTO and PHOTO 2: Lodge 30, Taiton President Yvonne Marcaurele, left, and District Six Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela (30) welcome all to District Six YAD. PHOTO 3: 2008-2009 District Six Queen Stephanie Fucik

(30), right, crowns her sister Jessica (30), 2009-2010 District Six Queen.

RIGHT PHOTO: 2008-2009 District Six/State King Gerard Marcaurele (30), left, presents sash to 2009-2010 District Six King Jonathan Vahalik (4).

LEFT PHOTO: Tabulating the day’s results are, left to right, Director Ahlstrom (32), Patsy Zabransky (4), and District Six FAC Helen Zabransky (4). Looking on is Yvonne Marcaurele (30). CENTER PHOTO: Thanks to youth leaders of District Six. They are, left to right, Youth Leader Ardis Bacak (40); Assistant Youth Leader Mary Tijerina (32); Youth Leader Mary Monclova (32); Assistant

District Six Youth Counselor/Assistant Youth Leader Susan Siptak (4); Youth Leader Shirley Kalmus (4); and District Six Youth Counselor/Youth Leader Lisa Bubela (30). RIGHT PHOTO: Left to right are Jessica Fucik (30), 2008-2009 District Six Queen Stephanie Fucik (30), 2008-2009 State King Gerard Marcaurele (30), 2008-2009 State Duke Donovan Krpec (30), and Jonathan Vahalik (4).

Youth leaders, parents, and family members assist youth with registering entries.

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Seven Youth Achievement Day

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Sunday, July 12, 2009 - Poteet VFW in Poteet, Texas

This summer has been very busy and hectic at times. I would like to thank everyone in advance for putting up with me and helping me get through it. I actually moved into the new house the day before YAD, so I have not had my head into getting things ready, but it all worked out. My sister Roxy Bertrand was also diagnosed with thyroid cancer the month before and was having a treatment two days after YAD. She is now cancer-free. Thanks to all who prayed for us.

District Seven Youth Achievement Day was hosted by Lodge 202, Jourdanton and was held at the Poteet VFW

Hall on Sunday, July 12, 2009. We had a great turnout with around 200 craft and talent entries.

The morning started off with registration. Thanks to all of the adults who helped me with this and setting up the crafts. Thanks, State Youth Director John Hoelscher, Vestnik Editor Melanie and David, and my assistant Belenda for helping me check the crafts to see that all of the youth followed the rules.

Thanks to Director Bayer for handing out participation awards to the youth.

Thank you to past District Seven King Stephen Mazur and Queen Veronica Barta for sharing the role of master and

mistress of ceremonies. They did a wonderful job.

In the royalty competition, we had two young men vying for the title of king and one young lady vying for queen. Congratulations to District Seven King Lane Hoggard of Lodge 202, Jourdanton and Duke Ryan Henke of Lodge 107, Floresville and Queen Shelby Howard and Duchess Emily Hancock, both of Lodge 185, New Braunfels. Runner-up king was Travis Purchis of Lodge 107, Floresville.

The talent competition kept us entertained for most of the afternoon. We have many talented youth.

Thanks to Valerie Barta, Assistant DYC Belenda, and Director Bayer for being my tabulators for the afternoon.

Also, thanks to Donnie Howard for being our first-time sound man.

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

Thanks to everyone who helped this day run so smoothly. We have many talented and crafty youth in our district.

Fraternally, Wendy Pruski District Seven Youth Counselor —SPJST—

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Angel Valdez, II (202) 2nd - Amanda Hoggard (202) 3rd - Noah Schmidt (185)

Hobby Kits Ages 6 to 8 1st - Brooke Henke (107) 2nd - Jordan Woodall (185)

Pictorial Arts Ages 6 to 8 1st - Ryan Henke (107)

Poster 1st - Lodge 185, New Braunfels 2nd - Lodge 107, Floresville

Constructed Items Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kelly House (202) 2nd - Jordan Woodall (185)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Miranda Wiederhold (202) 2nd -Sammy Hoggard (202) 3rd - Michelle House (202)

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

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Hannah Hancock (185) 2nd - Angel Valdez, II (202) 3rd - Samara Valdez (202) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Michelle House (202) 2nd - Lane Hoggard (202) 3rd - Clay Howard (185)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Shelby Howard (185) 2nd -Travis Purchis (107) Handicraft Ages 6 to 8 1st - Brooke Henke (107)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Angel Valdez, II (202) 2nd - Ross Jaroszewski (185) 3rd - Noah Schmidt (185)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Liliana Wiederhold (202) 2nd - Michelle House (202) 3rd - Luke Jaroszewski (185)

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

Ages 9 to11 1st - Angel Valdez, II (202) 2nd - Samara Valdez (202)

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

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

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Leah McDonald (185) 2nd - Isabella Wiederhold (202) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Liliana Wiederhold (202) 2nd - Sammy Hoggard (202) Photography Ages 6 to 8 1st - Kelly House (202) 2nd - Ryan Henke (107) 3rd - Brooke Henke (107)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Leah McDonald (185) 2nd - Samara Valdez (202) 3rd - Angel Valdez, II (202)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Michelle House (202) 2nd - Clay Howard (185) 3rd - Sammy Hoggard (202)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brandon Korus (107) 2nd - Shelby Howard (185) 3rd - Travis Purchis (107) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Isabella Wiederhold (202) 2nd - Amanda Hoggard (202) 3rd - Emily Hancock (185)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Lane Hoggard (202) 2nd - Liliana Wiederhold (202) 3rd - Miranda Wiederhold (202)

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

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Emily Hancock (185) 2nd - Hannah Hancock (185) 3rd - Amanda Hoggard (202) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Isaac Schmidt (185) 2nd - Clay Howard (185) 3rd - Lane Hoggard (202)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Travis Barta (202) 2nd - Shelby Howard (185) Sewing Ages 6 to 8 1st - Brooke Henke (107)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Isabella Wiederhold (202) 2nd - Ross Jaroszewski (185) 3rd - Leah McDonald (185)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Michelle House (202) 2nd - Miranda Wiederhold (202) 3rd - Lane Hoggard (202)

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

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Angel Valdez, II (202) 2nd - Abigail Schmidt (185) 3rd - Isabella Wiederhold (202)

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

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Travis Purchis (107) 2nd - Shelby Howard (185) 3rd - Meredyth Ilse (79) Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 202, Jourdanton 2nd - Lodge 202, Jourdanton

Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 185, New Braunfels 2nd - Lodge 185, New Braunfels Royalty District Seven King Lane Hoggard (202) District Seven Duke Ryan Henke (107) District Seven Queen Shelby Howard (185) District Seven Duchess Emily Hancock (185) First Runner-Up King Travis Purchis (107)

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2009 District Seven Youth Achievement Day First Place Winners 2009 - 2010 District Seven Royalty

Youth Achievement Awards

Left to right, 2009-2010 District Seven Duke Ryan Henke of Lodge 107, Floresville; King Lane Hoggard of Lodge 202, Jourdanton; and Queen Shelby Howard and Duchess Emily Hancock, both of Lodge 185, New Braunfels.

State Youth Director John Hoelscher, left, and Assistant District Seven Youth Counselor Belenda Barta (185), right, present Youth Achievement Awards to Stephen Mazur and Veronica Barta, both of Lodge 202, Jourdanton.

Top Teen and Top Junior

Junior Group Talent

Senior Group Talent

District Seven Top Junior Ryan Henke (107) and Top Teen Clay Howard (185)

Lodge 202, Jourdanton. Left to right, Liliana Wiederhold, Isabella Wiederhold.

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

Individual Talent

Poster

Scrapbook

Left to right, Ryan Henke (107) (Brooke Henke accepting award), Angel Valdez, II (202), Michelle House (202), Travis Purchis (107).

Lodge 185, New Braunfels Youth Club

Lodge 185, New Braunfels Youth Club

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2009 District Seven Youth Achievement Day First Place Craft Winners Constructed Items

Foods

Handicraft

Left to right, Kelly House (202), Angel Valdez, II (202), Miranda Wiederhold (202), Travis Barta (202).

Left to right, Ryan Henke (107), Hannah Hancock (185), Michelle House (202), Shelby Howard (185).

Left to right, Brooke Henke (107), Angel Valdez, II (202), Liliana Wiederhold (202), Travis Barta (202).

Hobby Kits

Needlework

Photography

Left to right, Brooke Henke (107), Angel Valdez, II (202), Sammy Hoggard (202), Travis Purchis (107).

Left to right, Ryan Henke (107), Leah McDonald (185), Liliana Wiederhold (202).

Left to right, Kelly House (202), Leah McDonald (185), Michelle House (202), Brandon Korus (107).

Pictorial Arts

Science and Education

Sewing

Left to right, Ryan Henke (107), Isabella Wiederhold (202), Lane Hoggard (202), Travis Barta (202).

Left to right, Kelly House (202), Emily Hancock (185), Issac Schmidt (185), Travis Barta (202).

Left to right, Brooke Henke (107), Isabella Wiederhold (202), Michelle House (202).

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2009 District Seven Youth Achievement Day Scenes

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LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are first runner-up king Travis Purchis (107), District Seven Duke Ryan Henke (107), King Lane Hoggard (202), Duchess Emily Hancock (185), and Queen Shelby Howard (185). CENTER PHOTO: District Seven Leaders-in-Training. Front, left to right, are Stephen Mazur (202), Veronica Barta (202), Clay Howard (185), Shelby

Howard (185), and Meredyth Isle (79). Back: Lane Hoggard (202), Brandon Korus (107), Travis Barta (202), and Nick Schwertner (185). RIGHT PHOTO: Young members Brooke (107) and Ryan Henke (107) enjoy support from parents Natalie (107) and Doug Henke (107) and grandparents Viola and Otto Henke.

LEFT PHOTO: Tabulating are Valerie Barta (202) and District Seven Director Bob Bayer (107). PHOTO 2: Three generations of SPJST: Gerilyn Donnell (79), Jerry Sijansky (79), and Brock Donnell (79). PHOTO 3: Youth Leader Paige Watson

(79), Meredyth Ilse (79), and Roland Fuentez (79). RIGHT PHOTO: Three generations of SPJST. Front, Ciara Popham (107), David Popham (107). Back: Bill Sadler, Jolene Spillers (107), Travis Puirchis (107), and Connie Jo Purchis (107).

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 185, New Braunfels Youth Club. CENTER PHOTO: Lodge 202, Jourdanton Youth Club. RIGHT PHOTO: Maria and Ben Reyes, back, visit

with son-in-law Erich and daughter Joan Wiederhold and grandchildren Miranda, Zachary, Liliana, and Isabella Wiederhold, all of Lodge 202, Jourdanton.

LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are Isaac Schmidt, Ross Jaroszewski, Noah Schmidt, and Jordan Woodall, all of Lodge 185, New Braunfels. PHOTO 2: Assistant DYC Belenda Barta (185) and DYC Wendy Pruski (107).

PHOTO 3: Evan Barta (202) and Melba Novosad (202) sell lunch tickets.

Helping with food sales, in back, are Isabella Wiederhold (202), Katlyn Polasek, Kelly House (202), Amanda Hoggard (202). RIGHT PHOTO: Youth Leader Theresa Haag (185) with daughter April (185) and son-in-law Donnie Howard (185).

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District One: Cool Summer Fun at Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels

On Monday, August 3, 2009, members from across District One loaded up on two chartered buses and headed to New Braunfels for our annual summer trip to Schlitterbahn.

We had a total of 110 youth and chaperones from Lodges 1, Fayetteville; 9, Snook; 13, Dime Box; 17, New Tabor; and 186, Caldwell attend. A fun time was had by all. The water was cool, the lines weren’t

LEFT PHOTO: Mitchell Parks and Tabor Dowell take it easy on the bus ride. PHOTO 2: William Jatzlau, Grace Vann, and Shelby-Lynn Rose cool off. PHOTO 3: Ralph Narro and daughter Macy. RIGHT PHOTO: Marina Brinkman poses while Kadi Hartman hides from the camera. BELOW

too long, and the sun was hot!

Susan Skrabanek District One Youth Counselor —SPJST—

LEFT PHOTO: Colby Havemann is chillin’ after a long, hot day. BELOW PHOTO 2: Kohl and Erica Junek. BELOW PHOTO 3: Ashley Carey and Natalee See enjoy pool time. RIGHT PHOTO: Kim Wheeler and Sydney Faust.

District Three: Leaders-In-Training Great Help at Youth Activities

Active high school youth club members have the opportunity to attend the Leader-In-Training workshop that the SPJST Home Office sponsors. It is usually the first weekend in June. This year, the LIT workshop was June 13 and 14 at SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) at Cooper Farm near Ledbetter, Texas.

Youth who attend this workshop assist their district youth counselors at the summer camping sessions. This also allows them to help their own youth leader throughout the year. Sometimes working with a lot of younger youth can be too much on one person, and this extra helping hand is just so appreciated

by the youth leader and/or District Youth Counselor.

These LITs are usually the most influential teens that the younger youth look up to in their club. The LITs learn positions of leadership and responsibility and share their creative skills and talents. At this workshop, they learn the keys to successful teamwork, problem solving, and guidance to be a positive influence to the younger youth. DYCs can put trust into these candidates to help them all throughout the year, and it is always a great helping hand in all events the district sponsors.

This year, District Three candidates learned pediatric first aid taught by Assistant District One Youth

Counselor Holly Narro. State Youth Director John Hoelscher went over the responsibilities of being an LIT along with other activities including night hiking, touring of Cooper Farm, leadership/team building games, movies, dancing, and horseshoe instructions. The LITs also had a wildlife presentation from a local resident in the area. This was very interesting to learn of the wildlife that exists in the Cooper Farm area. District Three had 16 teens and four adults attend this event.

Bessie Petr District Three Youth Counselor —SPJST—

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District Two Recaps 2008-2009 Fun-Filled Youth Year

District Two youth members have had a wonderful and exciting time since the last SPJST Youth Spectacular was published in 2008. It has been a year of many fun-filled activities, new friendships, and lasting memories. We thank SPJST members for giving us these opportunities. I thank you, leaders, for your countless hours in preparing and planning. To the parents, we thank you for all your support and getting the youth to the meetings, practices, and activities. We hope you have also had as much fun as we have had this past year.

September 2008 Our beseda dancers performed in Austin at the very elegant Westwood Country Club for the Austin Czech Historical Association’s Celebration of Czech Culture.

The District Two Fall Meeting held in Taylor was very well attended by our youth. Many different games and fun prizes were enjoyed by all. There was great participation in the Christmas ornament contest.

October Annual district trip was to Fright Fest at Six Flags over Texas in Arlington. There were more than 100 youth and parents who piled into the two chartered buses to brave the 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. stay at Six Flags. Many of us were a little overwhelmed with the crowd. Being ready to depart, our stay lasted a little longer than expected.

One of the buses had a dead battery, and no one seemed to have jumper cables. Thanks to our wonderful dads, we did not have to spend the night.

They got us on the road before the park lights were turned off. Who says it’s heck getting out of Six Flags parking lot? You just wait until almost all the cars are gone then it’s no waiting in line!

November Our annual District Two lock-in was held at Lodge 80, Holland. We had a great turn out with members bringing in friends to let them know how much fun we have within our SPJST family.

Activities included football, dancing, games, movies, crafts, karaoke, cookie decorating, food, and just the plain ol’ hanging out with friends. Everyone had a great time!

December To show our appreciation to all youth leaders, assistants, and camp chaperones a Christmas party was held in their honor. There are no words that can thank these friends enough for all the hard work, time, and juggling of their schedules to make all the things happen for our youth.

Many youth clubs presented Christmas programs at their home lodges.

Beseda dancers performed at Christmas parties.

District Two King Matthew Hoelscher and Queen Amber Penn rode in the Temple Christmas parade in the Corvette furnished by Melanie and David. Duke and Duchess Kyle Hoelscher and Macey Malcik kept right up with their king and queen and rode in a Corvette also furnished by Melanie and David. And, I was honored to chauffeur them around in their Corvette. Thank you, Melanie and David! Your generosity of sharing the Corvettes makes the parades so exciting.

January A rather slow month for the youth.

What a way to start off a new year, giving the parents a break to get over the holidays!

February We get back into the swing of things and enjoy seeing our friends at the annual District Two Skating Party in Temple. This activity has been held for well over 25 years and seems to get bigger and better each year. Everyone enjoys skating then waiting for their number to be called for a lucky door prize. With our District Two saying, “Every youth in District Two is a winner,” we make that happen here, too.

Each youth receives $1 as they leave.

February was also the state awards banquet which was held in Killeen.

There were many awards given to District Two members and lodges.

Beseda dancers performed at Temple Daily Telegram’s annual Pioneer Day at the Mayborn Center in Temple and were so well received.

Around 175 youth, friends, and parents enjoyed an evening of swimming at Temple’s new Lions Junction. We joined hands and invited two area churches, Ocker Brethren and Seaton Brethren. It was great to see many of them attending.

March The beseda dancers had a fundraiser and did very well raising money for alterations of their costumes.

The annual District Two Spring Meeting was held in Beyersville. Youth participated in the Czech Easter Egg (Kraslice) decorating contest. Youth, ages three years to pre-kindergarten participated in the Little Mr./Miss SPJST Parade. District Two King Matthew Hoelscher and Queen Amber Penn led the parade around the hall.

Parents and grandparents were most proud to see their future youth club members honored. What beautiful and handsome young ones. After the short interviews, the little ones went outside to find that the Easter Bunny had arrived.

April Members waited with excitement to visit our new campsite at Cooper Farm near Ledbetter. When we arrived, it felt like home. The youth attending had a great time checking out the trails, probably already planning the 2010 camp’s night hike, playing games, and enjoying just running around.

Beseda dancers performed at Lodge 29, Taylor’s 75th anniversary.

May Most youth clubs in District Two participated in Join Hands Day, helping others. Some gave to food pantries, cleaned cemeteries, worked at the Ronald McDonald House, worked at the community barbecue fundraiser, or helped those in need. Thank you for showing your true fraternalism.

June The LIT Workshop was awesome.

We had 15 attending from our district this year. I am so proud of their involvement and enthusiasm throughout their time at Cooper Farm.

July What a fun and exciting month. See more in the camp and YAD section in the Youth Spectacular.

August One, two, three weekends in a row: Weekend No. 1: State YAD held at the Mayborn Center in Temple was fantastic. I am so proud of our District Two participants.

Weekend No. 2 was the Corpus Christi summer getaway sponsored by SPJST. It was a fabulous weekend.

District Two was very well represented in having the most in attendance.

There were 14 youth club members attending along with parents, five youth leaders, and many friends. SPJST kept everyone busy with different tournaments and many attended the Corpus Christi Hooks baseball games at Whataburger Stadium. District Two won first, second and third places in the sand sculpture contest.

Weekend No. 3: Sea World in San Antonio was voted upon by the youth for our annual trip. Two chartered buses made pickups in Temple, Holland, and Taylor and headed to Sea World in San Antonio. There were a total of 118 who participated in the trip.

We had a great time enjoying the shows and rides. After waiting in a long line to get into the water park, it was definitely refreshing.

I again thank each youth member of District Two for your love, joy and dedication of our youth program.

Please encourage your friends to join in on the fun!

Thank you, SPJST, for giving us a lifetime of memories Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor —SPJST—

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SPJST State Youth Achievement Day Saturday, August 1, 2009 • Mayborn Center in Temple

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

Leaders-In-Training Retreat

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June 13 and 14, 2009 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Waldeck

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District One Camp

July 17 to 19, 2009 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Waldeck

(Oh My Gosh). District One camp was awesome. With all the anxiety of camping at SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm with no cabins, adequate restroom or kitchen facilities, I can truly say that this was one of the best camps ever. I think it was simply just the feeling of finally being home! With the comfort of Camp Val Verde a distant memory, District One was finally comfortable again at the SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm.

I’ve been told by a couple of youth members that the reason it was so great was because it was unorganized. I think they meant “unstructured.” After years of following a strict schedule of activities, we finally had a camp that was less structured.

We arrived (all 100 of us) at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 17 and began our camp experience by doing a community service project. The junior campers walked to the end of the camp road and began cleaning the county road that runs in front of Cooper Farm. The senior campers loaded up on the “yellow dog” and went to pick up the trash on FM 1291. After gallons of sweat, a few tears, and an insect bite or two, our project was complete. It was amazing to see a “sea of green” walking along the roadsides doing something for a community that we were only a temporary resident of. Several members of the Waldeck community stopped along the road and thanked us for our service to their community. What a good feeling that was!

The campers were then given an opportunity to explore the facility before being treated with a delicious barbecue

OMG!

Adopt-a-County Road Project

sandwich meal provided by District One Director Donnie Victorick and his family.

Nighttime activities included games for the junior campers led by the LITs and a horseshoe tournament organized by Director Victorick and Ronnie Roesler. A movie concluded the day’s activities.

On Saturday morning, we were treated with a breakfast of fresh doughnuts, sausage rolls, cereal, and fresh fruit.

A big thank you to my big sister, Betty Suehs, for making the sausage rolls and picking up the doughnuts and delivering them to us nice and fresh.

After eating all 10 dozen doughnuts and 12 dozen sausage rolls, we began our camp activities. The junior campers loaded the bus and headed to Fayette Lake for a morning of banana boat rides and tubing behind the boats driven so skillfully by State Youth Director John

Hoelscher and Lodge 1 Youth Leader Ronnie Pflughaupt. The senior campers broke into groups and enjoyed the BB guns, archery, and fun times at the lake canoeing, paddleboating, and playing on the water trampoline. A delicious hot dog lunch was served, and the groups switched off. I can personally attest to the fun we had on the banana boat and tube rides. Sorry guys for tipping the banana and making you all fall off trying to get on. It’s not as easy as it looks (especially for someone who was only weeks away from turning 50)!

Our evening meal was catered by Dave and Jerry’s of Caldwell and consisted of chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, and banana pudding. We were joined for our meal by several parents, grandparents, and youth members who could not attend the

Lodge 1, Fayetteville Campers

Lodge 9, Snook Campers

entire camp. We even had a special guest from the Czech Republic join us for part of the evening. Thanks to Tyler Sandner and Bud and Carol Petty for bringing Ditmar Kliment to camp. I was pleasantly surprised when my mother, Gladys Hejl, showed up at camp.

The youth then enjoyed a dance with music provided by our own Josef Orsak.

Thanks to his dad, Bill Orsak for bringing the equipment to camp —I know he wasn’t feeling his best. The campers made their camp craft, a modge-podge glass with their camp picture and group photo. Thanks to all who helped with the craft. We ended the night with camp initiation, the statue game. Everybody was a good sport and fun was had by all.

Another movie put everyone to sleep, and we were all in for a surprise the next morning. As the smell of bacon and sausage filled the dining hall, we realized that we were in for a treat for breakfast.

Thanks to James Faust and Randy Gaas for getting up early and making some awesome breakfast tacos. After filling our tummies one last time, we were ready to head back to our respective lodges. Thanks to those who stuck around and helped clean up the dining hall and bathrooms.

Our first experience at SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm was very positive, and I look forward to many years of fun, fraternal times in Fayette County, the birthplace of the SPJST. We finally have a “home.”

Fraternally submitted, Susan Skrabanek District One Youth Counselor —SPJST—

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular Lodge 13, Dime Box Campers

Lodge 17, New Tabor Campers

Rifles

Line Dancing

Paddle Boat

Banana Boat

Sacked out!

Lodge 186, Caldwell Campers

Archery

Water Trampoline

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District Two Camp

July 12 to 15, 2009 • Woodmen of the World Camp in Brownwood With a different turn for our District

Two campers, we headed west this year.

And, what a better choice of a theme than, “The Wild West.” We had a great 2009 camping experience, one quite different than in the past. This year, our activities were pretty much centered around Lake Brownwood. We were very fortunate to have our campsite provided to us by another fraternal organization, Woodmen of the World. The facilities were excellent with only a short walk to the lake, where it seemed everyone wanted to be. In the 102-plus degree temperature, I had to agree.

Our camp began Sunday, July 12 at 3 p.m. Each camper was “branded” to know which group they would be with for their stay. We began our activities with a group crafts. All six groups drew to see which part of “The Wild West” town they were to design from large cardboard boxes: a bank, a stable, an inn, and jail were some of their choices.

The younger groups enjoyed the traditional “shaving cream fight.” We ended our night with a hoedown.

Monday excitement was in the air waiting to go down to the lake and board the boats furnished by SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC). State Youth Director John Hoelscher and ENC Director Ronnie Pflughaupt were the captains of the boats, and they could tell their only place to be was driving the boats and pulling the water tubes. For some campers, this was their first time to be on a boat, much less pulled in a tube. They all loved it! I must say, this was the biggest hit for campers in my DYC career. Groups alternated all day with other activities which included the pool, slip ‘n slide, horseshoes, and crafts.

Each camper designed their own bandana to wear at Monday night’s rodeo.

At dusk, after a fun-filled day, everyone got ready for the rodeo. A rodeo is not complete unless you have horses.

Well, all 90 campers and chaperones were presented with a horse—a stick horse that is. Everyone got involved for the rodeo lineup which started off with a flag ceremony and the singing of the National Anthem. These kids rode their horses for what seemed like miles and

Lodge 80, Holland Campers

Lodge 24, Cyclone Campers

Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point Camper and Lodge 18, Elgin Campers

miles galloping around singing. It was great! We waited for those delicious s’mores as SYD John tried to get a fire started. After using almost the full bale of hay, (just how much did that bale cost with the drought?), the s’mores were finally ready. Thank you, John! I know you really did try, and everyone enjoyed telling you how to do it.

Sometimes in the wee hours of the night, the local Wild West Bank was “robbed.” Evidently, the stagecoach was in a hurry, and money was scattered all over the campground. We decided to give an award for the group that found the most money. In the end, over $18,000 of the $30,000 stolen was recovered. After the excitement of the stories of the bank robbers, everyone was ready to hit the lake again. We continued with our activities as the day before. I was so proud to see everyone learning to play horseshoes. I look for the State Horseshoe Tournament to get bigger and better with all the practice these campers had. The craft went over very well, also. Staying with the theme, each camper made a cactus out of plas-

ter. We ended our activities by mid afternoon and packed up to go into Brownwood to Coggin Park. It was a very nice park and everyone, including the older campers, enjoyed the swings and the slides. After enjoying the big, long sandwiches brought in, we headed to the Brownwood Country Club for an evening of swimming and fun in their nice, big pool.

After returning to the campgrounds, LITs were ready to guide the longawaited night hike. I understand it was one of the best ever. One of these days, I am going to be brave enough to go on one. Probably the biggest hit of the evening activities was John and Doug’s “Ravioli” skit. Everyone got into singing along. All many could think of was how messy we’ll be in the shower trying to get clean. Little did Kristi, Lisa, and myself know, we became victims of big hugs. Then, we each spent hours in the shower. Revenge is awaiting you guys!

The kids loved it, and that was all worth it. Some campers and chaperones called it a night after that, and many stayed awake just “hanging out” and enjoying

Thanks, Leaders-In-Training!

Lodge 47, Seaton Campers

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Lodge 29, Taylor Campers and Lodge 89, Rosebud Camper

being together. Of course, some who went to sleep may have wished they had not conked out quite so early. Imagine being a guy and waking up with your fingernails and toenails painted. And no polish remover! Then, there’s Doug’s Texas Longhorn chair getting wet!

On our final day of camp, everyone got that last tube ride on the lake for the 2009 camping season. Wednesday came just way too soon for all of us. Some campers were ready to go home, but the majority wanted to stay longer. When the bus turned in, there were hugs and tears. We knew we had a safe and very memorable camp.

There are so many to thank for making this year’s camp so enjoyable. First, to the campers. You were all excellent campers. I could not have asked for a better group of campers and you are what made it so successful. LITs— wow! When I asked if I had an LIT volunteer, not one, but all LITs were there to help. I am so proud of you. Thank you!

Thank you! Thank you! Elgin’s Brandon Bowen and Mikhaila Nelson; Cyclone’s J.C. Garcia, Rachel Hattemer, Sam Vanicek, and Stephanie Vanicek; Taylor’s Jackie Klaus and Najatt Mohad; Seaton’s Jerry Pechal, Kandace Stone, and Chris Zavodny; Beyersville’s Josh Hannington and Alyssa Torres; Holland’s Nichole Festa; and Erin Mathis of Morgan’s Point; and last, but definitely not least, Cyclone’s Amber Penn who

served as a senior LIT and lifeguard.

Chaperones, this camp would not be possible without your dedication. Thank you for your time and care. You are wonderful moms and dads and hope to have you all back next year: Cyclone— Kim Campbell and Kim Evatt; Seaton—Rachel Baca, Crystal Morris, Tammy Pechal, and Lynette Talasek: Beyersville—Donna Vanecek and John Wuensche; Holland—Kristi Davis and Frank Horak; Rosebud—Andy Baker; and one who we claim to be our own, Doug Galler.

Elden Zavodny, the dad and friend we can always count on. Thank you for bringing your travel trailer to give us extra spots to sleep and a “home” for our nurse. Thanks for helping in so many different areas. To our nurse Ginger Ringwald for taking care of all the little ouchies and taking care of those who needed medication. Thanks also for all your help in the kitchen. Speaking of kitchen, the food was wonderful! Roy Ringwald and Ruth Ann Wuensche— thank you, thank you! You kept our tummies full of food and drinks. We appreciate you very much!

Ronnie Pflughaupt, we thank you for taking time to bring the boat and stay a couple of days for our campers to enjoy the lake. We really appreciate your time!

John Hoelscher, you are the best!

You are always there for our kids.

Thank you! Lisa, thanks for taking all

those pictures.

Janet and Carol, my hard working assistants. You do so much. You went far above and beyond with all you did for camp. The rodeo and all your ideas were great. I could not do it without you.

Thank you! Thank you!

To Lodge 47, Seaton and Lodge 89, Rosebud for your monetary donations; Jesse Pospisil for making and donating the washer board and washers; and all others who donated to our camp in any way. Thank you! It was great to have Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny and husband David come visit with us. We enjoyed you very much.

SPJST members—none of this would be possible without your support of our wonderful youth program.

Here are just a few memories of our camp: Bayley Fulton has an outstanding opera voice in the shower.

Frank Horak owes Tammy Pechal’s hairdresser $50 for a haircut to get out a glob of melted marshmallows he put in her hair.

Rachel Hattemer kept several awake when she sat straight up in bed, shook her covers, and talked about something no one understood.

Won’t mention a name on this one, but someone likes coming to camp to get away from all the chores at home.

A group of boys “held” Janet, Carol,

Lodge 48, Beyersville Campers

and Patsy up and wanted all their money.

Patsy had three quarters and gave it to them. Later, Timothy Pajestka came up to Patsy to return the money and said, “It’s not nice to take money from a little old lady.”

Stephanie Sander saw a snake and ran to her cabin.

Lynette Talasek begged for little girls to tell her scary stories every night.

Collin Vanecek wanted to stand in Patsy’s shadow because it was bigger than Tammy’s.

Kristi Davis’ group was told by Patsy to turn right at the end of the road. They got lost.

“Well, that’s the way Carol turned, but she got lost, and I wanted you to see which way she went.” When the group finally made it to the rifle range Chaperone Kristi would not let them enter because the sign said, “Do Not Enter.”

Patsy took up all the shaving cream.

When she went to get it, it was gone. All campers and LITs were called in for a “board of directors” meeting to find out where it was or who had gotten it. No one would fess up. Tim, groundskeeper of the camp, said, “Oh, I hid it.”

Thank you all for such a wonderful, fun and memorable camp.

Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor —SPJST—

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District Three Camp

Yee haw!

July 24 to 27, 2009 • Buffalo Ridge in Whitney

District Three youth and chaperones went to Whitney, Texas, to “Czech It Out” for our summer camp this year. This was our first year at this campground, and we just had a blast.

Our first night was just getting to know our new surroundings and learning all the cowboy history at Buffalo Ridge. This place is set off on a 172 acre of cedar covered hills with plenty of wide open pastures for us to roam around and feel at home. Their bunkhouse cabins were air conditioned, and when you’ve been in the heat all day, that good night rest really was a treat. Buffalo Ridge had a full service cafeteria that I did not have to do any cooking this year. The food was good, and they had plenty to go around, even for those hungry, bottomless pit teenage boys.

John and Lisa Hoelscher with Douglas Galler started off the camp with their ceremonial camp songs. We enjoyed being out in the open field with our flashlights singing “The Alligator Song” and watching the three of them singing “The Ravioli Song.” They had so much fun smearing pudding all over all parts of their bodies until they could not find or think of another body part.

But they did not want the song to end so John had a great idea to put pudding all over Assistant DYCs. Oh yea, Tom Weeks caught Assistant DYC Lynda Novak, and the three singers poured pudding all over her head to her shoes.

What a mess! With a late night swim, snacks, and a scary night hike, our first night really wasn’t all that bad.

Our first full day of activities was a busy one. We had horseback riding with the wrangler from Buffalo Ridge. Tom Weeks challenged the kids with archery again this year and what a great year of bull’s eyes.

Diana Engelke prepared Peggy Dobecka and Betty Macalik in the craft hut with all kinds of ideas to decorate the “Come Czech Us Out” pillowcases. We had a contest of who had the best pillowcase from each group. You just

would not believe the clever ways these kids decorated their pillowcases. I am glad they were the judges because I would have had a hard time picking out just one in each group.

This year, the kids played volleyball, basketball, ping pong, horseshoes, and washers. Even some chaperones came up with some different rules to make these games even more challenging. It was just fun to watch them laugh and have so much fun. Teambuilding games were even challenging. They really had to work hard as a team. They had to solve all kinds of tasks to help each team member, and this helped develop their effectiveness to work together. Once they caught on how to play the game and when it was time to switch to another activity, you could see the kids bonding their friendship from that exercise.

These are just a few things that camp can do.

High ropes, this year, I think was a big hit. Buffalo Ridge ropes really did put new challenges and fears in some kids. To listen to them afterwards, I could tell, really challenged them to overcome their fears. It was rewarding to me when they explained how they felt up high in the trees and so scared to come down on the zip line.

Inflatables were enjoyed the most during the hottest point of the day. We had two water inflatables to keep the kids cool and comfortable. The slide was fun, wet, and don’t forget—the girls screaming as they went down. The other inflatable was a little different. As you raced down on your tummy, the water cooled you from above like a cool mist. Relay races were the biggest hit at that activity.

But nothing really cooled you off more than a delicious snow cone from Jerry’s wide selection of snow cones.

Jerry Zabojnik has been coming to camp for many years with his snow cones, and each year, he adds new flavors. I still think his best flavor is his traditional grape. That just brings back many memories for me, but for the kids they like tiger’s blood, cry baby, and camp special (all 23 flavors in one).

And, camp really would not be camp without our District Three traditional Richard and Louise Burney hayride.

Our LITs planned a scary path for Richard on our new campground hayride. But, of course, those who were on the trailer always had their water balloons ready to scare away any and all wild things that could happen.

Our church service this year was with Jerry Zabojnik and Douglas Galler.

They really put things together that helped us understand and appreciate what all God has done for us. They referenced things that we did at camp to explain how we need to appreciate the things He had given us. These guys always have a way to help us understand on how we need God and how God really loves us.

Flag ceremonies were a lesson tool for our younger campers. Teaching them the way to raise and lower the flag, as well as folding the flag will always be in their hearts when seeing the flag at other places. They will remember how their chaperones and LITs taught them the respect and caring for our flag.

I think the best night at camp was skit night and karaoke singing. Many talents are born at camp—funny ones, serious ones, just some good acts with a lot of talent. It is just amazing what they can come up with in just a few hours.

Melissa Hubenak brought her karaoke machine to camp, and I have never laughed so much when the adults even got involved with the singing and dancing. Yes, I am talking about Douglas and Andrew’s routine. They did a really cute routine to get the party started. I had a great evening with the kids. But I just had to go to bed at 2:30 a.m., of course, leaving it up to the chaperones to start winding down the kids for bed themselves. The older youth I know enjoyed their long walks into the new trails not knowing what would come out to scare them. As I sat on my porch, I could watch the flashlights going in all kinds of directions. But when returning back to my porch, they all came back safe and sound and ready for bed.

Without my two assistants Diana Engelke and Lynda Novak, camp would not have been so successful. Camp went so smoothly with your careful planning and making sure things would happen on schedule. The chaperons and youth enjoyed their stay, and they all hope that some day we can return to Buffalo Ridge.

Diana, a special thanks to you and John Engelke for taking care of all the problems we had before camp while I was away at my granddaughter’s wedding in Germany. You held down the fort on completing all plans for camp and making sure all paperwork and information was received to all youth leaders.

On that note, I would like to take time to thank all my youth leaders and parents for helping me make this year the best camp. Without you, camp could not have been so successful. John Engelke,

you made sure each event had plenty of water and snacks. Also, for the many behind-the-scene things you do that not everyone knows about, it 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.

A special thanks should go to our nurse Mary Karlik. She successfully made sure there were no trips to the hospital and only minor aches and pain that only her hugs could cure the boo-boos.

Sadly, after returning home from camp, a few days later, Mary Karlik passed away. She was a very dear and special friend to me and I will miss her very much. Our camping will be lost without our loving nurse who treated each child as if he/she was her own. District Three hearts are broken, and we will miss her warm, smiley face at camp and all of our activities throughout the year.

And, therefore, I am honoring her with our memories of camp, for her love and care of the SPJST Youth.

Last, but not least, I need to say thank you to the chaperones. Without you, camp could never really happen. You have taken off time from your busy schedules 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 coming and “CZECHing US OUT” at Buffalo Ridge Camp. It was enjoyable this year with you!

See you next year at the new SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas!

Fraternally yours, Bessie Petr District Three Youth Counselor —SPJST—

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Lodge 84, Dallas Campers

2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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Lodge 6, Cottonwood Campers

Lodge 66, Waco Campers

Lodge 25, Ennis Campers

Lodge 92, Fort Worth Campers

Lodge 154, Fort Worth Campers

Lodge 183, Arlington Campers

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SPJST State Youth Achievement Day Saturday, August 1, 2009 • Mayborn Center in Temple

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Four Camp

July 25 to 27, 2009 • Camp Butman in Merkel

District Four Swim Party Scenes

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District Five Camp

July 10 to July 12, 2009 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Waldeck

District Five went to camp this year at SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas, from July 9 to 11. We had 41 in attendance and that includes 28 campers and 13 chaperones, youth leaders, assistants, cooks, craft instructors, and medics.

This year, camp was like no other that I had ever experienced; it was nonstop and so much fun. We arrived on Friday, July 9 and ate a delicious lunch of sloppy Joe’s. After lunch, we went to the craft area and began construction on our craft. We built birdhouses to leave at camp. Each youth picked a partner to build the birdhouse with and began hammering away. It was a sight to see. I don’t think some of these kids really knew what to expect when they were given a bag of wood. A special thanks to Jerry Wockenfuss for purchasing and pre-cutting all the wood for this project. Once the birdhouses were built, the youth went to see Ms. Mary Ann and were given their instructions for the next step. They either hand drew on the birdhouses or traced pictures on them using special tools and a type of carbon paper. Once that

was complete, they painted them. We left the birdhouses at camp so they could be hung around the property for the birds to enjoy.

Next, we went on a hay ride around camp and got to see the area that is now “ours” as a camp. Then, that night after dinner, we went to the campfire and made Jiffy Pop popcorn and roasted marshmallows for s’mores. Some of these youth didn’t even know what Jiffy Pop was. Boy, does that show my age. We even got to see the first snake at camp; a baby copperhead. Mr. John killed it right outside the restrooms.

That just made me cringe as I watched him, but I was glad the snake was dead.

The next day after breakfast we went to the lake for a day filled with swimming, boating and tubing and, of course, lots of fun. The water at Fayette Lake was really warm due to the fact that the power plant uses the water from the lake to power surrounding areas. The closer you get to the power plant, the stronger the current. I didn’t get to see, but I was told by many of the youth and even Mr. Pflughaupt about the step he missed off the boat. His foot just went out from

under him when he was getting off and into the lake he went. I think he just wanted an excuse to get wet.

DYC Barbara Linney said that the real experience was the banana boat that she rode last year. She fell off of it and couldn’t get back on and to top it all off, she was in her clothes. District Five Director/Co-cook Larry W. Pflughaupt was prepared for the water activities.

When we returned to camp that afternoon, some of the youth played board games inside while others enjoyed football, volleyball, and other events while our spaghetti dinner was prepared. After dinner, we had our awards ceremony. Then, we watched movies before lights out.

On Sunday when we awoke, there were water slides that had been delivered for a day full of excitement. One was a slide that you could run and jump through, and the other was an obstacle course that youth raced through. Some of the kids were so exhausted and some were even sunburned from the day before at the lake that they decided to play board games and even began to line dance while others played football.

We packed up and cleaned the mess hall and bathrooms and left the camp in ship-shape condition for the next group to enjoy.

We are all very excited about next year when all the cabins, pool, ropes course, and everything else will be ready for all of us to enjoy. We had a great time and special thanks to Mr. John and the ENC Board of Directors for all their hard work in getting “our” camp for us.

Another special thanks to DYC Barbara Linney, her assistant Brenda Moyle, the youth leaders, assistants and all the chaperones who attended camp.

Let’s not forget our cooks — Mrs. Dorothy Pflughaupt and Director Larry W. Pflughaupt. We ate so good that some of us gained weight. What a switch from traditional camp food! We couldn’t have done it without you and look forward to another great year!

Fraternally, Michelle Wockenfuss Lodge 88, Houston Assistant Youth Leader —SPJST—

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1 - Working on birdhouse crafts. 2 - Denae Bronikowski and Allison Wockenfuss work on their birdhouse. 3 - 2009 District Five campers and chaperones. 4 - Lining up to race in the water obstacle course. 5 McKenzie Collins and Michelle Flores try to see who can make it to the top first. 6 - Assistant Youth Leader Jennifer Malovets and Assistant DYC

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Brenda Moyle supervise the construction of the birdhouses. 7 - Ashley Moncrief and Jessica Schoen show off their handiwork. 8 - Anthony and Gabriel Flores model their birdhouse with Mr. Coleman. 9 - Keith Wockenfuss is proud of his award for “Youngest Camper.” 10 - Michelle Flores runs to the water slide.

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District Six Camp

June 26 to 28, 2009 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Waldeck

SPJST District Six youth made his-

tory for they were the first to camp at SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) at Cooper Farm near Ledbetter, Texas.

Well, it has finally happened.

SPJST has its own camping facility.

District Six was the first to camp at SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm near Ledbetter, Texas, outside of Fayetteville.

District Six Leaders-In-Training, District Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela, and District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom planned for a wonderful and awesome camp that was held the weekend of June 26 to 28, 2009.

A total of 36 youth and chaperones from various lodges attended, including Lodge 30, Taiton; Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje; Lodge 4, Hallettsville; Lodge 97, Placedo; Lodge 32, Victoria; and Lodge 148, El Maton. The camp was under the direction of District Six Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela.

Serving as Leaders-In-Training for the weekend were Gerard Marcaurele, Vincent Lutringer, Jessica Fucik and Sarah Supak, all of Lodge 30, Taiton; Johathan Vahalik and Mark Siptak, both of Lodge 4, Hallettsville; and Andrew Zielonka of Lodge 148, El Maton. Through the weekend, the LITs were in charge of various responsibilities and activities. They encouraged all the youth to participate and were on time for each event such as singing, dancing, games, devotional and planning for the last night’s event party.

My husband Greg and I arrived at the camp at 3:30 p.m. to get things in order and set up before the campers arrived at 4 p.m. As the campers arrived, they were welcomed by DYC Lisa

Bubela. The youth were provided snacks when they arrived. What a treat because it was very hot!

After everyone arrived safely, orientations of camp rules followed.

Then, the campers were dismissed to find a place where they were going to make their beds for the weekend.

This was the first for our campers, and they really had a wonderful and great time. Thanks to John and Ronnie for running the boats. Boats! Yes, SPJST ENC has its own boats—very nice ones at that. There were some campers who never got off of the tubes—they rode all afternoon long.

We enjoyed snacks and snow cones for it was a very hot day.

After a fun-filled afternoon, I really thought the youth would be worn out, but who was I fooling! We returned to camp, again safely, thanks to our bus driver. The youth cleaned up and got ready for the evening meal. The evening meal was spaghetti and meat

balls, salad, garlic bread, and trimmings. It was great! Well, of course, we had to work it off so the youth and some of our chaperones enjoyed playing games, dancing, and karaoke.

Some of those youth love to dance and sing. I must say we really have a lot of talented youth in our district from crafts to singing to dancing. The party concluded with some youth playing horseshoes, and others watching a movie.

Sunday morning’s activities included cleaning and heading home after breakfast. Everyone had a safe trip home.

Youth of District Six, I hope you all enjoyed your stay at our own new facilities at SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm.

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 look forward to a better and more wonderful camp next year when we will have

more activities.

I cannot say enough about my LITs —you are the greatest. You are great leaders of tomorrow. Some day, as I have said before, I know and hope that one of you will fill my shoes. There is plenty of room for more help and leadership which all of you show so greatly.

Special thanks to my chaperones— new and old: Lodge 4, Hallettsville Susan Siptak and Philip Vahalik; Lodge 30, Taiton - Tommy Drapela, Marjorie Treumer, and Yvonne Marcaurele. 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 time off to spend with us as a chaperone.

And to my cooks—great job—you are booked for next year!

A special thanks goes to our wonderful District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom. It was great to have you, even if you were in the kitchen most of the time. But, you always gave me encouraging words and stood by me the days before and after. You made me feel as if I had done this before.

A special thanks to the parents who encourage their children to attend District Six camp; State Youth Director John and wife Lisa; and District Six Director Mike. A great time was had by all again and again. Well, the youth of today always say it is SPJST that puts self-confidence into our lives and makes us strong and standing tall. It is a great privilege to serve as DYC of District Six. I look forward to camp next year!

Lisa Bubela District Six Youth Counselor —SPJST—

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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SPJST State Youth Achievement Day Saturday, August 1, 2009 • Mayborn Center in Temple

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District Seven Camp

July 23 to 26, 2009 • Echo Hill Ranch in Medina

District Seven attended camp at

Echo Hill Ranch in Medina, Texas, July 23 to 26, 2009. We had many fun activities planned for the weekend. Our Czech-themed camp was enjoyed by all. I would like to thank the Czech Republicans for helping me make this camp run smooth. The Czech Republicans were my Assistant District Youth Counselor Belenda, Theresa Haag (aka “Snack Lady”), April Howard (aka “Crafty One”) - hope your ankle is okay, and myself.

We had 33 campers (the Slovakians, the Moravians, the Ruthenians), eight LeadersIn-Training (the Bohemians), two senior LITs (the senior Bohemians), and 15 chaperones and staff.

Staff and LITs began arriving at 2 p.m. to help get the camp set up and ready for the campers who began arriving at 6 p.m.

Everyone got their name tags and water jugs. They decorated their water jugs then set up their cabins. We enjoyed a meal prepared by Oscar, Donnie, and SYD John, consisting of grilled hot dogs and sausage wraps.

We had chips and juice to go with them.

We had our campfire and sang camp songs. Senior LITs (Veronica Barta and Stephen Mazur) helped the new campers with the campfire ceremony.

SYD John, Lisa, and Doug led campfire songs and sang “The Pudding Song” for us. Thanks for the ear full of pudding, guys.

Initiation was enjoyed by all. For initiation, we had a bowl of Redi-Whip with a piece of gum on the bottom, and the newbees had to find it without using their hands. Yep, a face full of whip cream. Only the leaders did not have gum. Sorry, Paige, none for you, and Donnie, hope you liked your jalapeno.

Some of the activities that were enjoyed included swimming, archery, indoor games, water hiking, and crafts.

For crafts, the youth painted little plas-

ter critters and magic marker posters.

They also made decorations for our karaoke party. I believe swimming was a big hit since it had been so hot.

We had a special guest come see us one afternoon. My daughter, PV2 Lian Pruski of the United States Army, came and surprised us with a visit. She enjoyed swimming with the LITs after lunch. She is currently stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

One of our evening activities is a favorite. It is LIT find. This year, we let the LITs figure out the clues they wanted to use, so they were a little harder. While the LITs were hiding, the rest of the campers and chaperones hiked up Echo Hill. It’s always fun to be at the bottom and listen to them holler down and wait for the echo.

The next evening, we had a nature scavenger hunt, and the kids were very good about finding all of the items in their natural state. Then, we enjoyed a karaoke party. The camp staff also joined in.

John, we hope you enjoyed your decorated van, and getting saranwrapped.

Thanks to all of the LITs for helping set up, clean up, and pack all of my gear that we used at camp. You know you are all special to me. I will miss my senior LITs as this was the last event as a youth in our program. You are now adults. Thanks to all of the chaperones who volunteered their time each year to keep our kids safe and out of trouble (the best we can). Thanks to Theresa for always having our snacks ready at snack time, and to April for helping get the crafts ready and packing up everything so neatly.

Thanks to my awesome assistant Belenda for helping plan such a great camp and being there to help in any way you can. You always know what I need and have such great ideas.

I look forward to another great camp next year at SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm.

Wendy Pruski District Seven Youth Counselor —SPJST—

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2009 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2009 District Seven Campers and Chaperones

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