Vestnik 2012 10 03

ISSN —07458800

A special VĚSTNÍK publication. Volume 100 Number 39

Youth pectacular S Featuring 2012 SPJST Summer Camps and Youth Achievement Days

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ˇ ´ VESTNIK

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

Editor’s Note

Youth: Get involved in SPJST!

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 VESTNIK Fax: (254) 773-8087

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 Mobile: (254) 534-2902 • Home: (254) 985-0007 email: vanicek@spjst.com

VICE PRESIDENT GENE McBRIDE, FICF, CFFM Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 534-1450 • Home: (254) 534-1930 email: genemc@spjst.com SECRETARY-TREASURER LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 721-4739 • Home: (254) 778-3720 email: leonardm@spjst.com

DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR/CHAIRMAN DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CFFM P.O. Box 85, Snook, Texas 77878-0085 Home: (979) 272-3265 • Mobile: (979) 224-3125 email: dv.aggie@verizon.net DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR JESSE POSPISIL 4710 FM 1331, Taylor, Texas 76574-2164 Home: (512) 365-1110 • Mobile: (512) 826-7371 email: jlpospisil@yahoo.com

DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR JOHNNIE R. KRIZAN 11500 Heritage Pkway, West, Texas 76691-2017 Home: (254) 826-5882

DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTOR BILLY ROLLWITZ, FIC, CFFM P.O. Box 195, Rowena, Texas 76875-0195 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 Rd, Houston, Texas 77008-6232 Home: (713) 864-2163 • email: lpflugh@aol.com DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR KAREN KASPAR, FIC, CFFM 8550 N. State Highway 71 El Campo, Texas 77437-9819 Home: (979) 543-2532 • Mobile: (979) 332-1616 email: k-kaspar@hotmail.com

DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR BOB J. BAYER, FIC 1100 Hospital Blvd, Floresville, Texas 78114-2912 Home: (830) 393-9073 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/ MARKETING MANAGER Don Strickland Mobile: (254) 239-8206 • Office: (254) 773-1575 Fax: (254) 774-1456 • email: dons@spjst.com FRATERNAL FIELD MANAGERS DISTRICTS ONE/THREE Philip (Phil) McBee, FICF, CFFM Mobile: (254) 239-7580 • Fax: (325) 784-7448 email: philm@spjst.com DISTRICTS TWO/SEVEN Hiram Dixon, FICF, LUTCF, CFFM Mobile: (254) 239-8690 • Fax: (254) 501-4479 email: hiramd@spjst.com DISTRICT FOUR Bobby G. Davis, FICF, CFFM Mobile: (254) 239-9153 • Fax: (325) 657-2003 email: bobbyd@spjst.com DISTRICTS FIVE/SIX Delisle Doherty Mobile: (254) 239-9616 • Fax: (281) 855-3039 email: delisled@spjst.com

FINANCIAL SECRETARY ROY VAJDAK (254) 773-1575 email: royv@spjst.com

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

DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836-4300 • (979) 272-3440 - email: spjst@aol.com District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S. St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519-3108 - (254) 9852396 - email: patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside Ave, Dallas, Texas 75206-5840 • (214) 826-3557 - email: magiclady_46@hotmail.com District Four - Beverly J. Teplicek, 817 FM 381, Rowena, Texas 76875 - (325) 442-4841 - email: bjtep@verizon.net District Five - Barbara Linney-Gonzales - 6043 Pineway Blvd., Houston, Texas 77023-6510 • (713) 649-6138 email: district5dyc@aol.com District Six - Lisa Bubela, 1405 Divide Street, El Campo, Texas 77437 • (979) 543-7120 - email: lbubela@warpspeed1.net District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 3895 CR 430, Pleasan78064 • (210) 535-4916 - email: ton, Texas poohbear78064@hotmail.com BY-LAW COMMITTEE District One - Richard Ford, 2392 CR 424, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - (979) 884-1451 - email: dimebox5@aol.com District Two - Ronnie Rieger, 350 Rieger Road, Coupland, Texas 78615 - (512) 365-2000 - (512) 848-2416/mobile - email: RonnieR1056@yahoo.com District Three - Kay Lynn Kovar, 3303 West Lake Bardwell Drive, Ennis, Texas 75119 - (972) 875-6827 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 mobile 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 Highway 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 Highway 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 Court, 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 Highway 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 Drive, 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, 3895 CR 430, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - (210) 535-4916

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE District One - Floyd Kostelka, 1914 CR 403, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - (979) 540-8531 District Two - Tammy Whatley, 141 Meadow Park Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78626 - (512) 948-5339 District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside, Dallas, Texas 75206 - (214) 826-3557 District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Drive, 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 Avenue K, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 - (281) 342-2624 District Seven - Jarolyn Popp, 447 Shady Hollow, New Braunfels, Texas 78132 - (830) 964-5135 HUMAN RESOURCES DEBBIE KLINKOVSKY (254) 773-1575 • email: debbiek@spjst.com

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T

he 2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular features more than 400 photos of SPJST youth, leaders, and volunteers participating in SPJST activities throughout the youth year.

I invite and encourage you to look through this issue and see all of the excitement that our young people have experienced this past summer.

And, more photos are online at www.spjst.org.

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!

If you are looking for a dynamic youth program that gets your child or grandchild 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 a child’s or life. For more information about the youth program and how to get involved, call the Home Office (800) 727-7578 or contact the youth leader near you listed on page 5. You may also visit www.spjst.org.

Fraternally yours, Melanie Zavodny Vestnik Editor —SPJST—

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

Congratulations to Brooke Hoelscher of Lodge 47, Seaton in District Two. More youth activity Her design was selected as the overall winner in the 2012 SPJST photos are also online.

Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest.

On the Front Cover

TOP CIRCLE: Patriotism and flag etiquette are taught and promoted in the SPJST Youth Program. CENTER CIRCLE: SPJST Youth Beseda Dancers proudly salute Czech heritage. BOTTOM CIRCLE: 2012-2013 SPJST State Royalty Court. Left to right are State Duke Michael Hoelscher of Lodge 24, Cyclone; State King Jerry Pechal of Lodge 47, Seaton; and State Queen Emily Lewis and State Duchess Kyleigh Hruska, both of Lodge 9, Snook.

VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published weekly except the last week of August and the fourth week of December by VĚSTNÍK, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100. Subscription rates are $25 per year for non-members. Members’ 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 VĚSTNÍK c/o Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

SPJST Youth Clubs . . . Join and Get Involved Today!

SPJST is a fraternal organization

founded on the time-honored idea of doing good for each other and for the communities that we seek to serve. Our youth mission is to provide a well-rounded educational, patriotic, and social program. We also like to have fun!

State Youth Director Frank Horak

Through active participation in local SPJST Youth Clubs and statewide events, SPJST youth develop a greater awareness of the common bonds that we all share. SPJST youth clubs also work with community-based organizations to tailor programs to fit local needs. Youth 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. Helping children develop a love of the outdoors and being physically active is a big part of SPJST’s camp program.

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

Seeing is believing. I hope that you enjoy the 2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular. You and your family can be a part of these programs by becoming an active member of SPJST. SPJST membership is available through the purchase of a life insurance certificate from SPJST. If you are not currently a member of SPJST and would like information about SPJST life insurance and the many benefits that SPJST has to offer, please see pages four and five and contact the District Youth Counselor or youth leader in your area. You may also contact the SPJST Home Office at (800) 727-7578 and ask to speak with someone in the Youth Department.

Membership in SPJST provides many opportunities for active youth club members. Even in communities that do not have an active youth club, there are ways that you can participate in our fun, service-oriented program. Those qualifications are outlined in the following summary.

What’s an Active Youth Member?

In SPJST, an active youth club member is a youth with an SPJST insurance certificate that is current and who attends seven out of 12 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

Pictured at the fall DYC meeting in September 2012 are, front, kneeling, State Youth Director Frank Horak. BACK: Left to right, DYC Wendy Pruski (District Seven), Assistant DYC Sharon Russell (District One), DYC Lisa Bubela (District Six), DYC Barbara Linney-Gonzales (District Five), Assistant DYC Kay Weeks (District Three), Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez, and DYC Beverly Teplicek (District Four).

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 (YAD) 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 Youth Achievement Day 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 3, 2013, 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.

New youth club members joining after June 1 must have attended a majority of meetings since the join date.

Certificates must be issued by January

Youth Spectacular ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Contents

District Youth Counselors ...........4 SPJST Youth Leaders ................5 State YAD Results.....................6 Merit Point Winners.................16 District One YAD .....................17 District One Camp...................22

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District One Activities ..............24 District Two YAD .....................25 District Two Activities...............30 Districts Two/Four Camp.........32 District Three YAD...................34 District Three Youth Salute......39 District Three Camp ................40 District Four YAD.....................42

District Four Activities..............46 District Five YAD .....................47 District Five Camp...................51 District Six YAD .......................53 District Six Camp ....................57 District Seven YAD .................58 District Seven Camp ...............62

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

1 in order to participate in YAD for that year. Youth in lodges where there are no youth clubs can enter YAD if they attend seven out of 12 adult meetings or participate in the call-in meetings with the State Youth Director. Youth leaders will verify eligibility of each contestant selected to complete in District YAD.

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 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 SPJST. The ages for camp are completed 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.

Camp 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 January 1 and attends seven meetings may go to camp free of charge. SPJST youth members who do not meet the above qualifications may attend camp for a prorated fee determined by the DYC. These funds will be submitted to the State Youth Director. Life insurance certificate must be written by May 1 of the current youth year in order for youth to attend camp. This rule also applies to those campers who will be paying to attend camp.

Each camper must submit a completed online SPJST Camp Application to the State Youth Department no later than May 31. These applications are available on the SPJST Website. 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.

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2013 SPJST Scholarship Program and Qualifications SPJST recognizes and awards its members for academic excellence, exceptional leadership ability, and outstanding service with its scholarship and leadership grant program. This past spring, the SPJST Home Office awarded 57 - $1,000 scholarships to deserving SPJST youth. Another nine scholarships were presented at State Youth Achievement Day in August.

SPJST awards the following scholarships and leadership grants: General Scholarships in the amount of $1,000

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

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

Any youth member who has been the recipient of either the State Merit Grant, the District Merit Grant, or the Royalty Grant is also eligible to apply for a General Scholarship or a Leadership Grant. A youth may receive a maximum of two scholarships/grants within SPJST, excluding the State Merit Grant.

General scholarships are funded by the Supreme Lodge and voluntary contributions by SPJST members. Ac-

cordingly, 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.

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 up-to-date information regarding the SPJST Scholarship application process.

—SPJST—

SPJST District Youth Counselors and Assistants

District One YOuth cOunselOr susan skrabanek (979) 272-3440 email: spjst@aol.com assistant ann schoeneman (979) 272-8444 assistant holly narro (979) 272-1188 assistant sharon russell (979) 884-0807

District twO YOuth cOunselOr PatsY kOslOvskY (254) 985-2396 email: patsyk2011@yahoo.com Assistant Donna Vanecek (512) 365-5717 Assistant Lynette Talasek (254) 778-8273

District three YOuth cOunselOr bessie Petr (214) 826-3557 email: magiclady_46@hotmail.com assistant lynda novak (972) 948-4456 assistant kay Gerlich weeks (817) 572-1859

District FOur YOuth cOunselOr Beverly Teplicek (325) 442-4841 email: bjtep@verizon.net

District Five YOuth cOunselOr barbara linneY-GOnzales (713) 649-6138 email: district5dyc@aol.com assistant brenda Moyle (281) 369-3503

District six YOuth cOunselOr lisa bubela (979) 543-7120 email: lbubela@warpspeed1.net assistant susan siptak (409) 244-4415

District seven YOuth cOunselOr wenDY Pruski (830) 393-2600 email: poohbear78064@hotmail.com assistant regina house (830) 569-5070

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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SPJST Local Lodge Youth Leaders

sPJst hOMe OFFice 520 North Main • Temple, Texas 76501 (254) 773-1575 • (800) 727-7578 Fax: (254) 774-7447 • www.spjst.org SPJST PRESIDENT/ HEAD OF THE YOUTH DEPARTMENT BRIAN VANICEK Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 534-2902 email: vanicek@spjst.com

SPJST STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR FRANK HORAK Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 534-0681 email: frankh@spjst.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

LOCAL LODGE YOUTH LEADERS

Number in ( ) denotes district number.

Lodge 1, Fayetteville (1) Ronnie Pflughaupt (979) 378-2763 email: rpflughaupt@hotmail.com Youth Club Meetings: First Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 4, Hallettsville (6) Shirley Kalmus (281) 494-7257 email: kalmusbingo@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at American Legion Tap Room, Hallettsville

Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Peggy Dobecka (254) 799-8550 email: DATAPED@sbcglobal.net Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 9, Snook (1) Marie Shelfer (979) 272-8100 email: mashelfer@aol.com Youth Club Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 13, Dime Box (1) Pamela Kothman (979) 716-4338 email: lonekoyote2@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 5:30 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Mabrey Dowell (979) 272-8517 email: Mabes82@aol.com Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 18, Elgin (2) Joyce Bowen Nelson (512) 856-2481 email: joycenelson64@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 20, Granger (2) Emilie Tischler (254) 721-7735 Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Kim Campbell (254) 985-0302 email: ccampbell@embarqmail.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Rita Holland (469) 337-2284 email: ritajholland@sbcglobal.net Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 29, Taylor (2) Cristy Girod (512) 468-1347 email: girodranch@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Lisa Bubela (979) 543-7120 email: lbubela@warpspeed1.net Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center

Lodge 32, Victoria (6) Mary M. Tijerina (361) 578-3292 Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 40 El Campo-Hillje (6) Cathy Garcia (979) 332-1614 Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1:15 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Lynette Talasek (254) 778-8273 email: necconetta@sbcglobal.net Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 48, Beyersville (2) Donna Vanecek (512) 365-5717 email: donnavanecek@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Beverly Teplicek (325) 442-4841 email: bjtep@verizon.net Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 4 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 79 Corpus Christi (7) Gerilyn Donnell (361) 548-0852 email: gl@totalprotection.com Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at Sokol Hall Lodge 80, Holland (2) Connie Horak (254) 541-9165 email: chorak@sw.org Youth Club Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 84, Dallas (3) Bessie Petr (214) 826-3557 Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 87, Temple (2) Jennifer Davidson (254) 405-5168 email: jdavidson@sw.org Youth Club Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 88, Houston (5) Barbara Linney-Gonzales (713) 649-6138 email: district5dyc@aol.com Youth Club Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) Holly Hubenak Anderson (682) 552-4498 email: handerson@coppelisd.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 142, Houston (5) Catherine Manchack (832) 443-0469 email: cmanchack@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Lodge 88 Annex Building Lodge 148, El Maton (6) Melissa Zielonka (979) 618-1890 email: zielonka33@aol.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month following the adult lodge meeting Lodge 154, Fort Worth (3) Lesli Milan (817) 320-7129 email: leslimilan@yahoo.com Carrie Ann Jones (817) 371-1727 email: jonestravel@att.net Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 162 Iowa Colony (5) Brenda Moyle (281) 369-3503 email: brenda@moblaw.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center Lodge 183, Arlington (3) Kay Weeks (817) 896-5277 email: kgweeks@att.net Youth Club Meetings: Last Friday of each month, 7 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 185 New Braunfels (7) Theresa Haag (830) 625-8262 email: theresa.haag686@gmail.com Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader for meeting date/time/location.

Lodge 186, Caldwell (1) Yolanda Brinkman (979) 845-5088 email: ymbrinkman@cvm.tamu.edu Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 187 Round Rock (2) Jennifer McCarthy (512) 565-9156 email: jsupak@gmail.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 202 Jourdanton (7) Regina House (830) 569-5070 email: rhouse@jourdantonisd.net Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. (March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m.) at Jourdanton Community Center Lodge 204, Stephenville (3) Sandra Pierce (254) 485-5801 email: skipierce@hotmail.com Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader for meeting date/time/location.

Lodge 215 South Plains (4) Janeece Williams (806) 495-3351 email: jkraa5@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at The Center in Tahoka Lodge 229, Abilene (4) Deborah Stevens (325) 537-2074 email: debbie5714@netscape.com Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader for meeting date/time/location.

Lodge 246 Morgan’s Point (2) Trish Konkler (254) 931-9879 email: tkonkler71@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader for meeting date/time/location.

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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Seaton, Snook Youth Win State Crowns

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 4 to showcase their knowledge and skills at SPJST State Youth Achievement Day (YAD).

The 2012 competition involved participants in grades kindergarten to high school senior. They competed in 15 events, testing their skills in areas such as construction, foods (kolaches), handicraft, photography, sewing, public speaking, and talent. The event also featured a special category which is a surprise until the day of the competition. This year, participants were each given a red Solo cup with an assortment of craft supplies to decorate with.

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 qualified to compete at the state contest. Seven District YADs were held in June and July in Caldwell, Holland, Fort Worth, Rowena, Houston, Taiton, and Jourdanton.

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2012 - 2013 SPJST State Royalty

The 2012-2013 SPJST State Royalty are, left to right, Duke Michael Hoelscher of Lodge 24, Cyclone; King Jerry Pechal of Lodge 47, Seaton; and Queen Emily Lewis and Duchess Kyleigh Hruska, both of Lodge 9, Snook.

They were crowned at State Youth Achievement Day on August 4 in Temple.

The grand finale of the 2012 State Youth Achievement Day was the presentation of the 2012-2013 State Royalty Court. Crowned to represent SPJST in the coming year were King Jerry Pechal of Lodge 47, Seaton; Duke Michael Hoelscher of Lodge 24, Cyclone; and Queen Emily Lewis and Duchess Kyleigh Hruska, both of Lodge 9, Snook.

State King Jerry, 17, is the son of

David and Tammy Pechal. Jerry is a senior at Rogers High School. State Duke Michael is 10 years old and the son of John and Lisa Hoelscher. State Queen Emily, 15, is the daughter of Justin and Loree Lewis. Emily is a sophomore at Snook High School.

State Duchess Kyleigh, age nine, is the daughter of Justin and Rebekah Hruska.

First runners-up were King Lane

Lodge 9, Snook teen receives $1,500 State Merit Grant Zachary Shelfer, age 17, a member

of Lodge 9, Snook, is the recipient of the 2012 SPJST State Merit Grant. He is the son of Buddy and Marie Shelfer of Snook. Zachary is a senior at Snook High School. He received the $1,500 grant during the SPJST State Youth Achievement Day awards ceremony in Temple. After high school, Zachary plans to attend either Blinn College or Sam Houston State University.

Teens from each district with the most youth merit points over the last three years competed for the grant. As part of the competition, each teen submitted a 1,000-word essay on the topic “SPJST Youth — Paying Tribute to Our Past.” 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).

Hoggard of Lodge 202, Jourdanton; Duke Ethan Hilbig of Lodge 185, New Braunfels; and Queen Allison Fucik and Duchess Lauren Kresta, both of Lodge 30, Taiton.

Second runners-up were King Nikolas Faust and Duke Kade Junek, both of Lodge 9, Snook, and Queen Julia Zavodny and Duchess Emma Regan, both of Lodge 47, Seaton.

—SPJST—

District Merit Grant Winners District Merit Grant winners each received a $1,000 grant. The 2012 District Merit Grant winners are:

District Four—Kaycee Lehmann Lodge 215, South Plains

District Two—Jerry Pechal Lodge 47, Seaton

District Six—Sarah Siptak Lodge 4, Hallettsville

District One—Brittanie Gaas Lodge 17, New Tabor

District Three—Jackson Durham Lodge 92, Fort Worth

District Five—Garrett Owens Lodge 142, Houston

See photos on Page 7.

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2012 District Merit Grant Winners

2012 Top Teen and Top Junior

Congratulations to the 2012 SPJST District Merit Grant Winners. They are, left to right, Brittanie Gaas of Lodge 17, New Tabor (District One); Jerry Pechal of Lodge 47, Seaton (District Two); Jackson Durham of Lodge 92, Fort Worth (District Three); and Kaycee Lehmann of Lodge 215, South Plains (District Four). Pictured with them is State Youth Director Frank Horak, far right. Not pictured are Garrett Owens of Lodge 142, Houston (District Five) and Sarah Siptak of Lodge 4, Hallettsville (District Six).

Congratulations to 2012 Top Teen Brandon Hoelscher, left, and Top Junior Justin Kraatz, both of Lodge 47, Seaton in District Two. Brandon earned 160 merit points, and Justin earned 164 merit points to achieve these honors. They were recognized for their achievements during opening ceremonies at State YAD by State Youth Director Frank Horak, center.

State Merit Grant Essay: SPJST Youth—Paying Tribute to Our Past

In order to plan your future wisely,

it is necessary that you understand, appreciate, and pay tribute to your past.

Have you ever wondered about the past traditions and activities of your ancestors? So many people have paved the way for you and I to be in this great organization—SPJST. Being involved in the SPJST Youth Program has given me first-hand experience in some of the time honored traditions of our Czech ancestors.

SPJST strives to keep our past in our sight. Through the Czech Heritage Museum, the Czech language lessons in the Vestnik, learning Czech songs and dances, and participating in Czech projects and contests, SPJST is providing its youth with an opportunity to pay tribute to the past.

During a visit to the Czech Heritage Museum, a memorial to the pioneer Czech forefathers and mothers who settled in Texas, I was given the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt that related to the family life of Texans of Czech decent. This opened my eyes to the struggles that these immigrants and their families endured to be a part of this great country. Paying tribute to these hardships is just one way the SPJST organization provides its members with a glimpse of our past. I hope that everyone makes the effort to stop and visit this great museum. I also hope that the history and

By Zachary Shelfer of Lodge 9, Snook — District One

culture of the Czech people will continue to be passed on to future generations, and the museum continues to grow.

As an active youth club member, I am also given the opportunity to participate in contests that reflect our Czech past. Through my involvement in the kroj and kraslice contests, I’ve learned that each is unique. The kroj identifies what ancestral village your family came from long ago. My heritage comes from the “Slovan” village. The kraslice is a decorative egg tradition that brought the Czech family and community together at Easter.

Today, our contest is around the Easter holiday. Completing this project during the same time frame carries on a tradition that started with our great grandparents who came from Czechoslovakia. Vestnik projects are also a window to our past. Each month, I do a project which often contains information about the past. There is also the Vestnik newspaper. Many facts about the Czech way of life are shared by members from across the state. In addition, each issue provides SPJST members the means of sharing news and information about happenings, such as family reunions and the announcement of new members and wedding congratulations to new couples. It also provides information about local lodges and youth clubs.

2012 State Merit Grant Winner

Congratulations to 2012 SPJST State Merit Grant Winner Zachary Shelfer of Lodge 9, Snook in District One. Zachary received a $1,500 grant to the college of his choice during State Youth Achievement Day. Pictured with him are Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, left, and State Youth Director Frank Horak.

I have also learned to bake kolaches and make homemade noodles as a member of the SPJST youth club.

While learning these skills, I also

heard stories from the grandmas of our community about their childhood.

Continued on Page 8.

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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SPJST - Paying Tribute to Our Past

Royalty Speech By 2012-2013 State King Jerry Pechal

“Neither a wise man, nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history and waits for the train of the future to run over him.”

—Dwight D. Eisenhower

Good afternoon, distinguished judges, members, and honored guests. In July 1897, a vision came true for many members of the Czechoslovak Society of America to secede from an organization and form a society better suited for their needs. At this time, the Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas, or Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas, was born. In the beginning, there were three goals: first, to extend assistance to its members and dependents as well as promote charity; second, to promote and encourage education to its members, and their families in the Czech and English languages; and finally, to create and sustain a relief fund for the benefit of widows and children of deceased members.

In the original charter, the organization was set for 50 years. Now, 115 years later, the organization has surpassed its original goals. I doubt that those who envisioned this organization so many years ago could have ever imagined such success.

J.R. Kubena is known as “The Father of SPJST.” J.R. managed what could be considered the “original” Supreme Lodge in Fayetteville.

Through his devotion, he helped set up an organization for others who were interested in preserving their heritage.

Grant Essay

Continued from page 7.

These are time-honored traditions that I hope are never lost.

In 2006, our club started performing the Ceska Beseda dance, which means visiting or social gathering.

Each of the eight parts of the dance conveys a unique story about a specific province in Czechoslovakia as well as the costume worn. This dance features the “heel and toe polka,” or “double polka.” Today, these steps

At the age of nine, my greatgrandpa followed in the footsteps of Kubena by embarking on a journey from Czechoslovakia and landing in Galveston, Texas. Although he quickly settled into the American lifestyle, he felt separated from his Czech heritage. But, by joining SPJST, he found a way to celebrate his heritage. He was able to pass the Czech culture on to my grandmother, who was a museum coordinator for 16 years. My grandmother shared the Czech culture by dressing in the traditional Czech attire, known as kroj, speaking the Czech language, and telling the story behind each piece of Czech history. Although she shared her passion and knowledge with thousands of people, I feel like I am the most important one of them all.

How can I make a difference if I’m only one person? Um, I wonder if my grandmother ever asked herself that.

In conclusion, I challenge each of you to remember who you are, where your ancestors came from, and what they stood for. If this is done, then we will each do our part.

In a society that promotes individualism and making a statement, I believe we should stand together on the foundation that our ancestors built for us and stand strong in our heritage. After all, our ancestors came to America to build us a better future, and it is our job to continue to see their dreams come true.

Dekuji. Thank you.

—SPJST—

and dances continue to show our tribute to the past. We also perform a classic Czech song “A Ja Sam,” which I learned from a youth leader at LIT retreat (Leader-in-Training). Both of these performances pay tribute to the rich Czech heritage. We continue to perform at many festivals, benefits, and local schools. My favorite time to perform these are at our annual Grandparents Day program where we pay tribute to them. This especially brings a smile to their face.

As we enjoy paying tribute to our past, it’s important to keep sight on

SPJST - Paying Tribute to Our Past

Royalty Speech By 2012-2013 State Queen Emily Lewis

“The wise man built his house upon the rock, and the rain came tumbling down.”

As we all know, the house on the rock stood firm. This song reminds me of what our Czech ancestors did when they built SPJST on a firm foundation, a rock you could say.

Welcome judges, members, family, and friends.

SPJST was founded 115 years ago by Czech immigrants seeking a better life. It was built on the idea of taking care of those around you.

Danny Thomas of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital once said, “Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.” This quote describes our organization perfectly. “Doing for others” is accomplished each time our youth club visits the nursing home, sends care packages to soldiers, and provides meals to families in need.

SPJST has taught me that by helping others, I am also helping myself.

Our past has taught us to take pride in the youth programs, as our youth are our future. We are given many opportunities to build new re-

new traditions. Our ancestors would be proud to know that we are creating new ways to pay tribute to our heritage. SPJST was founded on the notion of “doing good” for all. One of the most significant fraternal developments within SPJST has been the increase in volunteerism and human service projects. In lodges all over the state, members are committing their time and energy to the support of worthwhile causes. My club collects soda tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. After the tabs are collected, the local RMHC chapter brings the collection to local recycling centers, where they are weighed to determine their value. The funds received are then used to buy supplies for the houses it serves. This is my favorite community service item because you make a difference in the lives of many around the country. Another favorite is collecting items for our soldiers who serve our country. Another fa-

lationships, whether it is at summer camp, Youth Achievement Day, or working with members of our adult lodge. Each year, we pay tribute to our past by joining with our adult lodge to make kolaches and noodles.

As a young SPJST member, I sat in this very audience—eating goldfish, playing with toys, and trying to stay quiet as royalty contestants gave their speeches. As I listened year after year about the accomplishments of SPJST, I never would have imagined that my past would impact my future in such a remarkable way.

As SPJST members, we should respect and admire what our Czech ancestors started, when they laid the solid foundation for SPJST. It should be our goal to continue working towards a brighter future.

So what is the greatest tribute we can pay to our past? Well I believe it is for you and I, for all of us, to take the lessons learned from our past and continue to use them as we build upon that strong firm foundation of SPJST. Thank you and God bless.

—SPJST—

vorite is our “Adopt A Soldier.” This year, we adopted a local and former youth club member who was serving in Afghanistan. During the year, we would send care package items with snacks, personal items, puzzles, and magazines. At Christmas, we sent him and his squadron two pies from a local bakery who shipped them oversees. We got a surprise last September when we received a flag and note stating that a flag was flown on September 11, 2011, in Afghanistan in honor of our youth club. What a wonder feeling that was when we received a certificate certifying its mission.

Someone once said “The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it.” SPJST has given me the opportunity to learn from the past, prepare for the future, and live in the present. I am honored to pay tribute to those who paved the way for so many.

—SPJST—

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2012 State Junior Group Talent Winners

LODGE 9, SNOOK. Front, left to right, Jaycie Brisco, Madelyn Rodriguez, Jaxson Brisco, Konnor Eldridge, Kamree Walker. Back: Kyleigh Hruska, Riley Green, Grace Lewis, Sydney Faust, Kaylea Walker, Natalie Vacha, Malorie Vacha, Colby See, Natalee See.

2012 State Senior Group Talent Winners

LODGE 20, GRANGER. Left to right, Ramsey Washam, Elizabeth Tischler.

2012 State Individual Talent Winners

Left to right, Macy Narro (17), Sydney Faust (9), Cynthia Garcia (40), Sammy Hoggard (202).

2012 State YAD Results

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Number in ( ) denotes district.

State Royalt y State King Jerry Pechal Lodge 47, Seaton District Two State Duke Michael Hoelscher Lodge 24, Cyclone District Two State Queen Emily Lewis Lodge 9, Snook District One State Duchess Kyleigh Hruska Lodge 9, Snook District One King First Runner-Up Lane Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton District Seven Duke First Runner-Up Ethan Hilbig Lodge 185, New Braunfels District Seven Queen First Runner-Up Allison Fucik Lodge 30, Taiton District Six Duchess First Runner-Up Lauren Kresta Lodge 30, Taiton District Six

King Second Runner-Up Nikolas Faust Lodge 9, Snook District One Duke Second Runner-Up Kade Junek Lodge 9, Snook District One Queen Second Runner-Up Julia Zavodny Lodge 47, Seaton District Two Duchess Second Runner-Up Emma Regan Lodge 47, Seaton District Two

Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 9 Snook (1) “Swamp People Invade Cooper Farm” - Dramatic Jaxson Brisco, Jaycie Brisco Konnor Eldridge, Sydney Faust, Riley Green, Kyleigh Hruska Grace Lewis, Madelyn Rodriguez, Colby See, Natalee See, Malorie Vacha, Natalie Vacha, Kamree Walker, Kaylea Walker

2nd - Lodge 47, Seaton (2) “Splish-Splash, I Was Takin’ A Bath” - Dance Dannikka Bartek, Emma Regan 3rd - Lodge 154, Fort Worth (3) “Party Rock in the Barn” Dance Clark Jones, Reid Jones Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 20, Granger (2) “The Song That Goes Like This” Vocal Elizabeth Tischler Ramsey Washam 2nd - Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) “Rock Around the Clock” Dance Caroline Durham Katherine Durham 3rd - Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) “Salute to Kolaches” Vocal Sierra Cash, Tabor Dowell Brittanie Gaas, Kellie Ihlenfeldt Willie Ihlenfeldt, Logan Jones Macey McCuller, Dillon Narro Mitchell Parks, Brandon Powell Jeremy Ree, Tyler Sandner Jacqueline Smith, Tori Smith Zella Zaskoda

Individual Talent Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Macy Narro Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Vocal 2nd - Brooklyn Anderson Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” Dance 3rd - Aiyanna Gonzalez Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) “Fabulous” Dance Ages 9 to 11 1st - Sydney Faust Lodge 9, Snook (1) “Color Me Happy” Poem 2nd - Kayla Wuensche Lodge 48, Beyersville (2) “Just a Kiss” Dance 3rd - Austen Holland Lodge 25, Ennis (3) “My Name is the Wide Mouth Frog” Dramatic

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2012 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Cynthia Garcia Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) “Got to Dance” Dance 2nd - Ramsey Washam Lodge 20, Granger (2) “Dream a Little Dream” Vocal 3rd - Pierce Tignor Lodge 25, Ennis (3) “Military Melody” Instrumental

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Sammy Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) “Popcorn” by Hot Butter Dance 2nd - Elizabeth Tischler Lodge 20, Granger (2) “Adelaide’s Lament” Vocal 3rd - Reagan Langer Lodge 25, Ennis (3) “I Can’t Say No” Vocal

Poster 1st - Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) 2nd - Lodge 9, Snook (1) 3rd - Lodge 25, Ennis (3)

Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 30, Taiton (6) 2nd - Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) 3rd - Lodge 24, Cyclone (2)

Special Category Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Misty Dvorak Lodge 25, Ennis (3) 2nd - Hutson Teplicek Lodge 49, Rowena (4) 3rd - Trianna Manzano Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kamree Walker Lodge 9, Snook (1) 2nd - Mitchell Parks Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) 3rd - Jordan Woodall Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7)

Constructed Items Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Nathan Polly Lodge 88, Houston (5) Ninja Stars 2nd - Quinlan Dobecka Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Flower 3rd - Hunter Wood Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Covered Wagon Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kyleigh Hruska Lodge 9, Snook (1) Rose Wood Wreath 2nd - Angelina Ringwald Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Look, It’s Snowing!

3rd - Sean Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) Battle Spaceship

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2012 State Poster Winner

LODGE 24, CYCLONE. Front, left to right, Nash Campbell, Meghan Malcik, Shelby Bruggman, Emma Hoelscher. Second row: Abigail Bruggman, Macey Malcik, Jonathan Maddux, Michael Hoelscher.

Back: Madison Malcik, Cole Campbell, Cade Campbell.

2012 State Scrapbook Winner

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Dillon Narro Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Fort 2nd - Denae Bronikowski Lodge 88, Houston (5) Country Wildflowers 3rd - Paige Tignor Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Origami Ball

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brandon Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton (2) 3-D Earth 2nd - Katelyn Daniel Lodge 183, Arlington (3) Wreath of Music 3rd - Haily Dever Lodge 9, Snook (1) Pretty Paper

LODGE 30, TAITON. Front, left to right, Grant Bubela, Bethany Baker, Myles Svatek, Emily Kresta, Lauren Kresta, Luc Marcaurele. Back: Ryan Drapela, Allison Fucik, Brittany Baker, Dylan Treumer.

2012 State Special Category Winners

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Claire Casey Lodge 88, Houston (5) 2nd - Shelby Horak Lodge 80, Holland (2) 3rd - Brienna Correll Lodge 80, Holland (2)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Audree Williams Lodge 215, South Plains (4) 2nd - Lane Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) 3rd - Michelle House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7)

Left to right, Misty Dvorak (25), Kamree Walker (9), Claire Casey (88), Audree Williams (215).

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2012 State Constructed Items Winners

2012 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

Foods — Kolaches Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Bethany Baker Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Apricot Kolaches 2nd - Macy Narro Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Cream Cheese Kolaches 3rd - Addee Williams Lodge 215, South Plains (4) Cherry Kolaches

Left to right, Nathan Polly (88), Kyleigh Hruska (9), Dillon Narro (17), Brandon Hoelscher (47).

2012 State Foods Winners

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Luc Marcaurele Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Cream Cheese Kolaches 2nd - Sydney Faust Lodge 9, Snook (1) Cherry Cream Cheese Kolaches 3rd - Kayla Wuensche Lodge 48, Beyersville (2) Peach Kolaches

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Macey Malcik Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Peach Kolaches 2nd - Braxton Faust Lodge 9, Snook (1) Poppy Seed Kolaches 3rd - Katelyn Taylor Lodge 229, Abilene (4) Cream Cheese Kolaches

Left to right, Bethany Baker (30), Luc Marcaurele (30), Macey Malcik (24), Lane Hoggard (202).

2012 State Handicraft Winners

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Lane Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Perfectly Peach Kolaches 2nd - Allison Fucik Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Cherry Cheese Kolaches 3rd - Chelsy Stevens Lodge 229, Abilene (4) Apple Kolaches

Handicraf t Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Lane Slovak Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Bottle Top Art 2nd - Keith Wockenfuss Lodge 88, Houston (5) My Picture Frame 3rd - James Teague Lodge 20, Granger (2) Paper Maché House

Left to right, Lane Slovak (25), Mitchell Parks (17), Shelby Horak (80), Ryan Drapela (30).

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Ages 9 to 11 1st - Mitchell Parks Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) All-American Past Time 2nd - Zoe Talasek Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Stepping Stone Mosaic 3rd - Tristan Voldan Lodge 148, El Maton (6) Wooden Fruit Basket

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Shelby Horak Lodge 80, Holland (2) Lion and Lamb 2nd - Noah Schmidt Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) Bench 3rd - Avery Moyle Lodge 162, Iowa Colony (5) Blue Christmas Wreath

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ryan Drapela Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Domino Table 2nd - Lane Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Radical Renewal 3rd - Audree Williams Lodge 215, South Plains (4) Golden Diamonds

Hobby Kits Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Caleb See Lodge 9, Snook (1) Cross Stepping Stone Kit 2nd - Hunter Wood Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Motorcycle Car and Trailer 3rd - Lea Barcak Lodge 88, Houston (5) Princess Castle Ages 9 to 11 1st - Riley Green Lodge 9, Snook (1) Orchid Wood Dollhouse 2nd - Rendon Dobecka Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Agent Slug Bug 3rd - Hunter Teplicek Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Lexington

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Madison Malcik Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) The Whisper of God 2nd - Isabella Wiederhold Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Angel Bead 3rd - Devin Krajca Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Pet Shop

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2012 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brandon Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Butterfly String Art Kit 2nd - Nikolas Faust Lodge 9, Snook (1) Lucky Dragon and Phoenix 3rd - Allison Fucik Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Grab ‘n Go Kits - Seashells

Needlework Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Chandler Sebesta Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Checky Butterfly 2nd - Lea Barcak Lodge 88, Houston (5) Unicorn 3rd - Macy Jones Lodge 154, Fort Worth (3) Colorful Yarn Bag Ages 9 to 11 1st - Colby See Lodge 9, Snook (1) Leopard Latch Hook 2nd - Brandon Teplicek Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Latch Hook 3rd - Brittany Baker Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Sunny Day Latch Hook

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Brandon Powell Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) String Art 2nd - Macey Malcik Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Blooms 3rd - Pierce Tignor Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Paper Star

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Jerry Pechal Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Game Time 2nd - Emily Lewis Lodge 9, Snook (1) Cross Stitch Pillow Case 3rd - Sammy Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) “Splash” of Color

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2012 State Hobby Kits Winners

Photography Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Brooklyn Anderson Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) H20 2nd - Lawrence Stock Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Splash 3rd - Olivia Schwertner Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Driftwood Ages 9 to 11 1st - Rendon Dobecka Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Splashes of Rippling Pyramid 2nd - Madison Kellum Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Water 3rd - Kelly House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Drip Drop

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Avery Moyle Lodge 162, Iowa Colony (5) Pouring Water 2nd - Ross Jaroszewski Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) The Ol’ Swimming Hole 3rd - Brienna Correll Lodge 80, Holland (2) Water Weors

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Victoria Motley Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Water, Water Everywhere 2nd - Sammy Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Supreme Serenity 3rd - Allison Wockenfuss Lodge 88, Houston (5) Lake Side

Pictorial Arts Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Kelly Taylor Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) Roses 2nd - Emma Regan Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Boot 3rd - Chandler Sebesta Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Where the Green Grass Grows

Left to right, Caleb See (9), Riley Green (9), Madison Malcik (24), Brandon Hoelscher (47).

2012 State Needlework Winners

Left to right, Chandler Sebesta (17), Colby See (9), Brandon Powell (17), Jerry Pechal (47).

2012 State Photography Winners

Left to right, Brooklyn Anderson (92), Rendon Dobecka (6), Avery Moyle (162), Victoria Motley (25).

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2012 State Pictorial Arts Winners

Left to right, Kelly Taylor (40), Sydney Faust (9), Devin Krajca (25), Katelyn Daniel (183).

2012 State Science and Education Winners

Left to right, Grant Bubela (30), Sean Moncrief (88), Avery Moyle (162), Reagan Langer (25).

2012 State Sewing Winners

Left to right, Lea Barcak (88), Alyssa Moyle (162), Brady Alexander (47), Katelyn Daniel (183).

2012 State YAD Results

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Number in ( ) denotes district.

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Sydney Faust Lodge 9, Snook (1) Wild Bunny 2nd - Sean Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) Red Bird 3rd - Brittany Baker Lodge 30, Taiton (6) True Blossom

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Avery Moyle Lodge 162, Iowa Colony (5) Amelia Earhart 2nd - Kaylea Walker Lodge 9, Snook (1) Tornado Destruction 3rd - Kacie Vanecek Lodge 48, Beyersville (2) Food Clock

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Katelyn Daniel Lodge 183, Arlington (3) This and That 2nd - Kandace Stone Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Ribbon Twirler 3rd - Andrew Zielonka Lodge 148, El Maton (6) Cotton Harvest

Sewing Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Lea Barcak Lodge 88, Houston (5) American Doll Blanket/Pillow 2nd - Joshua Green Lodge 9, Snook (1) Bandana Tablecloth 3rd - Grace Schwertner Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Small Quilt

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Devin Krajca Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Running Wild 2nd - Ramsey Washam Lodge 20, Granger (2) Zentangle Chaos 3rd - Emily Hancock Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) Colorful Abstract

Science and Education Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Grant Bubela Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Life of a Frog 2nd - Quinlan Dobecka Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Arctic Hare 3rd - Hutson Teplicek Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Volcano Ages 9 to 11 1st - Sean Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) Cicada 2nd - Luc Marcaurele Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Cast Iron Stomach!

3rd - Kelly House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Which Stain Remover Works Best?

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Reagan Langer Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Circuits 2nd - Dylan Treumer Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Soil Erosion 3rd - Ana Fuentes Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Water Conservation

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Alyssa Moyle Lodge 162, Iowa Colony (5) Texas A&M Quilt 2nd - Kelly House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) My Snuggie 3rd - Luc Marcaurele Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Lap Throw Ages 12 to 14 1st - Brady Alexander Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Tee-Shirt Quilt 2nd - Natalee See Lodge 9, Snook (1) Summer Time Style 3rd - Katelyn Taylor Lodge 229, Abilene (4) Dress

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Katelyn Daniel Lodge 183, Arlington (3) Petal 2nd - Allison Fucik Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Queen-Sized Quilt 3rd - Elizabeth Tischler Lodge 20, Granger (2) Warm and Cozy Quilt

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

SPJST Youth Beseda Dance Groups Participate at State YAD

The Beseda is a Czech dance that

has been around for many generations.

SPJST Youth Clubs perform the dance at events across Texas. Nine groups exhibited the dance at the 2012 State Youth Achievement Day on August 4 in Temple.

The Beseda—A Czech Tradition 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 Central 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

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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

District Two Senior Beseda Dancers

Front, left to right, Emma Hoelscher (24), Emma Regan (47), Angelina Ringwald (47), Kayla Wuensche (48). Back: Ryan Davidson (87), Koby Stone (47), Michael Hoelscher (24), Garrett Festa (80).

Front, left to right, Emily St. Amour (47), Zoe Talasek (47), Kacie Vanecek (48), Shelby Horak (80). Back: Collin Vanecek (48), Justin Kraatz (47), Chase Alexander (47), Ryan Festa (80).

District Two Senior Beseda Dancers

Front, left to right, Elizabeth Tischler (20), Kandace Stone (47), Alexis Festa (80), Nichole Festa (80). Back: Jacob Horak (80), Brandon Hoelscher (47), Brady Alexander (47), Jerry Pechal (47).

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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Lodge 9, Snook Junior Beseda Dancers

Lodge 9, Snook Senior Beseda Dancers

Front, left to right, Kyleigh Hruska, Jaycie Brisco, Riley Green, Kamree Walker. Back: Jaxson Brisco, Konnor Eldridge, Joshua Green, William See.

Front, left to right, Emily Lewis, Carlee See, Deanna Hairrell, Haily Dever.

Back: Nikolas Faust, Hayden Kovar, Zachary Shelfer, Robert Lewis.

Lodge 9, Snook Senior Beseda Dancers

Lodge 17, New Tabor Junior Beseda Dancers

Front, left to right, Sydney Faust, Natalee See, Grace Lewis, Madelyn Rodriguez. Back: Colton Orsak, Braxton Faust, Colby See, Caleb See.

Front, left to right, Macy Narro, Ashlyn Kellum, Jada Parks, Kadie Hartman. Back: Tabor Dowell, Chandler Parks, Weston Beasley, Carson Parker.

Lodge 17, New Tabor Junior Beseda Dancers

Lodge 17, New Tabor Senior Beseda Dancers

Front, left to right, Madison Kellum, Jacqueline Smith, Macey McCuller, Kellie Ihlenfeldt. Back: Jeremy Ree, Mitchell Parks, Brandon Powell, Dillon Narro.

Front, left to right, Brittanie Gaas, Tori Smith, Zella Zaskoda, Sierra Cash.

Back: Tyler Sander, Willie Ihlenfeldt, Logan Jones, Trey Groce.

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Place

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

Place

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

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2011 - 2012 SPJST Youth Merit Point Winners • DISTRICT ONE JUNIORS •

Lodge

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

Name

Macy Narro Dillon Narro Weston Beasley Maylee Dowell Chandler Sebesta Tabor Dowell Nikolas Faust Kadie Hartman Grace Lewis Sydney Faust Makayla Langdon Macey McCuller Kellie Ihlenfeldt Marina Brinkman Brandon Powell Kyle Brinkman Ciara Coker Madelyn Rodriguez Elias Rose Natalee See Riley Green Kyleigh Hruska Colby See Carson Parker Tatiana Tates Mitchell Parks Sierra Sebesta Jada Parks Alexia Perkkio Jaycie Brisco Joshua Green Jessica Enrique Konnor Eldridge Kamree Walker J.T. Enrique, III Jaxson Brisco Rusty Aparicio William See, IV Justin Shimek Braden Perkkio Kolby Kothmann Makenzie Mendez Jake Green Malorie Vacha Natalie Vacha Colton Gantt Cloe Schulle Ryder Becka

• DISTRICT TWO JUNIORS •

Lodge

47 47 47 80 47 80 80 87 80 87 48 48 48 48 187 24 47 187 24 24 80 87 80 48 47 24 24 24 87 47 18 48 87 18 24 47

Name

Justin Kraatz Brady Alexander Zoe Edwards Ryan Festa Chase Alexander Shelby Horak Jacob Horak Ryan Davidson Garrett Festa Colton Ammons Kayla Wuensche Trent Wuensche Kacie Vanecek Trevor Wuensche Alexandria Johnson Ty Stock Angelina Ringwald Xavier Salinas Cade Campbell Nash Campbell Bryson Correll Wyatt Ammons Brienna Correll Miranda Nira Julia Zavodny Emma Hoelscher Michael Hoelscher Shelby Bruggman William Cetta Emma Regan Jayden Flores Emily Filla Audreyaunna Cetta T.J. Anderson Abigail Bruggman Koby Stone

Points

175 173 157 157 150 149 135 130 127 124 124 123 121 121 119 119 119 118 118 114 110 107 106 106 104 104 103 102 101 100 100 96 94 93 92 90 86 86 84 84 83 79 78 78 78 77 76 76

Points

164 157 157 157 155 153 152 152 144 137 135 132 131 131 129 126 123 123 119 119 117 114 110 108 103 98 98 98 98 95 94 94 93 92 92 92

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Place

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

187 246 47 48 47 24 48 47 87 47 24 47 47 48 24 47 48

• DISTRICT THREE JUNIORS •

Lodge

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

Lodge

Place

Lodge

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

Name

Quinlan Dobecka Rendon Dobecka Melinda McClellan April Dvorak Misty Dvorak Austen Holland Dakota Holder Preston Sullivan John Peterson Clark Jones Pierce Tignor Paige Tignor Macy Jones Amanda Droste Brandon Droste Hayley Slovak Jacob Mraz Hanna Slovak Samuel Zmolik Sophie Milan Raiven Jackson Justin Mraz Olivia Zmolik Reid Jones Carter Charanza Angel Pace Christian Romero Erica Clark Dylan Kearney Brittney Higgins Madeline Clark Cassidy Higgins Destiney Higgins

• DISTRICT FOUR JUNIORS •

Place

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

Madyson Long Ryan Mathis Kyle Hoelscher William Filla Katelyn Erskine Emily Evatt Alexis Taylor Emily St. Armour Cierra Mojica Morgan Porubsky Allison Evatt Bayley Fulton Mitchan Seth Martinez Brooke Newsom Meghan Malcik Payton Porubsky Chandee Bachmeyer

49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 229 49 229 49 229 215 229 49

Name

Brandon Teplicek Tanner Wood Cammi Teplicek Hunter Teplicek Hutson Teplicek Olivia Schwertner Hunter Wood Sutton Schwertner Sarah Booher Jordan Taylor Grace Schwertner Cutter Chase Starr Megan Booher Katelyn Taylor Addee Williams Matthew Clayton Starr Cade Vinson

• DISTRICT FIVE JUNIORS •

88 162 162 162 88 88 162 88 88 142 88 88 88

Name

Keith Wockenfuss Alyssa Moyle MacKenzie Collins Zachary Collins Denae Bronikowski Nathan Polly Jaci Malovets Sean Moncrief Jered Polly Zoe Saxton Mathieu Barcak Lea Barcak Catherine Casey

90 90 88 87 85 82 82 79 79 78 77 77 77 77 76 76 75

Points

144 138 137 133 133 122 121 120 117 114 111 110 110 108 108 105 105 104 103 103 101 101 99 99 94 93 91 87 86 86 84 84 84

Points

148 146 145 145 145 126 120 112 110 105 103 101 96 93 91 84 80

Points

155 134 114 114 108 106 99 90 89 86 80 78 76

Place

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

Place

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

Place

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

Place

1 2 2 2 2 3 3

• DISTRICT SIX JUNIORS •

Lodge

40 40 40 40 40 30 30 30 40 148 148 148 148 148 32 148 30 30 30

Name

Sky Garcia Kelly Taylor Kierra Taylor Trianna Manzano Adryanna Manzano Luc Marcaurele Andrew Kresta Grant Bubela Aiyana Gonzalez Brooke Bexley-Piwonka Blake Zielonka Myranda Zielonka Tristan Voldan Taylor Thurmond Natalie Rendon Jairon Aguilar Myles Svatek Bethany Baker Brittany Baker

• DISTRICT SEVEN JUNIORS •

Lodge

202 202 185 185 202 185 185 202 185 202 185 185 185 185 185 202 202 202

Name

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

Name

Zachary Shelfer Brittanie Gaas Colton Orsak Hayden Kovar Emily Lewis Robert Lewis Braxton Faust Allison Green Landon Eldridge Logan Jones Shelby-Lynn Rose Sierra Cash Kara Ihlenfeldt Tyler Sandner Carlee See Grant Dusek Grace Dusek Haily Dever Fidel Aparicio, Jr Morgan Sebesta Cody Dever Jesse Evans Jeremy Ree Hayden Becka Justin Tarver Kaylea Walker Willie Ihlenfeldt, Jr. Brandon Lovell Shelbie Ramon Bowyn Bauer Makenna Green Jordan Evans

• DISTRICT TWO TEENS •

Lodge

47 80 47 80 47 24 187

Name

Brandon Hoelscher Alexis Festa Brooke Hoelscher Nichole Festa Jerry Pechal Jonathan Maddux Andrew Smith

143 140 140 134 132 112 110 106 104 102 95 95 95 88 84 80 78 77 77

Points

Amanda Hoggard Kelly House Tyler Hilbig Jordan Woodall Samara Valdez Ethan Hilbig Noah Schmidt David Popham Sanders Abigail Schmidt Ciara Popham Sanders Emily Hancock Leah McDonald Elizabeth Hancock Zack Howard Ross Jaroszewski Katlyn Polasek Jiovanna Wells Isabella Wiederhold

• DISTRICT ONE TEENS •

Lodge

Points

142 141 117 116 114 113 107 105 103 103 99 99 97 97 95 88 83 77

Points

174 157 151 144 142 137 135 124 122 120 118 117 116 116 107 102 99 97 95 95 91 90 90 89 89 85 83 82 78 77 76 75

Points

160 154 152 150 148 131 131

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

48 24 24 48 47 187 18 18 47 187 187 18

Place

Lodge

Place

Lodge

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

4 4 5 5 5 5

Collin Vanecek Cole Campbell Sam Vanicek Alyssa Torres Christopher Zavodny Mirynda Ashley Smith J.B. Anderson Mikhaila Nelson Kandace Stone Brodi Volek Grant Duliban Brandon Bowen

• DISTRICT THREE TEENS •

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

• DISTRICT FOUR TEENS •

229 49 215 229 215 215

• DISTRICT FIVE TEENS •

Lodge

Place

Lodge

Place

Lodge

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

Name

Christine Brooks Ana Fuentes Kaycee Lehmann Chelsy Stevens Audree Williams Witt Carson Lehmann

Place

1 3 4 5 5

Name

Katelyn Daniel Regan Langer Bracy Craig Katie Weeks Talia Milan Elizabeth Cowan Gena Weeks Amelia Peterson Tori Motley Tommy Weeks Dustin Motley Devin Krajca Scott Cowan Klair Stoeppleman Amanda Jurik

88 162 162 88 88

Name

Allison Wockenfuss Avery Moyle Cole Collins Ryan Bronikowski Claire Casey

• DISTRICT SIX TEENS •

40 30 4 30 30 30 30 4 148 148 40 148 32 32 4

Name

Cynthia Garcia Dylan Treumer Sarah Siptak Ryan Drapela Vincent Lutringer Jessica Fucik Allison Fucik Mark Siptak Andrew Zielonka Jordan Voldan Daisy Enriquez Jessica Aguilar Nikolas Rendon Norma Rendon Jonathan Vahalik

• DISTRICT SEVEN TEENS •

202 202 202 185 185 185 185 185 202 202 185

Name

Samuel Hoggard Michelle House Angel Valdez, II Shelby Howard Hayley Hilbig Isaac Schmidt Clay Howard Hannah Hancock Michael Lane Hoggard Liliana Wiederhold Luke Jaroszewski

128 122 121 119 108 102 92 92 89 88 87 79

Points

128 119 118 116 114 112 112 110 110 107 104 95 95 80 79

Points

110 95 94 90 89 85

Points

158 134 102 90 81

Points

148 134 133 133 127 124 122 103 100 100 94 90 87 86 77

Points

150 143 127 118 108 107 95 95 89 82 79

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District One Youth Achievement Day

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Sunday, July 15, 2012 - Caldwell Civic Center

Constructed Items Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - J. Beaux Hruska (9) 2nd - Jada Parks (17) 3rd - Ciara Coker (186)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kyleigh Hruska (9) 2nd - Sydney Faust (9) 3rd - Alexia Perkkio (17)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Dillon Narro (17) 2nd - Shelby-Lynn Rose (186) 3rd - Braxton Faust (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Haily Dever (9) 2nd - Zella Zaskoda (17) 3rd - Emily Lewis (9)

Foods Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Macy Narro (17) 2nd - Ciara Coker (186) 3rd - Maylee Dowell (17)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Sydney Faust (9) 2nd - Grace Lewis (9) 3rd - Tabor Dowell (17) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Braxton Faust (9) 2nd - Dillon Narro (17) 3rd - Hayden Kovar (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Cody Dever (17) 2nd - Logan Jones (17) 3rd - Allison Green (9)

Handicraft Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Jada Parks (17) 2nd - Weston Beasley (17) 3rd - J. Beaux Hruska (9)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Mitchell Parks (17) 2nd - Grace Lewis (9) 3rd - Riley Green (9)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Hayden Kovar (9) 2nd - Kaylea Walker (9) 3rd - Shelby-Lynn Rose (186)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Tyler Sandner (17) 2nd - Emily Lewis (9) 3rd - Nikolas Faust (9)

Hobby Kits Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Caleb See (9) 2nd - Mackenzie Groce (9) 3rd - Joshua Green (9)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Riley Green (9) 2nd - Kyle Brinkman (186) 3rd - Mitchell Parks (17)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Shelby Lynn-Rose (186) 2nd - Dillon Narro (17) 3rd - Natalee See (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Nikolas Faust (9) 2nd - Zachary Shelfer (9)

Needlework Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Chandler Sebesta (17) 2nd - Kadie Hartman (17) 3rd - Tatiana Tates (9)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Colby See (9) 2nd - Kyleigh Hruska (9) 3rd - Sydney Faust (9)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Brandon Powell (17) 2nd - Carlee See (9) 3rd - Makayla Langdon (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Emily Lewis (9) 2nd - Haily Dever (9) 3rd - Cody Dever (9)

Photography Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Jada Parks (17) 2nd - Joshua Green (9) 3rd - Konnor Eldridge (9)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Madison Kellum (17) 2nd - Grace Lewis (9) 3rd - Kyleigh Hruska (9) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Dillon Narro (17) 2nd - Kaylea Walker (9) 3rd - Jeremy Ree (17)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Logan Jones (17) 2nd - Cody Dever (17) 3rd - Brittanie Gaas (17)

Pictorial Arts Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Chandler Sebesta (17) 2nd - Braden Perkkio (17) 3rd - Tatiana Tates (9)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Sydney Faust (9) 2nd - Cameron Suehs (9) 3rd - Alexia Perkkio (17) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Colton Orsak (9) 2nd - Malorie Vacha (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Zachary Shelfer (9) 2nd - Zella Zaskoda (17) 3rd - Nikolas Faust (9)

Science and Education Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Weston Beasley (17) 2nd - Joshua Green (9) 3rd - Maylee Dowell (17)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Cameron Suehs (17) 2nd - Grace Lewis (9) 3rd - Jessica Enrique (186) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Kaylea Walker (9) 2nd - Dillon Narro (17)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Tyler Sandner (17)

Sewing Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Joshua Green (9) 2nd - Weston Beasley (17) 3rd - Maylee Dowell (17)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Riley Green (9) 2nd - Jessica Enrique (186) 3rd - Alexia Perkkio (17) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Natalee See (9)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brittanie Gaas (17) 2nd - Zachary Shelfer (9) 3rd - Tyler Sandner (17) Poster 1st - Lodge 17, New Tabor 2nd - Lodge 9, Snook Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 17, New Tabor

Individual Talent Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Macy Narro (17) 2nd - Jada Parks (17) 3rd - J. Beaux Hruska (9)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Sydney Faust (9) 2nd - Riley Green (9) 3rd - Grace Lewis (9)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Dillon Narro (17)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brittanie Gaas (17) 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 Nikolas Faust (9) District One Duke Kade Junek (9) District One Queen Emily Lewis (9) District One Duchess Kyleigh Hruska (9)

First Runner-Up King Zachary Shelfer (9) First Runner-Up Duke J. Beaux Hruska (9) First Runner-Up Queen Carlee See (9) First Runner-Up Duchess Mackenzie Groce (9)

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2012 District One Youth Achievement Day First Place Winners

President’s Student Service Awards

2012 - 2013 District One Royalty

Congratulations to President’s Student Service Award recipients, left to right, Brittanie Gaas of Lodge 17, New Tabor and Colton Orsak and Zachary Shelfer, both of Lodge 9, Snook.

Top Teen and Top Junior

SENIOR GROUP TALENT

Lodge 17, New Tabor. Front, left to right, Brittanie Gaas, Tyler Sandner, Logan Jones, Jacqueline Smith, Macey McCuller, Sierra Cash. BACK: Mitchell Parks, Tabor Dowell, Brandon Powell, Kellie Ihlenfeldt, Dillon Narro, Zella Zaskoda, Tori Smith, Jeremy Ree.

INDIVIDUAL TALENT

SCRAPBOOK AND POSTER

Lodge 9, Snook. Front, left to right, Jaxson Brisco, Kyleigh Hruska, Kamree Walker, Sydney Faust. Row 2: Colby See, Grace Lewis, Kaylea Walker, Malorie Vacha. Back Row: Madelyn Rodriguez, Riley Green, Natalee See, Natalie Vacha, and Konnor Eldridge. Not pictured is Jaycie Brisco.

JUNIOR GROUP TALENT

Left to right, District One Duchess Kyleigh Hruska, Queen Emily Lewis, King Nikolas Faust, and Duke Kade Junek, all of Lodge 9, Snook.

District One Top Teen Zachary Shelfer of Lodge 9, Snook and Top Junior Macy Narro of Lodge 17, New Tabor.

Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club.

Left to right, Macy Narro (17), Sydney Faust (9), Dillon Narro (17), Brittanie Gaas (17).

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

HANDICRAFT

Left to right, Macy Narro (17), Sydney Faust (9), Braxton Faust (9), Cody Dever (9).

Left to right, Jada Parks (17), Mitchell Parks (17), Hayden Kovar (9), Tyler Sandner (17).

HOBBY KITS

NEEDLEWORK Left to right, Chandler Sebesta (17), Colby See (9), Brandon Powell (17), Emily Lewis (9).

Left to right, Jada Parks (17), Madison Kellum (17), Dillon Narro (17), Logan Jones (17).

Left to right, Chandler Sebesta (17), Sydney Faust (9), Colton Orsak (9), Zachary Shelfer (9).

SCIENCE AND EDUCATION

SEWING

PHOTOGRAPHY

PICTORIAL ARTS

Left to right, Caleb See (9), Riley Green (9), Shelby-Lynn Rose (186), Nikolas Faust (9).

Left to right, Weston Beasley (17), Cameron Suehs (17), Kaylea Walker (9), Tyler Sandner (17).

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Left to right, J. Beaux Hruska (9), Kyleigh Hruska (9), Dillon Narro (17), Haily Dever (9).

FOODS

2012 District One Youth Achievement Day First Place Craft Winners

CONSTRUCTED ITEMS

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Left to right, Joshua Green (9), Riley Green (9), Natalee See (9), Brittanie Gaas (17).

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

Lodge 17, New Tabor Junior Beseda

Front, left to right, Braxton Faust, Colby See, Colton Orsak, Caleb See. Back: Natalee See, Grace Lewis, Sydney Faust, Madelyn Rodriguez.

Front, left to right, Dillon Narro, Brandon Powell, Mitchell Parks, Jeremy Ree. Back: Kellie Ihlenfeldt, Macey McCuller, Jacqueline Smith, Madison Kellum.

Lodge 17, New Tabor Senior Beseda

Front, left to right, Robert Lewis, Landon Eldridge, Hayden Kovar, Zachary Shelfer. Back: Haily Dever, Emily Lewis, Carlee See, Deanna Hairrell.

Lodge 9, Snook Senior Beseda

Front, left to right, Jaxson Brisco, Konnor Eldridge, Joshua Green, William See. Back: Kyleigh Hruska, Jaycie Brisco, Riley Green, Kamree Walker.

Lodge 17, New Tabor Junior Beseda

Lodge 9, Snook Senior Beseda

2012 District One Beseda Dancers

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Lodge 9, Snook Junior Beseda

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Front, left to right, Tabor Dowell, Weston Beasley, Chandler Sebesta, Carson Parker. Back: Macy Narro, Jada Parks, Ashlyn Kellum, Kadie Hartman.

Front, left to right, Tyler Sandner, Logan Jones, Willie Ihlenfeldt, Trey Groce. Back: Brittanie Gaas, Zella Zaskoda, Tori Smith, Sierra Cash.

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District One Youth Achievement Day Scenes

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LEFT PHOTO: Youth leaders, pictured, left to right are Assistant District Youth Counselor (ADYC) Sharon Russell of Lodge 13, Dime Box; Youth Leader (YL) Marie Shelfer and (AYL) Sharon Kovar, both of Lodge 9, Snook; YL Mabrey Dowell and AYL/ADYC Holly Narro, both of Lodge 17, New Tabor; AYL Carol Coker and YL Yolanda Brinkman, both of Lodge

186, Caldwell; ADYC Ann Schoeneman of Lodge 9, Snook; and DYC Susan Skrabanek of Lodge 17, New Tabor. RIGHT PHOTO: District One Duchess Kyleigh Hruska with parents Justin and Rebecca; Queen Emily Lewis with parents Justin and Loree; King Nikolas Faust with father James; and Duke Kade Junek with parents Kevin and Ericka.

LEFT PHOTO: Entry registration. PHOTO 2: Past District One King Lucas Schoppe with his mother Theresa, both of Lodge 17, New Tabor, help out during the day. PHOTO 3: Beseda dancing! Six circles of

beseda dancers participated. RIGHT PHOTO: Thanks, tabulation committee. Left to right are Larry Brinkman (186), Betty Suehs (17), Bill Orsak (9), and District One Director Donnie Victorick.

LEFT PHOTO: 2011 State King/District One King Robert Lewis (9) robes 2012 District One King Nikolas Faust (9). PHOTO 2: 2011 District One Royalty are, left to right, Duke Jaxson Brisco, King Robert

Lewis, Queen Emily Lewis, and Duchess Kyleigh Hruska, all of Lodge 9, Snook. RIGHT PHOTO: DYC Susan Skrabanek interviews duke contestant Kade Junek (9).

LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are first runners-up Mackenzie Groce and Carlee See; Duchess Kyleigh Hruska; Queen Emily Lewis; King Nikolas Faust; Duke Kade Junek; and first runners-up Zachary Shelfer and J. Beaux Hruska. They are all from Lodge 9, Snook. RIGHT PHOTO: District One Royalty participants, front, left to right, Mackenzie Groce (9),

Kamree Walker (9), Kyleigh Hruska (9), Jada Parks (17), J. Beaux Hruska (9), Kade Junek (9), John William See IV (9), Chandler Sebesta (17), and Konnor Eldridge (9). Back: Carlee See (9), Allison Green (9), Emily Lewis (9), Brittanie Gaas (17), Zachary Shelfer (9), Nikolas Faust (9), Braxton Faust (9), Logan Jones (17), and Hayden Kovar (9).

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District One Camp

July 19 to 22, 2012 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas

One attended summer camp from July 19 to 22, 2012, at SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm. There were 88 total in attendance this year. We arrived at Cooper Farm on Thursday, July 19.

After lunch and settling into cabins, the younger campers went swimming, made home-made ice cream in coffee cans, and enjoyed archery and rifles.

The older campers spent the afternoon at Fayette Lake tubing and boat riding.

Thursday evening after supper, we had “nerd night.” There were so many great costumes. Karaoke was a big hit, too. Everyone had a great time and danced the night away! District One always has a good time dancing.

Friday, July 20 was filled with activities. In the morning, the younger campers enjoyed the ropes course.

Wow . . . the elements are fantastic!

The zip line and swing were a big hit.

What a great accomplishment it is

District

when young people get over their fears and participate in the ropes course.

The older campers enjoyed archery, rifles, pond activities, swimming, and the blob! After supper, the famous District One shaving cream fight was held. All enjoyed getting “creamed.”

This is such a fun activity that many look forward to each year. On Friday evening, we had a special treat. An astronomy group came out and did a star and planet presentation. The campers were fascinated. They brought huge, powerful telescopes and showed all the campers planets and stars. The coolest was Saturn as many had to take a second look. Thanks to the group of enthusiastic astronomers for the wonderful presentation.

Saturday, July 21 was jam-packed with activities. This year’s camp craft was tie-dyeing tee-shirts. Every teeshirt turned out great! Thanks, Mrs. Susan, for your knowledge and expert-

ise in this “chemistry” project. All the campers and chaperones have a great souvenir and memory from SPJST Camp 2012. It was so nice to see many wearing their tee-shirts during camp and at activities after camp. The younger campers enjoyed Fayette Lake all morning while the older campers enjoyed the ropes course. Saturday after supper, we had initiation. Firsttime camper and chaperone initiation was very interesting and exciting this year. They had to find a piece of bubble gum out of a heap of flour (if there was one!) only using their faces—no hands.

To say the least, things got a bit messy.

Everyone was a good sport. Welcome, new campers and chaperones! After initiation, we placed LRC for gift cards. The younger campers went on a night swim while the older campers played Amazing Race. Thanks, SYD Frank, LITs, and chaperones for your help with this.

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

Thank you, Mrs. Susan Skrabanek, for all of your hard work and dedication to District One. Thank you, Mrs. Ann Schoeneman and Mrs. Sharon Russell, for everything you did. Thank you, Donnie and Janice Victorick, for the cookies and sodas you provided for all the campers and chaperones to enjoy.

We look forward to the refreshments every year. Thank you, Sue Ellen Lednicky, for helping with duties as camp nurse. Thank you to the chaperones for the great care you showed our campers and for all the help with activities. Chaperones and leaders, we could not have done it without you. Thanks for all you did to make camp a success this year.

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

Lodge 1, Fayetteville Campers/Chaperones

Lodge 9, Snook Campers/Chaperones

Lodge 17, New Tabor Campers/Chaperones

Lodge 186, Caldwell Campers/Chaperones

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District One Camp Scenes

SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm July 19 to 22 2012

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District One Youth Halloween Social - October 22, 2012 in Dime Box

District One Youth Christmas Social - Horseshoe Junction - December 2, 2011

District One Youth Schlitterbahn Trip - August 1, 2012

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Two Youth Achievement Day

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Saturday, July 14, 2012 - Lodge 80, Holland

very exciting day was held for District Two youth on Saturday, July 14, 2012. Thank you to all the youth members who participated in District Two Youth Achievement Day at Lodge 80, Holland. Members, family, and guests, you were a tremendous audience. Your attendance showed love and support for our youth. Thank you to Lodge 80 for your kind hospitality and hard work. We appreciate the many ways you made this day run smoothly and enjoyable for all of us. The lodge’s famous hamburgers were delicious.

We were shy by only a few entries to make our 300 goal this year. But, believe me, the crafts, scrapbooks, posters, individual and group talents, beseda groups, and the royalty court were all fantastic. Many countless hours of preparations are put in by these youth for each category. I must say our youth are very dedicated as are their leaders and parents. I thank each of you for your time and dedicated involvement in the SPJST Youth Program. We are very proud and honored to have each of you in District Two. District Two Flag Bearers Brady Alexander of Lodge 47, Seaton and Shelby Horak of Lodge 80, Holland presented the flags and led the Pledge of Allegiance and SPJST Youth Motto.

We were honored to have Miss Amya Rodriguez of Lodge 24, Cyclone, the 2011 first place talent winner, singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

We thank you, Amya, for sharing your beautiful voice. Introductions included State Youth Director Frank Horak and wife Connie, newly elected District Two Director Jesse Pospisil and wife Linda, Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny and husband David Nauert, State FAC Chester Jenke and wife Colleen, and State Field Representative Hiram Dixon. Lodge 80 President Rita Spinn gave a warm welcome to all attending.

I was more than honored to introduce our 2011-2012 District Two/State Queen Alyssa Torres as our emcee for the afternoon. Joining Alyssa was District/State Duchess Emily Filla. These two young ladies along with District Two/First Runner-up State King Jerry Pechal and Duke Michael Hoelscher have been a fantastic representation of our district and the entire state. Thanks to each of you. Alyssa, it was very comforting for you to take the spotlight and be in charge of such an important

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District Two Royalty participants. Front, left to right, Maya Denham (47), Meghan Malcik (24), Dannikka Bartek (47), Brooke Newsom (48), Kyndall Carroll (47), Emma Hoelscher (24), District Two Duchess Emma Regan (47), District Two Duke Michael Hoelscher (24), Trevor Wuensche (48), Nash Campbell (24), Kasen Carroll (47), and Koby Stone (47). BACK: Kandace Stone (47), Madison Malcik (24), Alexis Taylor (48), Kacie Vanecek (48), Nichole Festa (80), Alexis Festa (80), District Two Queen Julia Zavodny, District Two King Jerry Pechal (47), Collin Vanecek (48), Cole Campbell (24), Chris Zavodny (47), and Brady Alexander (47).

part of our YAD program. Thank you for such a job well done.

Seven beautiful young ladies— Madison Malcik of Lodge 24; Kandace Stone and Julia Zavodny, both of Lodge 47; Kacie Vanecek and Alexis Taylor, both of Lodge 48; and Nichole Festa and Alexis Festa, both of Lodge 80 and five handsome young men— Cole Campbell of Lodge 24; Jerry Pechal, Chris Zavodny, and Brady Alexander, all of Lodge 47; and Collin Vanecek of Lodge 48 took to the beautifully decorated stage to share with the audience and judges what “SPJST: Paying Tribute To Our Past” means to them. Cheering these contestants on, along with the audience, were their choices of duchesses and dukes— Meghan Malcik (24), Maya Denman (47), Emma Regan (47), Brooke New-

som (48), Dannikka Bartek (47), Emma Hoelscher (24), Kyndall Carroll (47), Nash Campbell (24), Michael Hoelscher (24), Kasen Carroll (47), Koby Stone (47), and Trevor Wuensche (48).

Prior to his/her speech, each contestant drew a question to answer which was judged. Each contestant’s response was so well answered and each one presented themselves and their speeches so well. King contestants were ushered in by their moms along with queen contestants by their dads or the contestant’s choice. I am so proud of each contestant. Each have a friendship with one another that will last a lifetime. It was very touching to see each one wishing the other the best of luck knowing it was coming from the heart.

2011 State/District Two Queen Alyssa Torres, second from right, and State Duchess Emily Filla, right, both of Lodge 48, Beyersville congratulate, from left, 2012 District Two Duchess Emma Regan, Queen Julia Zavodny, and King Jerry Pechal, all of Lodge 47, Seaton, and Duke Michael Hoelscher of Lodge 24, Cyclone.

The highlight of the afternoon came with the results of the announcement of the 2012-2013 District Two Royalty.

Congratulations to 2012-2013 District Two King Jerry Pechal, Queen Julia Zavodny, and Duchess Emma Regan, all of Seaton, and Duke Michael Hoelscher of Cyclone. Runners-up are Queen Alexis Festa of Holland, Duchess Emma Hoelscher of Cyclone, and King Collin Vanecek and Duke Trevor Wuensche, both of Beyersville.

Crafts, individual talents, group talents, beseda circles, royalty, scrapbooks, and posters were all awesome.

What talent you all have! All participants – whether you took home a ribbon or not, remember, in the book of District Two—you are all winners! I am so proud of each of you! You have made so many proud of you, your parents, family, leaders, and friends. You deserve to give yourself a pat on your back and a big hug.

Thank you to the many of you who bid on the kolaches. The proceeds of $464 was donated to the SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm.

A big thank you to everyone who made this day possible. You are an awesome group of people.

Lynette, Donna, and I thank you for letting your youth be a part of our lives.

We are blessed!

Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor —SPJST—

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Two Youth Achievement Day

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Saturday, July 14, 2012 - Lodge 80, Holland

Constructed Items Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Trent Wuensche (48) 2nd - Seth Martinez (47) 3rd - Emma Regan (47)

Hobby Kits Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Emma Hoelscher (24) 2nd - Koby Stone (47) 3rd - James Teague (20)

Pictorial Arts Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Emma Regan (47) 2nd - Brooke Newsom (48) 3rd - Emma Hoelscher (24)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Madison Malcik (24) 2nd - Brady Alexander (47) 3rd - Justin Kraatz (47)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Madison Malcik (24) 2nd - Jacob Horak (80) 3rd - Jonathan Maddux (24)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Ramsey Washam (20) 2nd - Macey Malcik (24) 3rd - Justin Kraatz (47)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Angelina Ringwald (47) 2nd - Ryan Festa (80) 3rd - Zoe Talasek (47)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brandon Hoelscher (47) 2nd - Alexis Festa (80)

Foods Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Koby Stone (47) 2nd - Seth Martinez (47) 3rd - Lawrence Stock (24) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kayla Wuensche (48) 2nd - Chase Alexander (47) 3rd - Meghan Malcik (24)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Macey Malcik (24) 2nd - Julia Zavodny (47) 3rd - Jonathan Maddux (24)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Chris Zavodny (47) 2nd - Alexis Festa (80) 3rd - Kandace Stone (47)

Handicraft Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - James Teague (20) 2nd - Emma Hoelscher (24) 3rd - Brooke Newsom (48) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Zoe Talasek (47) 2nd - Ty Stock (24) 3rd - Ryan Festa (80)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Shelby Horak (80) 2nd - Madison Malcik (24) 3rd - Alexis Taylor (48)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brandon Hoelscher (47) 2nd - Nichole Festa (80) 3rd - Elizabeth Tischler (20)

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Cade Campbell (24) 2nd - Chase Alexander (47) 3rd - Nash Campbell (24)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brandon Hoelscher (47) 2nd - Elizabeth Tischler (20)

Needlework Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Trent Wuensche (48) 2nd - Trevor Wuensche (48) 3rd - Emma Regan (47) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Meghan Malcik (24) 2nd - Ryan Davidson (87) 3rd - Angelina Ringwald (47) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Macey Malcik (24) 2nd - Shelby Horak (80) 3rd - Abigail Bruggman (24)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Jerry Pechal (47)

Photography Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Lawrence Stock (24) 2nd - Brooke Newsom (48) 3rd - Audreyaunna Cetta (87) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Shelby Bruggman (24) 2nd - Zoe Talasek (47) 3rd - Ryan Davidson (87) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Brienna Correll (80) 2nd - Jacob Horak (80) 3rd - Ramsey Washam (20)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brandon Hoelscher (47) 2nd - Collin Vanecek (48) 3rd - Chris Zavodny (47)

Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 24, Cyclone 2nd - Lodge 47, Seaton 3rd - Lodge 87, Temple

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Michael Hoelscher (24) 2nd - Emily Filla (48) 3rd - Shelby Bruggman (24)

Individual Talent Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Emma Hoelscher (24) 2nd - James Teague (20) 3rd - Trevor Wuensche (48)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Kandace Stone (47) 2nd - Collin Vanecek (48) 3rd - Nichole Festa (80)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Ramsey Washam (20) 2nd - Justin Kraatz (47) 3rd - Shelby Horak (24)

Science and Education Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - James Teague (20) 2nd - Emma Regan (47) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Ryan Davidson (87) 2nd - Michael Hoelscher (24) 3rd - William Cetta (87) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Kacie Vanecek (48)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Collin Vanecek (48)

Sewing Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Trent Wuensche (48) 2nd - James Teague (20) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Angelina Ringwald (47) 2nd - Zoe Talasek (47) 3rd - Kayla Wuensche (48) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Brady Alexander (47) 2nd - Shelby Horak (80) 3rd - Kacie Vanecek (48)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Elizabeth Tischler (20) 2nd -Brandon Hoelscher (47) 3rd - Collin Vanecek (48) Poster 1st - Lodge 24, Cyclone 2nd - Lodge 87, Temple 3rd - Lodge 47, Seaton

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kayla Wuensche (48) 2nd - Ryan Davidson (87) 3rd - Nash Campbell (24)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Elizabeth Tischler (20) 2nd - Brandon Hoelscher (47) Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 47, Seaton 2nd - Lodge 48, Beyersville Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 20, Granger 2nd - Lodge 24, Cyclone 3rd - Lodge 47, Seaton Royalty District Two King Jerry Pechal (47) District Two Duke Michael Hoelscher (24) District Two Queen Julia Zavodny (47) District Two Duchess Emma Regan (47)

First Runner-Up King Collin Vanecek (48) First Runner-Up Duke Trevor Wuensche (48) First Runner-Up Queen Alexis Festa (80) First Runner-Up Duchess Emma Hoelscher (24)

Second Runner-Up King Brady Alexander (47) Second Runner-Up Duke Koby Stone (47) Second Runner-Up Queen Nichole Festa (80) Second Runner-Up Duchess Kyndall Carroll (47)

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2012 District Two Youth Achievement Day First Place Winners

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2012 - 2013 District Two Royalty

Youth Achievement Awards

Left to right, District Two Duchess Emma Regan, Queen Julia Zavodny, and King Jerry Pechal, all of Lodge 47, Seaton, and Duke Michael Hoelscher of Lodge 24, Cyclone.

Congratulations to Youth Achievement Awards recipients, from left, Brooke Hoelscher with Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Leader Lynette Talasek and Alyssa Torres with Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Leader Donna Vanecek. Not pictured are Brandon Bowen and Mikhaila Nelson, both of Lodge 18, Elgin; Rachel Hattemer and Samuel Vanicek, both of Lodge 24, Cyclone; and Matthew Hoelscher of Lodge 47, Seaton.

Top Teen and Top Junior

District Two Top Teen Brandon Hoelscher (47) and Top Junior Justin Kraatz (47).

Individual Talent

Left to right, Emma Hoelscher (24), Kayla Wuensche (48), Ramsey Washam (20), Elizabeth Tischler (20).

Junior Group Talent

Senior Group Talent

Lodge 47, Seaton. Dannikka Bartek, left, and Emma Regan.

Lodge 20, Granger. Left to right, Ramsey Washam and Elizabeth Tischler.

Poster

Scrapbook

Lodge 24, Cyclone Youth Club.

Lodge 24, Cyclone Youth Club.

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HANDICRAFT

Left to right, Trent Wuensche (48), Angelina Ringwald (47), Madison Malcik (24), Brandon Hoelscher (47).

Left to right, Koby Stone (47), Kayla Wuensche (48), Macey Malcik (24), Chris Zavodny (47).

Left to right, James Teague (20), Zoe Talasek (47), Shelby Horak (80), Brandon Hoelscher (47).

HOBBY KITS

NEEDLEWORK

FOODS

2012 District Two Youth Achievement Day First Place Craft Winners

CONSTRUCTED ITEMS

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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Left to right, Trent Wuensche (48), Meghan Malcik (24), Macey Malcik (24), Jerry Pechal (47).

Left to right, Lawrence Stock (24), Shelby Bruggman (24), Brienna Correll (80), Brandon Hoelscher (47).

Left to right, Emma Regan (47), Michael Hoelscher (24), Ramsey Washam (20), Kandace Stone (47).

SCIENCE AND EDUCATION

SEWING

PHOTOGRAPHY

PICTORIAL ARTS

Left to right, Emma Hoelscher (24), Cade Campbell (24), Madison Malcik (24), Brandon Hoelscher (47).

Left to right, James Teague (20), Ryan Davidson (87), Kacie Vanecek (48), Collin Vanecek (48).

Left to right, Trent Wuensche (48), Angelina Ringwald (47), Brady Alexander (47), Elizabeth Tischler (20).

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Two Youth Achievement Day Scenes

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LEFT PHOTO: District Two Flag Bearers Brady Alexander (47) and Shelby Horak (80) bring in the flags. CENTER PHOTO: Amya Rodriguez (24) sings the National Anthem as 2011 SPJST State Queen Alyssa Torres (48), State Duchess Emily Filla (48), and District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky (47) salute the flag. RIGHT PHOTO: 2011 SPJST District Two/State Duchess Emily Filla and State Queen Alyssa Torres.

BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are Ruth Hanush (47), DYC Patsy Koslovsky (47), newly elected District Two Director Jesse Pospisil (29),

and wife Linda (29). BELOW CENTER PHOTO: Pictured are, left to right, second runners-up Nichole Festa (80) and duchess Kyndall Carroll (47); first runners-up queen Alexis Festa (80) and duchess Emma Hoelscher (24); District Two Duchess Emma Regan (47); Queen Julia Zavodny (47); Duchess; King Jerry Pechal (47); Duke Michael Hoelscher (24); first runners-up king Collin Vanecek (48) and duke Trevor Wuensche (48); and second runners-up king Brady Alexander (47) and duke Koby Stone (47).

BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: State Queen Alyssa, right, crowns Queen Julia.

LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are Assistant DYC Lynette Talasek (47), State Youth Director Frank Horak (80), DYC Patsy Koslovsky (47), and Assistant DYC Donna Vanecek (48). CENTER PHOTO: Congratulating Queen Julia are, left to right, grandmother Vallie Zavodny, mother Becky Zavodny, aunt Elaine Hoelscher, grandparents Royella and Maxie Roessler, and friend Emily St. Amour. RIGHT PHOTO: Serving delicious food throughout the day at Lodge 80 were, left to right, Paula Weir, Carol Wolf,

Jewell Wolf, Connie Horak, and Curtis Wolf. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Expressing appreciation to DYC Patsy are beseda dancers Nichole Festa, Jerry Pechal, and Kandace Stone. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: Royal families! Duchess Emma with grandmother Patsy Koslovsky; Queen Julia with parents Elden and Becky Zavodny; King Jerry with parents Tammy and David Pechal; and Duke Michael with mother Lisa Hoelscher. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 80 President Rita Spinn, left, and DYC Patsy.

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Two Beseda Dancers

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District Two Youth Enjoy Fun-Filled 2011 - 2012 Year District Two youth members had a

wonderful and exciting time since the last Youth Spectacular was published in 2011. It has been a year of many funfilled activities, new friendships, and lasting memories. We thank SPJST for giving us these opportunities. I thank leaders for their countless hours in preparation and planning. Parents, thank you for your support and getting the youth to meetings, practices, and activities. We hope everyone has had as much fun as we had this past year.

Front, left to right, Hunter Bartek (47), Justin Kraatz (47), Ryan Festa (80), Collin Vanecek (48). BACK: Kacie Vanecek (48), Zoe Talasek (47), Shelby Horak (80), Emily St. Amour (47).

Front, left to right, Koby Stone (47), Chase Alexander (47), Michael Hoelscher (24), Garrett Festa (80). BACK: Emma Regan (47), Emma Hoelscher (24), Angelina Ringwald (47), Kayla Wuensche (48).

Front, left to right, Jerry Pechal (47), Jacob Horak (80), Brandon Hoelscher (47), Brady Alexander (47). BACK: Nichole Festa (80), Elizabeth Tischler (20), Kandace Stone (47), Alexis Festa (80).

August 2011 State Youth Achievement Day was a very exciting day for the many District Two youth who earned the honor to participate with the six other districts across the state. It seemed like only a short time ago that my dream had become reality. Another blessed year for District Two Royalty—State Queen Alyssa Torres and State Duchess Emily Filla, both of Lodge 48, Beyersville brought top honors to District Two. How very proud we will be of you, not only representing District Two, but the entire state.

September 2011 SPJST District Two/State Queen Alyssa Torres and Duchess Emily Filla made their first public appearance representing SPJST at Westfest in West, Texas. They rode in the parade and visited with many people throughout the day. It was a wonderful experience that will never be forgotten.

The following weekend two buses left Temple and headed for Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington. Youth members and friends enjoyed a full day of riding rides.

The annual District Two Fall Meeting held at Lodge 24, Cyclone was very well-attended by our youth. Members were very generous in supporting our annual youth silent auction. Games of all sorts and fun prizes were enjoyed by all. There was great participation in the Christmas ornament contest in which many youth and several adults participated.

October and November 2011 A slow time for our youth program.

It was a time to sit back, relax, and reminisce about the wonderful summer we had. I know I sat back, got caught up on things, but I really did miss seeing everyone.

December 2011 Many youth clubs presented Christmas programs at their home lodges.

The Beseda dancers rode on the beautiful SPJST Float in the Temple Christmas Parade. State Queen Alyssa Torres, State Duchess Emily Filla, State King Robert Lewis, and State Duke Jaxson Brisco rode in Corvettes furnished by David and Melanie Zavodny Nauert. District Two King Jerry Pechal and Runner-up Queen Kandace Stone and District Two Duke Michael Hoelscher and Runner-up Duchess Katelyn Erskine were also very proud to ride in Corvettes. The weather was rather cool, but of course, our faithful royalty loved being in full view atop the Corvettes. When asked to the Royalty Court of their most exciting part of their reign: “Riding in the Corvettes,” is always the answer. Melanie and David, your generosity of sharing the Corvettes gives our royalty an added spotlight during their reign. Riding on the floats in the parade is such an honor for our youth. They love the fun themes, the beauty, and almost always winning first place. What a way to represent SPJST! The time put into each float is remarkable. Thank you again, Melanie and David! Following the Temple Christmas Parade, members joined many others at the Home Office for fun and food. Activities included face painting, decorating Gingerbread boy and girl cookies, having your choice of a balloon made for you in any shape, and, of course, a horsedrawn carriage stroll through downtown Temple.

January 2012 Another rather slow month for the youth and leaders. What a way to start off a new year—giving the parents a break to get over the holidays—or so it seemed. What a way to begin 2012!

January ended with the state awards banquet. Several District Two youth clubs received awards for new members and participation awards. Way to go, District Two youth. How proud we are of you!

February 2012 Everyone enjoyed seeing new and old friends at the annual District Two Skating Party in Temple. What a treat to skate in the newly-remodeled and newly-named Wheel’s Family Fun Center. This 40-plus year activity

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seems to get bigger and better each year. Keeping with our District Two motto: “Every youth in District Two is a winner,” we make it happen here, too.

Each youth received a dollar bill as they left the party. Rather than door prizes this year, all in attendance joined one another at CiCi’s Pizza and were treated to drinks and pizza furnished by District Two. Once again, State Youth Director Frank Horak put together a fantastic State Youth Development Workshop which was held at the Home Office in Temple. We had a great meeting and learned some really neat games.

March 2012 Beseda dancers had a big treat on Friday, March 2. Three groups performed at the State Capitol in Austin in honor of Texas Independence Day. For some, it was the first time to visit the Capitol. And, of course, missing a day from school was definitely a highlight!

For the outstanding performance, dancers were treated to pizza and games at Gattiland in Round Rock.

The annual District Two Spring Meeting was held at Lodge 48, Beyersville. Youth participated in the Czech Easter Egg (Kraslice) decorating contest. Once again, youth and adults showed their talent in creating a decorative Easter egg. What beautiful and neat creations! The Easter Bunny found his way to Beyersville and put smiles on many faces. Two very special ladies who were not with us, due to conflicts, were thanked for the many years, talent, and love they put into the youth program. The big thank you goes to Janet Lyon and Carol Tallas. Both ladies were fantastic Assistant DYCs and will be missed immensely. Lynette Talasek and Donna Vanecek were elected as the new Assistant DYCs. District Two Flag Bearers will be Shelby Horak of Lodge 80, Holland and Brady Alexander of Lodge 47, Seaton. Thank you, District Two, for re-electing me as DYC. I love being with each of you.

Youth leaders from across the state met with ideas and suggestions to help our youth program grow and prosper.

We had a great time and a lot of ideas were shared.

Beseda dancers were given the opportunity to vote on attending and participating at the State Fair in Dallas on October 7. Of course, it was a 100 percent “let’s do it!” So our work was cut out for us to make it an overnight trip.

Fundraisers began, and we will make it happen. Stay tuned.

April 2012 District Two leaders and assistants met for our annual training and informational meeting. Ideas, suggestions, and dates were set for District Two activities. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful group of leaders to work with. Members wanting to join in on the fun of dancing the beseda met for training. We were excited to have several new members. Special thanks to “my special” teenagers who are always willing to help new dancers get started and also lead practices.

Beseda dancers performed at Bloomin’ Temple Festival in downtown Temple. SPJST sponsors the car show, and it was great. We all enjoyed walking around and looking at the “cool” cars. There were also several youth members who participated in the kolache eating contest. I tried it once and just can’t figure out how anyone can eat two to three kolaches that quickly. Congratulations to all the winners and also to those who tried. You were great!

May 2012 Most youth clubs in District Two participated in Join Hands Day by helping others. Some gave to food pantries, cleaned cemeteries, had bake sales with proceeds going to the needy, worked at a community barbecue fundraiser, or helped at the local animal shelters. Thank you for showing your true fraternalism.

Lodge 20, Granger had a membership drive in conjunction with Granger Lake Fest. District Two King Jerry Pechal and District Two/State Queen Alyssa Torres rode in the parade.

The final two months of our 20112012 youth year were close to an end.

However, we all knew they would be the busiest months and most exciting months of the year.

June 2012 Our three circles of popular District Two Beseda Dancers performed at Lodge 47, Seaton’s annual picnic.

With the temperature close to 100 degrees, 24 dancers showed pride in their Czech heritage. I am so proud of all of you! The LIT Workshop held at SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm was awesome. We had 21 attending from our district. I am so proud of these teenagers’ involvement and enthusiasm throughout the entire weekend. Plans by the LITs were in the works for camp. Many leaders left the LIT Workshop and headed for Killeen to attend the 31st SPJST Convention. We were honored to have our

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

own youth member, Miss Amya Rodriguez of Lodge 24, Cyclone, open the ceremony with her singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Also, District Two/State Queen Alyssa Torres and Duchess Emily Filla participated at the Wednesday evening banquet. Thank you, beautiful ladies. It was great to see so many delegates who support the SPJST Youth Program. Thank you!

Approximately 75 youth, friends, and parents enjoyed an evening of swimming at Walker Pool in Temple for our annual District Two Swim Party. It was that time of the year when we get together not only for a fun social, but also to turn in YAD cards.

Wow! I knew after that night, we would be busy, busy getting ready for District Two Youth Achievement Day—only 20 days later.

The beseda dancers were once again invited to perform entertainment for Temple’s annual Pioneer Day held at the Frank W. Mayborn Convention Center. Not only did they show their Czech pride in dancing, but also singing a couple of their favorite Czech songs. It was great to see how well-received these youth were.

July 2012 A very, very exciting month. See more in the camp and YAD section of the Youth Spectacular.

August 2012 Knowing this would be the end of the reign for State Queen Alyssa and State Duchess Emily, we thank you for representing the SPJST organization with dignity. Alyssa, please stay involved within SPJST. We need young people such as you to become involved in our adult lodges and to stay involved with our youth. You are such a wonderful role model. Emily, the last year has been a hard road for you with your hospital stays and illness. You have had such a wonderful attitude and been such an inspiration to all of us. We look

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forward to your involvement. Keep that sweet smile, and I will look forward to the day you are crowned SPJST Queen.

The 2012 State YAD finale, of course, was the crowning of the 20122013 State Royalty. I commend each of you from across the state representing your district. You all were outstanding. Congratulations to District Two Queen and State Second Runnerup Julia Zavodny and Duchess Emma Regan, both of Lodge 47, Seaton. We are so proud of both of you. We wish you the best in 2013. Next, came the moment of announcing the State King.

District Two King Jerry Pechal was crowned 2012-2013 SPJST State King with Michael Hoelscher as State Duke.

Jerry, it is such a well-deserved honor for you, someone who is so involved and dedicated to the entire SPJST program. Way to go! Congratulations to participants in all categories of State YAD including talent and crafts. We are so proud of you for your accomplishments.

To close out the 2012 summer, District Two youth and adults looked forward to the Corpus Christi Getaway Weekend. What an awesome time we all had! Youth clubs participated in the “Wild West” theme sand sculpture contest. There were some really neat ideas.

District Two youth clubs participating were Lodges 24, Cyclone; 47, Seaton; and 29, Taylor. The limbo, hula hoop contest, minute-to-win-it games, kolache eating contest, tote sack races, and a Czech spelling bee were some of the contests held on Friday and Saturday. There were also tournaments, including dominoes, horseshoes, and my favorite—Bunco. It was so neat to see many youth join in the fun with the adults. There was even a craft table set up. SPJST, you put on a wonderful weekend for all ages. Thank you, thank you!

As you can see, District Two never slows down for long. The above is what we do as a district with even more activities held within the local lodges. We are proud of our youth and want them to stay involved. Again, thank you to each member of District Two for your love and dedication to our youth program. I am very proud to say I am a part of the youth program, and I thank you for giving me the privilege. 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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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

Districts Two and Four Camp

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July 26 to 29, 2012 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas

S unday, July 22, District Two Camp

Chaperones met to check “Survivor/Challenge” techniques for our 2012 camping season which would begin on Thursday, July 26. We were ready and knew we would “survive” the 58 campers, 18 Leaders-in-Training, 16 chaperones, two nurses, four staff, and our wonderful adopted family, District Four.

What a camp—everything you could ever imagine! We began our “Survivor Journey” (by now, you have figured out that our camp theme was “Survivor/Challenge,” right?) with the pool challenge of making it across the pool. Swim across the pool and receive a band. Lunch was enjoyed by all. Next, was the challenge of finding each camper’s chaperone, cabin to sleep in, and group number. We survived, and we were off to the afternoon of scheduled activities.

The younger groups enjoyed the lake, but only after a challenge to see who would end up with the most shaving cream on them and in their hair.

Congratulations to State Youth Director Frank Horak, the winner of Challenge No. 1. I think that is who it was. I really could not tell. The older groups took on swimming and the challenge of the low ropes course. Following another great meal, campers were divided into “survivor groups” to make a group flag and decide on a name for their “survivor group.” The flag making was awesome with everyone participating.

Each group came up with a name such as Ma-na-ma-nah, Deluagos, Group X, Fishing Champ, Sawing Saws, Su-nami, Screaming Whistling, and the Furious Nine. I need to send these group names to NBC and wait to see who will be called for the next show. The next activity was a trailer-filled with hay and one heck of a load of campers ready for a nice long hayride. Everyone passed the challenge of staying on the trailer.

Before ending our first night, we had a great night of karaoke, dancing, and, of course, our most famous grand march.

Every camper was required to be a part of the grand march. Several new campers never dreamed they would be a part of this activity. What a march!

LIT/District Two King Jerry and LIT Kandace led, and it went on for what seemed like miles and miles. Our first day of camp was great, and many new friendships were well on their way.

Friday—Getting to the flag ceremony on time after the long and tiring

first day of camp was a completed challenge for all. Assortments of many different and unique beads were passed out to campers and chaperones. Each group of beads had a different meaning, and some were hidden while others were misplaced by our leaders. If you found a bead on the ground then you were extra lucky. Beads were awarded for being helpful, respectful, clean, encouraging others, bravery, having a good attitude, being on time, listening, and just having fun. The senior groups then took on the high ropes course while the junior groups participated at the low ropes.

The staff was excellent with games prior to the low ropes course. Campers really got into it. The low ropes course was so challenging for each group. Many learned that teamwork is essential to complete challenges. It was great to see each group working together to complete the tasks. The high ropes course was a dare to challenge for many. I was so proud to see so many trying the challenges and those who completed even one. It was great. The zip line is such an awesome “dropping from the sky.”

All campers and even some adults had a great time.

Prior to lunch, survivor groups had a challenge of being “real survivors.”

Each group was given a tarp, rope, scissors (rather than a knife), and tape to build a shelter. Everyone set out to find a spot to build a shelter that would hold at least three people, withstand rain and wind, and have a water source and fire.

The shelter had to stand for 24 hours.

Each group had to explain to Camp Director John how and why they felt their shelter was the best. It was a good thing it had to hold in case of rain. A shower crossed over Cooper Farm, and several shelters were still left standing. Every team had extremely individual ideas, and several would have started a forest fire had there been the need to actually start one. What imagination! Team Delfuago won the challenge and even enjoyed their shelter the last day. Districts Two and Four can survive! The senior group loaded up in the big ole Cooper Farm bus waiting for the journey to the lake. What a fun afternoon of boat riding and hitting the waves while riding on the tube!

The pool, horseshoes, rifle range, archery, canoeing, and paddleboats were a familiar activity for many. One of the biggest hits and most enjoyable this year was the blob. I know Chaperone Terry has to still be exhausted for

the endless “blobbing” of everyone. I really wanted to try it, but the line seemed to be too long when I got my nerve up. (lol) With the many new campers this year, we decided to have initiation for new chaperones only. I do not believe any camper was disappointed when they saw the challenge their leaders were facing. Any new chaperones had a chocolate or strawberry marshmallow to eat since camp?

Thanks for being such good sports.

Your campers loved your dirty faces.

And, of course, we could not leave out the wonderful Cooper Farm staff.

They were the best ever. Of course, we loved having our former District Two camper/LIT Neil Rabroker on staff.

Eyes from the young and old lit up to know that he was with us at camp again.

Neil, next year, we want you back as a chaperone. My promise to you, there will be no crickets, worms, or any other insect. You passed your challenge for many, many years. Kristi Davis, former chaperone, it was great to have you celebrate your “21st” birthday with us.

Only because it was your birthday, did you have to sit out for staff initiation.

There were many brave souls who wanted to prove they could beat any challenge and “survive” by eating some of Lynette’s favorite cooking—if that’s what it could be called. Those who did try it—survived, but I am still wondering how. I am not planning to join Lynette any time soon for one of her “home-cooked” (or store-bought) meals.

Our final night ended with minuteto-win-it games which everyone enjoyed. However, the real excitement came with the night hike the LITs planned and led. LITs, you did excellent. I understand this was the best hike Districts Two and Four has had in years.

But, wait until next year . . . I heard LITs were getting together at State YAD to plan for next year’s hike. Wonder if anyone will be brave enough after a year’s planning and getting “things” together!

Weird things sometimes seem to happen at camp. You have probably heard of a “traveling circus.” I had never heard of traveling water balloons until this year. You LITs cannot even imagine how many times and places those balloons moved. And also, who all was a part of it? Then, why were the LIT girls screaming when they were all supposed to be asleep? Lynette, Donna, Beverly, and I never heard any frogs

making noise in our cabin, and we were right next to you. By the way, was it 15 or 16?

Thank you, LITs. You are the best!

Elizabeth Tischler, Cole Campbell, Jonathan Maddux, Brady Alexander, Brandon Hoelscher, Jerry Pechal, Chris Zavodny, Jacob Horak, Collin Vanecek, Andrew Smith, Grant Duliban, Kandace Stone, Emily St. Amour, Julia Zavodny, Alyssa Torres, Alexis Taylor, Brienna Correll, Ana Fuentes, Chelsy Stevens, Katelyn Taylor, and Senior LIT Brooke Hoelscher. Nichole and Alexis Festa, we missed you. First time you have not been at camp in how many years? We look forward to seeing you next year.

Thank you to Becky Zavodny and Ginger Ringwald for keeping everyone safe and healthy. We appreciate your tender care.

Of course, camp would not be possible without the great chaperones. I appreciate your time and care of our campers. I do believe the chaperones have as much fun as the campers. I know I sure do. My hats off to you: Lodge 20, Granger—Emilie Tischler and Michael Washam; Lodge 24, Cyclone—Kim Campbell and Brenda Maddux; Lodge 47, Seaton—Joyce Kraatz, Amber Bartek, Tammy Pechal, Amber and Chris Craft, Elden Zavodny, and Tammy Martinez; Lodge 48, Beyersville—Linda and John Wuensche; Lodge 80, Holland—Terry Festa; Lodge 87, Temple—Jennifer Davidson; Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point—Brandt and Trish Konkler; Lodge 49, Rowena—Diana Rozman and Brad Schwertner; Lodge 229, Abilene—Deborah Stevens.

A special thank you to State Youth Director Frank Horak for all his work and being at our camp.

Thanks to all of you for making our camp fantastic. Of course, thanks to John and Lisa. We appreciate all you do at Cooper Farm. Things went so smoothly.

To the ENC and John, we thank you for all you have done to make such a beautiful and safe camping facility for our youth. We thank everyone who has supported the ENC. I truly know that the 2012 camping experience will be a lifetime memory for everyone who attended.

We can hardly wait for SPJST Camp 2013 at Cooper Farm!

Fraternally, Patsy, Beverly Lynette and Donna

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

Lodge 20, Granger

Lodge 24, Cyclone

Lodge 47, Seaton

Lodge 48, Beyersville

Lodge 80, Holland

Lodge 87, Temple

Lodge 187, Round Rock

Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Three Youth Achievement Day

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Sunday, June 24, 2012 - SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth

District Three “Paid Tribute to

Our Past” on June 24, 2012, as we held our annual District Three Youth Achievement Day at Lodge 92, Fort Worth.

Many crafts, talents, and royalty winners were announced, and the first place winners would advance to State Youth Achievement Day in Temple at the Frank W. Mayborn Convention Center on August 4.

Congratulations to all participants, and special congratulations to the first place winners.

We are very proud of our winners, and they represented us proudly at State Youth Achievement Day. Fraternally, Bessie Petr District Three Youth Counselor —SPJST—

Youth Achievement Awards Bracy Craig (6) Amelia Peterson (6) Michael Jurik (25) Scott Cowan (84) Jackson Durham (92) Gena Weeks (183) Katie Weeks (183) Tommy Weeks (183)

LEFT PHOTO: Pictured are, left to right, 2011 District Three Duchess Macy Jones (154) and Queen Katie Weeks (183); 2012 District Three Duchess Kennedy Ballew (25), Queen Reagan Langer (25), King Dustin Motley (25), and Duke Lane Slovak (25); and 2011 District Three King Tommy Weeks (183) and Duke Clark Jones (183). Thanks to the 2011 District Three Royalty Court for their participation and representation at various parades and events in 2011-2012. RIGHT PHOTO: Congrat-

ulations to the 2012 District Three Royalty. They are pictured with their parents. Duchess Kennedy Ballew with mother Crystal Ballew and Brian Holland, left, front; Queen Reagan Langer with parents Dana and Phillip Langer, left, front; Duke Lane Slovak with parents Sandra and Billy Slovak; and King Dustin Motley with mother Sheila Motley. Best wishes to newly crowned District Three Royalty for a great 2012-2013 year representing SPJST across the district.

LEFT PHOTO: District Three Flag Bearer Dakota Holder (6), at microphone, leads everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Looking on are District Three Flag Bearer Angel Pace (154), Assistant District Youth Counselor Lynda Novak (84), and Masters of Ceremonies 2008 SPJST

State Queen Alexa Hubenak (92), and 2009 State King Jackson Durham (92). RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 92, Fort Worth President Gordon Hubenak welcomes all to District Three Youth Achievement Day and invites everyone to come out to activities at Lodge 92.

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Three Youth Achievement Day

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Sunday, June 24, 2012 - SPJST Lodge 92, Fort Worth Constructed Items Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Quinlan Dobecka (6) 2nd - Preston Sullivan (25) 3rd - Macy Jones (154) Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Brandon Droste (25) 2nd - Rendon Dobecka (6) 3rd - Clark Jones (154) Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Paige Tignor (25) 2nd - Blake Anderson (92)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Katelyn Daniel (183) 2nd - Reagan Langer (25) 3rd - Dustin Motley (25) Foods Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Lane Slovak (25) 2nd - Brooklyn Anderson (92) Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Dakota Holder (6) 2nd - Hanna Slovak (25)

Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Blake Anderson (92) 2nd - Hayley Slovak (25)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Elisabeth Cowan (84) 2nd - Reagan Langer (25) Handicraft Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Lane Slovak (25) 2nd - Misty Dvorak (25) 3rd - Brooklyn Anderson (92) Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Dakota Holder (6) 2nd - April Dvorak (25) 3rd - Amanda Droste (25)

Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Melinda McClellan (84) 2nd - Pierce Tignor (25) 3rd - Cassidy Higgins (183)

Hobby Kits Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Preston Sullivan (25) 2nd - Macy Jones (154) 3rd - Brooklyn Anderson (92)

Pictorial Arts Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Brooklyn Anderson (92) 2nd - Misty Dvorak (25) 3rd - Lane Slovak (25)

Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Devin Krajca (25) 2nd - Melinda McClellan (84)

Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Devin Krajca (25) 2nd - Blake Anderson (92) 3rd - Melinda McClellan (84)

Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Rendon Dobecka (6) 2nd - Kennedy Ballew (25) 3rd - Austen Holland (25)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Elisabeth Cowan (84)

Needlework Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Macy Jones (154) Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Reid Jones (154) 2nd - April Dvorak (25) 3rd - Dakota Holder (6) Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Pierce Tignor (25) 2nd - Paige Tignor (25)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Dustin Motley (25) 2nd - Katelyn Daniel (183)

Photography Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Brooklyn Anderson (92) 2nd - Quinlan Dobecka (6) 3rd - Macy Jones (154) Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Rendon Dobecka (6) 2nd - Austen Holland (25) 3rd - Brandon Droste (25)

Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Hayley Slovak (25) 2nd - Blake Anderson (92) 3rd - Paige Tignor (25)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Victoria Motley (25) 2nd - Dustin Motley (25) 3rd - Reagan Langer (25)

Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - April Dvorak (25) 2nd - Angel Pace (154) 3rd - Clark Jones (154)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Katelyn Daniel (183) 2nd - Victoria Motley (25) 3rd - Dustin Motley (25)

Science and Education Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Quinlan Dobecka (6) 2nd - Lane Slovak (25) 3rd - Misty Dvorak (25) Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Dakota Holder (6) 2nd - Austen Holland (25) 3rd - Rendon Dobecka (6)

Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Devin Krajca (25) 2nd - Pierce Tignor (25) 3rd - Melinda McClellan (84)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Reagan Langer (25)

Sewing Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Lane Slovak (25) 2nd - Misty Dvorak (25) Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - April Dvorak (25) 2nd - Hanna Slovak (25) 3rd - Amanda Droste (25) Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Hayley Slovak (25)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Katelyn Daniel (183) 2nd - Victoria Motley (25) Poster 1st - Lodge 25, Ennis 2nd - Lodge 183, Arlington 3rd - Lodge 84, Dallas

Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 6, Cottonwood 2nd - Lodge 183, Arlington 3rd - Lodge 25, Ennis Individual Talent Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Brooklyn Anderson (92) 2nd - Quinlan Dobecka (6) 3rd - Macy Jones (154) Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Austen Holland (25) 2nd - Amanda Droste (25) 3rd - Caroline Durham (92)

Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Melinda McClellan (84) 2nd - Pierce Tignor (25) 3rd - Katherine Durham (92)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Reagan Langer (25) 2nd - Katelyn Daniel (183) 3rd - Elisabeth Cowan (84) Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 154, Fort Worth 2nd - Lodge 25, Ennis 3rd - Lodge 25, Ennis Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 92, Fort Worth Royalty District Three King Dustin Motley (25) District Three Duke Lane Slovak (25) District Three Queen Reagan Langer (25) District Three Duchess Kennedy Ballew (25)

First Runner-Up Queen Katelyn Daniel (183) First Runner-Up Duchess Macy Jones (154)

Second Runner-Up Queen Victoria Motley (25) Second Runner-Up Duchess Hanna Slovak (25)

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2012 District Three Youth Achievement Day First Place Winners

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TOP JUNIOR AND TOP TEEN

2012 - 2013 DISTRICT THREE ROYALTY

Left to right, District Three Duchess Kennedy Ballew, Queen Reagan Langer, King Dustin Motley, and Duke Lane Slovak, all of Lodge 25, Ennis.

SCRAPBOOK

JUNIOR GROUP TALENT

Left to right, Brooklyn Anderson (92), Austen Holland (25), Melinda McClellan (84), Reagan Langer (25).

INDIVIDUAL TALENT

District Three Top Junior Quinlan Dobecka (6) and Top Teen Katelyn Daniel (183).

Lodge 154, Fort Worth. Left to right, Reid Jones and Clark Jones.

Lodge 92, Fort Worth. Left to right, Katherine Durham and Caroline Durham.

POSTER

SENIOR GROUP TALENT

Lodge 6, Cottonwood Youth Club.

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club.

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

HANDICRAFT

Left to right, Lane Slovak (25), Dakota Holder (6), Blake Anderson (92), Elisabeth Cowan (84).

Left to right, Lane Slovak (25), Dakota Holder (6), Melinda McClellan (84).

HOBBY KITS

NEEDLEWORK Left to right, Macy Jones (154), Reid Jones (154), Pierce Tignor (25), Dustin Motley (25).

Left to right, Brooklyn Anderson (92), Rendon Dobecka (6), Hayley Slovak (25), Victoria Motley (25).

Left to right, Brooklyn Anderson (92), April Dvorak (25), Devin Krajca (25), Katelyn Daniel (183).

SCIENCE AND EDUCATION

SEWING

PHOTOGRAPHY

PICTORIAL ARTS

Left to right, Preston Sullivan (25), Rendon Dobecka (6), Devin Krajca (25), Elisabeth Cowan (84).

Left to right, Quinlan Dobecka (6), Dakota Holder (6), Devin Krajca (25), Reagan Langer (25).

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Left to right, Quinlan Dobecka (6), Brandon Droste (25), Paige Tignor (25), Katelyn Daniel (183).

FOODS

2012 District Three Youth Achievement Day First Place Craft Winners

CONSTRUCTED ITEMS

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Left to right, Lane Slovak (25), April Dvorak (25), Hayley Slovak (25), Katelyn Daniel (183).

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Three Youth Achievement Day Scenes

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LEFT PHOTO: District Three Youth Counselor Bessie Petr (84), left, welcomes everyone to Youth Achievement Day. Also pictured is Assistant DYC Lynda Novak (84). CENTER PHOTO: Flag Bearer Angel Pace (154)

brings in the United States flag during opening ceremonies. RIGHT PHOTO: Some of the attendees watch Flag Bearer Dakota Holder (6) carry in the Texas flag during opening ceremonies.

DYC Bessie Petr and State Youth Director Frank Horak hands out merit point awards. LEFT PHOTO: Second place junior merit point winners.

CENTER PHOTO: Third place junior merit points winners.

PHOTO: Fourth place junior merit point winners.

LEFT PHOTO: Fifth place junior merit point winners. CENTER PHOTO: Third place teen merit point winners. RIGHT PHOTO: Fourth place teen merit point winners. Winners receive cash awards based on the number

of merit point earned throughout the youth year. Merit points are earned for participating in youth club activities, volunteer projects, district activities, and state contests.

LEFT PHOTO: Emcee Jackson Durham (92) introduces Elisabeth Cowan (84) in the individual talent contest. PHOTO 2: Paige Tignor (25) performs her individual talent. PHOTO 3: Clark Jones (154) and Reid Jones

(154) participate in junior group talent. RIGHT PHOTO: 2011-2012 District Three King Tommy Weeks (183) and Queen Katie Weeks (183) speak to the attendees and participants.

RIGHT

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District Three: Proud of Royalty

Three King Dustin Motley is 15 years old and the son of David and Sheila Motley. He is a lifetime member of Lodge 25, Ennis where he has held the office of youth club sergeant-at-arms. He has also served on refreshment, scrapbook, photography, and sunshine committees.

A freshman at Ennis High School, Dustin earned a commended performance on his TAKS test. He participates in FFA, and his hobbies are drawing, music, and playing video games.

Dustin’s goal for SPJST is to keep the traditions alive with family and friends.

Dustin’s duke is Lane Slovak. Lane is six years old and the son of Billy and Sandra Slovak. He is a member of Lodge 25, Ennis. Lane is in first grade at Travis Elementary School.

District Three Queen Reagan Langer is 17 years old and the daughter of Phillip and Dana Langer. She is a member of Lodge 25, Ennis where she

District

has held the offices of youth club president and vice president. Reagan is a senior at Ennis High School. Her activities include Lionettes (drill and dance team), National Honor Society, UIL One-Act Play, and speech team. She participates in drama, dance, and health sciences. Reagan earned a grade of 95 or above in all of her classes. Her goal for SPJST is to teach and carry on the Czech heritage. Reagan’s future plan is to become a registered nurse in the pediatric oncology department.

Reagan’s duchess is Macy Jones.

Macy is 10 years old and the daughter of Loy and Carrie Anne Jones . Macy is a member of Lodge 154, Fort Worth.

Macy is in third grade at Nance Elementary School.

Fraternally, Bessie Petr District Three Youth Counselor • • • SPJST • • • 2012-2013 District Three Queen Reagan Langer and District Three King Dustin Motley, both of Lodge 25, Ennis, ride the SPJST Float in the Westfest parade held September 1, 2012. They are pictured with Czech Feszt Ambassador Rosie Steinman of Lodge 154, Fort Worth.

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Three Youth Bring Home State YAD Medals

Congratulations to District Three win-

ners at State Youth Achievement Day in Temple held August 4, 2012. They were: Constructed Items Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 2nd place - Quinlan Dobecka (6) Ages 12 to 14 3rd place - Paige Tignor (25) Ages 15 to High School Senior 2nd place - Katelyn Daniel (183) Handicraft Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st place - Lane Slovak (25)

Hobby Kits Ages 9 to 11 2nd place - Rendon Dobecka (6) Ages 12 to 14 3rd place - Devin Krajca (25) Needlework Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 3rd place - Macy Jones (154) Ages 12 to 14 3rd place - Pierce Tignor (25) Pictorial Arts Ages 12 to 14 1st place - Devin Krajca (25) Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st place - Katelyn Daniel (183)

Photography Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st place - Brooklyn Anderson (92) Ages 9 to 11 1st place - Rendon Dobecka (6) Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st place - Victoria Motley (25) Science and Education Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 2nd place - Quinlan Dobecka (6)

Thank You, Bessie Petr, for 60 Years of Service to the SPJST Youth Program!

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Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st place - Reagan Langer (25)

Sewing 1st place - Katelyn Daniel (183) Poster 3rd place - Lodge 25, Ennis

Scrapbook 2nd place - Lodge 6, Cottonwood Special Category Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st place - Misty Dvorak (25)

Individual Talent Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 2nd place - Brooklyn Anderson (92) Ages 9 to 11 3rd place - Austen Holland (25) Ages 12 to 14 3rd place - Pierce Tignor (25) Ages 15 to High School Senior 3rd place - Reagan Langer (25) Junior Group Talent 3rd place - Lodge 154, Fort Worth Clark and Reid Jones Senior Group Talent 2nd place - Lodge 92, Fort Worth Caroline and Katherine Durham

SPJST awards District Merit Grants that are presented annually at State Youth Achievement Day to teens in each district. This year, District Three’s winner is Jackson Durham of Lodge 92, Fort Worth.

District Three is very proud of all of our winners!

Fraternally Bessie Petr District Three Youth Counselor —SPJST— District Three Youth Counselor Bessie Petr teaches numbers in the Czech language to youth at District Three Camp. Bessie formed one of the first youth clubs in SPJST at Lodge 84, Dallas. She has been working with SPJST youth since 1952. Congratulations to Bessie on 60 years of leadership in the SPJST Youth Program!

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Three Camp

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July 5 to 8, 2012 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas

District Three Camp 2012 was all

about learning the Czech heritage and “paying a tribute to our past.” Our activities at SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm consisted of horseshoes, crafts, team building, swimming, archery/riflery, going to the lake, the blob on the pond, high ropes, low ropes, beseda dance teaching, and learning Czech songs.

Horseshoes has always been a competition with everyone. It is just enjoying to see how the youth challenge their chaperones to the game. With the theme of “paying tribute to the past,” during craft time, craft ladies Peggy Dobecka and Pat Dieterich—with the help of Kay Weeks—gathered all of their old pictures from previous district events. The campers decoupaged their choice of pictures on a Texas-shaped wooden board.

Watching everyone scan through the pictures was fun looking down memory lane. Hearing the “oh, I remember this” was just enjoyed by everyone as they all looked back on the years.

Challenging yourself to one of Carrie Ann Jones’ team building games kept so many campers thinking and challenged.

Carrie Ann had timed activities for all four age groups. I cannot wait to see what other types of challenging games she will come up with for us next year.

The heat was building up, and when it was time to swim, you could tell it was refreshing.

Everyone participated in archery and riflery, and seeing the targets meant we needed to watch out for we have some good bullseye winners!

I think the best event we had was going to the lake. Everyone enjoyed the boat ride, tubing, jet skiing, and just having fun splashing in the water.

Many different types of activities were done on shore while awaiting for their turn to go onto the boat.

The newest event at Cooper Farm is the blob on the pond. Watching campers flying high in the air to land on the water was just exciting. The high and low ropes became a new challenge to the youth’s fears. Whatever ropes you did last year, you had to move on to newer elements to test those fears.

Many campers came back so excited knowing that they challenged themselves and completed the task.

It seems like we get more and more lodges wanting to learn the beseda.

Maybe one year, we can have everyone at camp just dance the beseda by memory instead of having to teach. But, it is just wonderful to see so many wanting to learn. But, camp cannot be camp without learning something new in the Czech language. I enjoyed reviewing the songs I have taught everyone from year to year, and this year, I added the numbers. Hearing them repeat the numbers was just rewarding as hearing the campers singing. But, before camp was over, I did have a cabin of little girls ask if next year if I could teach shapes in Czech. Okay, girls, I am working on it!

Night time activity was a lot of fun.

Our first night, we learned so much about the sky and the stars with our special guest who brought three telescopes for us to get a closer look outside of our planet. It was very interesting, and we all had so many questions.

We were so thankful for Melissa Hubenak who had furnished music and her karaoke machine for us to enjoy during our birthday party. We attributed SPJST’s 115 years and the Vestnik’s 100 years of reflecting, believing, and achieving for the members of our organization. This was our way to give tribute to our membership program and in hopes to pave the way for another 100 years.

Our last night, the LITs walked us through an educational event of the Czech Republic. All throughout the campground, they had clues that touched different parts of our ancestry, and the campers had to answer the clues in order to move on to accomplish their amazing challenge. Many campers, when completing the challenge, were surprised by how much information they learned about the Czech Republic.

Who knows? When they will visit the Czech Republic, they will remember this challenge and educate others on the past history.

Our annual hayride at Cooper Farm was just fun, wild, crazy, and wet. The LITs were hiding in all dark places to scare us and get us wet with water guns to soak us down with excitement. This event is always a request because the LITs have more fun planning and preparing for this event for the junior youth. But at night, Cooper Farm has many mysterious things happening that you are usually afraid to sleep. Not sure if the gorilla, bunny rabbit, or the girl

screaming under your cabin asking for help will happen. It makes it hard to sleep for you never know what’s going to happen during the night—or if anything. The only way I would know what happened, would be in the morning while walking to flag ceremony, I would have to look around just to make sure things looked normal. But overall, I know the campers and chaperones enjoyed their stay at camp this year, and I am so grateful of our attendance.

Many thanks to all the people who helped make camp a success. I want to say thank you to the chaperones. Without you, camp could never happen. You take time off from your busy schedule and donate it to our children. Thank you for caring for the youth in District Three and making sure they have fun. Again, thanks to Carrie Ann Jones and Lesli Milan for the ideas of games and teambuilding. Carrie Ann also had many other ideas when we had nothing planned. She got the youth involved in fun activities that others enjoyed joining in to complete the task. Jerry Zabojnik is what completed camp with his snow cones. When it’s hot and miserable, here comes Jerry to the rescue. His snow cones keep us going, despite the high temperatures that the Texas heat can produce. Thanks, Jerry, for your help—not only with the snacks, waters, and refreshments, but for the many other things you do to help camp.

Brenda Carmin is our camp nurse who always makes sure all campers and chaperones enjoy camp. She is there when you feel like your tummy hurts or if you get any boo boo’s, the band aids are in her hand so you can continue enjoying camp. Thank you, Melissa Hubenak, for giving responsibility and rights to your music equipment to State Youth Director Frank Horak and Jackson Durham. We enjoyed it very much each time we were gathered in the dining hall for whatever activity and our meals. But next year, we are hoping you can continue being with us, for we missed you this year.

Our district is very special. How’s that, you ask? Our district has many lodges that want to ensure our campers have enough snacks, waters, and sodas.

Many thanks to all donors. Lodges 6, Cottonwood; 25, Ennis; 84, Dallas; 92, Fort Worth; 154, Fort Worth; and 183, Arlington all brought something to help

out for snacks. Thank you, youth clubs and mother lodges, for your help at camp. Lodge 66, Waco does not have a youth club, but John and Diana Engelke of Lodge 66 brought snacks for the hayride. Thank you for your continuing support to our camp. A special thanks to Tom Weeks. Tom is our rover person who is busy making sure all activities are on schedule and that we have enough water, snacks, or whatever is needed to make our day complete.

Thanks, Tom, for making sure things run so smoothly. You are always on top of things, especially if we forget something—you are there helping out.

I have a very special thanks to my assistants, Lynda Novak and Kay Weeks.

They worked so hard to get the activities, cabin assignments, snacks, and anything else that was needed to complete camp. I am so appreciative of their hard work and dedication to ensure fun and safety to everyone.

But, most of all, I would like to thank Frank Horak, our State Youth Director.

He not only came to our camp but stayed with us and participated in our activities. It is so nice to see his involvement in the youth department at all districts. Frank enjoys being with the youth and getting to know each and everyone and giving them the special attention that they deserve. We just thank SPJST for giving us a leader who cares so much for our youth.

With that, I am so blessed to have so many people to help me with all the activities our district has, and I really do want to thank each and every person.

But, if I did not mention your name, please forgive me. This district is very lucky for the many adult participants, and the youth appreciates this very much.

So now, I am just wondering what all fun things we will have next year. I look forward again to seeing everyone and hope to see more new faces at camp 2013!

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

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Lodge 84, Dallas Campers

Lodge 92, Fort Worth Campers

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2012 District Three Camp Participants

Lodge 154, Fort Worth Campers

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Lodge 130, Dallas Campers

Lodge 183, Arlington Campers

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Four Youth Achievement Day

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Saturday, July 21, 2012 - SPJST Lodge 49, Rowena Ages 9 to 11 1st - Cammi Teplicek (49) 2nd - Brandon Teplicek (49) 3rd - Sarah Booher (49)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Audree Williams (215)

Foods Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Addee Williams (215) 2nd - Megan Booher (49) 3rd - Hunter Wood (49) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Jordan Taylor (229) 2nd - Sarah Booher (49) 3rd - Hunter Teplicek (49)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Katelyn Taylor (229) 2nd - Sutton Schwertner (49)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Chelsy Stevens (229) 2nd - Audree Williams (215)

Handicraft Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Hunter Wood (49) 2nd - Hutson Teplicek (49) 3rd - Olivia Schwertner (49) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Brandon Teplicek (49) 2nd - Hunter Teplicek (49) 3rd - Sarah Booher (49)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Sutton Schwertner (49)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Audree Williams (215) 2nd - Chelsy Stevens (229)

Hobby Kits Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Hunter Wood (49) 2nd - Hutson Teplicek (49) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Hunter Teplicek (49) 2nd - Cammi Teplicek (49)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Clay Starr (229) 2nd - Sutton Schwertner (229)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ana Fuentes (49) 2nd - Kaycee Lehmann (215)

Needlework Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Tanner Wood (49) 2nd - Addee Williams (215) 3rd - Hunter Wood (49) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Brandon Teplicek (49)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Audree Williams (215)

Photography Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Olivia Schwertner (49) 2nd - Hutson Teplicek (49) 3rd - Tanner Wood (49) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Brandon Teplicek (49) 2nd - Hunter Teplicek (49) 3rd - Cammi Teplicek (49)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Sutton Schwertner (49)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Audree Williams (215) 2nd - Ana Fuentes (49) 3rd - Kaycee Lehmann (215)

Pictorial Arts Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Olivia Schwertner (49) 2nd - Tanner Wood (49) 3rd - Meghan Booher (49) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Sarah Booher (49) 2nd - Cammi Teplicek (49) 3rd - Hunter Teplicek (49)

Science and Education Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Hutson Teplicek (49) 2nd - Tanner Wood (49) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Hunter Teplicek (49) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Ana Fuentes (49)

Sewing Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Grace Schwertner (49) 2nd - Olivia Schwertner (49) 3rd - Tanner Wood (49) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Jordan Taylor (229) 2nd - Cammi Teplicek (49) 3rd - Sarah Booher (49)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Katelyn Taylor (229) 2nd - Sutton Schwertner (49)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ana Fuentes (49) Poster 1st - Lodge 49, Rowena Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 49, Rowena

SPJST Youth C oloring Fun !

Constructed Items Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Hunter Wood (49) 2nd - Hutson Teplicek (49) 3rd - Grace Schwertner (49)

Individual Talent Ages 9 to 11 1st - Brandon Teplicek (49) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Cutter Starr (229)

Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 49, Rowena Royalty District Four Queen Audree Williams (215) District Four Duchess Addee Williams (215)

First Runner-Up Queen Ana Fuentes (49) First Runner-Up Duchess Olivia Schwertner (49)

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

HANDICRAFT Left to right, Hunter Wood (49), Brandon Teplicek (49), Sutton Schwertner (49), Audree Williams (215).

HOBBY KITS

NEEDLEWORK

Left to right, Addee Williams (215), Jordan Taylor (229), Katelyn Taylor (229), Chelsy Stevens (229).

Left to right, Tanner Wood (49), Brandon Teplicek (49), Audree Williams (215).

PHOTOGRAPHY

PICTORIAL ARTS

Left to right, Hunter Wood (49), Hunter Teplicek (49), Clay Starr (229), Ana Fuentes (49).

Left to right, Olivia Schwertner (49), Sarah Booher (49).

SEWING

Left to right, Olivia Schwertner (49), Brandon Teplicek (49), Sutton Schwertner (49), Audree Williams (215).

SCIENCE AND EDUCATION

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Left to right, Hunter Wood (49), Cammi Teplicek (49), Audree Williams (215).

FOODS

2012 District Four Youth Achievement Day First Place Craft Winners

CONSTRUCTED ITEMS

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Left to right, Hutson Teplicek (49), Hunter Teplicek (49), Ana Fuentes (49).

Left to right, Grace Schwertner (49), Jordan Taylor (229), Katelyn Taylor (229), Ana Fuentes (49).

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2012 District Four Youth Achievement Day First Place Winners

TOP JUNIOR AND TOP TEEN

2012 - 2013 DISTRICT FOUR ROYALTY

Left to right, District Four Duchess Addee Williams and Queen Audree Williams, both of Lodge 215, South Plains.

District Four Top Junior Brandon Teplicek, center, of Lodge 49, Rowena. Top Teen is Christine Brooks of Lodge 229, Abilene (not pictured). Also pictured are State Youth Director Frank Horak and District Four Youth Counselor Beverly Teplicek.

INDIVIDUAL TALENT

Left to right, Brandon Teplicek (49) and Cutter Starr (229).

SCRAPBOOK

YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Receiving Youth Achievement Awards are Carson Lehmann, left, of Lodge 215, South Plains and Christine Brooks of Lodge 229, Abilene (accepting award is Youth Leader Deborah Stevens).

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Lodge 49, Rowena. Front, left to right, Tanner Wood, Hunter Wood, Grace Schwertner, Olivia Schwertner, Megan Booher. BACK: Brandon Teplicek, Cammi Teplicek, Ana Fuentes, Sarah Booher, Sutton Schwertner.

POSTER

SENIOR GROUP TALENT

Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Club.

Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Club.

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Four Youth Achievement Day Scenes

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LEFT PHOTO: Pictured are, left to right, first runner-up duchess Olivia Schwertner (49), first runner-up queen Ana Fuentes (49), 2011 District Four Duke Cutter Starr (229), 2011 District Four King Carson Lehmann (215), 2011 Duchess Katelyn Taylor (229), 2012 District Four Queen Audree Williams (215), and 2012 District Four Duchess Addee Williams

(215). CENTER PHOTO: Queen Audree and Duchess Addee with parents Keith and Janeece Williams, all of Lodge 215, South Plains. RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Club members work on appreciation crafts prior to the start of District Four Youth Achievement Day. YAD was hosted by Lodge 49.

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 49 youth enjoy crafts. CENTER PHOTO: Lunch time! RIGHT PHOTO: Jackie Pospichal, Sylvia Rollwitz, and Laura

Pospichal prepare and serve the day’s lunch that consisted of hamburgers and all the trimmings.

LEFT PHOTO: District Four Flag Bearers Brandon and Cammi Teplicek, both of Lodge 49, Rowena. PHOTO 2: Deborah and Janice Stevens, both of Lodge 229, Abilene. PHOTO 3: State Field Representative

Bobby Davis, left, and District Four Director Billy Rollwitz. RIGHT PHOTO: Sutton Schwertner and his mother Nicole Schwertner gather Sutton’s craft projects after YAD.

LEFT PHOTO: Kaycee Lehmann (215), left, and Laura Pospichal (49) enjoy the day’s talent and royalty competition. PHOTO 2: Brad Teplicek (49) checks over daughter Cammi’s and son Brandon’s paperwork.

PHOTO 3: DYC Beverly Teplicek (49), left, visits with past DYC Sandra Jansa (160) who served as a craft judge. RIGHT PHOTO: Janeece Williams and Pam and Lee Lehmann, all of Lodge 215, South Plains.

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Four Youth Enjoy Fun Year

Lodge 49, Rowena Campers

Being the “new kid on the block” as

far as District Youth Counselors, this has been a fast and furious time since April 28, 2012, when I was elected. My thoughts at that time were “what an honor,” and this will be a piece of cake.

Wrong! Yes, it was an honor to be elected District Youth Counselor, but little did I know what an undertaking!

First things first—get in contact with youth leaders in the district. Get to Temple and receive training from State Youth Director Frank Horak and fellow DYC Patsy Koslovsky. That was a fast six hours, and my head was spinning. I came home with much information, much less papers. I then proceeded to write a newsletter to the District Four Youth Leaders, asking them for patience and explaining what I hoped to accomplish for the youth in District Four.

The first activity was getting our eligible members to the Leaders-in-Training Workshop. With the help of the youth leaders, we were happy to have four members attend. Congratulations

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District Four Campers

to Ana Fuentes of Lodge 49, Rowena; Kaycee Lehmann of Lodge 215, South Plains; and Chelsy Stevens and Katelyn Taylor, both of Lodge 229, Abilene.

These young ladies did very well and made District Four proud. Thanks to Pam Lehmann of Lodge 215 and Janice Stevens of Lodge 229 for getting these girls to Ledbetter.

Then came Youth Achievement Day. I had no idea as to what went where or how to get the job done. Janeece Williams of Lodge 215 was a real help!

But, I also want Frank and Tammy to know their help was also appreciated.

How many telephone calls? Too many to count! I do not want to forget my home Lodge 49 and the parents of our youth club for their help and support.

They were all terrific! I felt we did have a very successful Youth Achievement Day with 86 projects being turned in. I am amazed at the ideas and work that went into the projects—fantastic! The judges and tabulators did a superb job.

Yes, we made some mistakes, and there

Lodge 229, Abilene Campers

are things that will be changed for YAD in 2013, but all in all, I am proud that it went as well as it did.

This was the first year for all camp applications to be completed online. It took a bit to get the information in correctly, but with the patience of Frank and Tammy, District Four had 20 youth and four leaders in attendance with their paperwork complete. Just wait until next year! It will be easier, or so I am trying to convince the parents!

Districts Four and Two shared camp in July. You would never realize there were two districts present—the kids got along, mingled very well, and really seemed to enjoy each other’s company.

The blob, the rock wall, and the zip line were the most talked about. Of course, the trip to the Fayette County Park Lake, the hay ride, and the midnight hike were up at the top of the list, also. On our way home, I was certain my car of campers would be asleep before I got to La Grange. Wrong again. There were six hours of memories. About the last 30

minutes, they began to slow down. It was great to hear each one’s experiences, and I did not hear anything negative. We are all looking forward to next year!

State Youth Achievement Day was exciting, not only for me but our entire District Four. We had 20 youth competing and won 13 ribbons. First, second, and third places were real honors, but I personally think all of our youth are winners. This was their day to shine, and shine they did. I am proud of every one of them.

I have big plans for District Four’s youth program, and I hope to get some of them achieved in 2013. I cannot thank the youth, their leaders, or their parents enough for the patience and support I have received. These kids are super, and I enjoy working with each of them.

Fraternally, Beverly Teplicek District Four Youth Counselor • • • SPJST • • •

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Five Youth Achievement Day

47

Sunday, June 24, 2012 - SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Constructed Items Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Nathan Polly (88) 2nd - Keith Wockenfuss (88) 3rd - Mathieu Barcak (88) Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Sean Moncrief (88) 2nd - Zoe Saxton (142)

Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Denae Bronikowski (88) 2nd - Jaci Malovets (162) 3rd - Zachary Collins (162)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Allison Wockenfuss (88) 2nd - Cole Collins (162) Foods Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Sean Moncrief (88)

Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Denae Bronikowski (88)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ryan Bronikowski (88)

Handicraft Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Keith Wockenfuss (88) 2nd - Nathan Polly (88) 3rd - Mathieu Barcak (88) Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Catherine Casey (88) 2nd - Alyssa Moyle (162) 3rd - Adam Rosier (162)

Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Avery Moyle (162) 2nd - Jaci Malovets (162) 3rd - Mackenzie Collins (162)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ryan Bronikowski (88) 2nd - Allison Wockenfuss (88)

Hobby Kits Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Lea Barcak (88) 2nd - Nathan Polly (88) 3rd - Keith Wockenfuss (88) Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Zoe Saxton (142) 2nd - Catherine Casey (88) 3rd - Sean Moncrief (88)

Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Claire Casey (88) 2nd - Zachary Collins (162) 3rd - Mackenzie Collins (162)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Cole Collins (162) 2nd - Allison Wockenfuss (88)

Needlework Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Lea Barcak (88)

Photography Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Jered Polly (88) 2nd - Mathieu Barcak (88) 3rd - Keith Wockenfuss (88) Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Catherine Casey (88) 2nd - Alyssa Moyle (162) 3rd - Zoe Saxton (142)

Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Mackenzie Collins (162) 2nd - Avery Moyle (162) 3rd - Jaci Malovets (162)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Allison Wockenfuss (88) 2nd - Cole Collins (162) 3rd - Ryan Bronikowski (88)

Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Sean Moncrief (88) 2nd - Alyssa Moyle (162) 3rd - Zada Morgan (142)

Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 88, Houston 2nd - Lodge 142, Houston

Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Avery Moyle (162) 2nd - Jaci Malovets (162) 3rd - Claire Casey (88)

Individual Talent Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Mathieu Barcak (88)

Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Alyssa Moyle (162) 2nd - Catherine Casey (88)

Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 88, Houston

Sewing Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Lea Barcak (88)

Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Denae Bronikowski (88)

Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Zada Morgan (142) 2nd - Zoe Saxton (142)

Royalty District Five King Ryan Bronikowski (88) District Five Duke Mathieu Barcak (88)

Poster 1st - Lodge 162, Iowa Colony

SPJST District Kings and Queens Word Search

Pictorial Arts Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Keith Wockenfuss (88) 2nd - Lea Barcak (88) 3rd - Jered Polly (88) Ages 9 to 11 Years 1st - Sean Moncrief (88) 2nd - Zada Morgan (142) 3rd - Catherine Casey (88) Ages 12 to 14 Years 1st - Claire Casey (88) 2nd - Avery Moyle (162) 3rd - Jaci Malovets (162)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Allison Wockenfuss (88) 2nd - Cole Collins (162)

Science and Education Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Mathieu Barcak (88) 2nd - Jered Polly (88)

Nikolas Emily Jerry Julia

Dustin Reagan Audree Ryan

Allison Lane Michelle

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2012 District Five Youth Achievement Day Winners

outh Achievement Day was Sunday, June 24. We had a great turnout with many craft, talent, and royalty entries. We had several talent acts including a senior group act, a king contestant and individual talent as well. I am very proud of each and every youth member for showing what it means to be a good sport and compete. We were well represented at State YAD, and even if our youth did not place, we are very proud of them for actually trying and putting forth the effort.

I think that almost all of the youth from District Five who took an item to State placed, with the exception of a few. That’s amazing!

The competition was tough, and it just shows we’re getting better.

Congratulations to all who participated in district and State!

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

District Five Youth Counselor Barbara Linney-Gonzales, left, of Lodge 88, Houston and Assistant District Five Youth Counselor Brenda Moyle of Lodge 162, Iowa Colony.

Left to right, District Five Duke Mathieu Barcak and King Ryan Bronikowski, both of Lodge 88, Houston.

TOP JUNIOR AND TOP TEEN

District Five Top Junior Keith Wockenfuss and Top Teen Allison Wockenfuss, both of Lodge 88, Houston.

Left to right, Mathieu Barcak (88), Zada Morgan (142).

Lodge 88, Houston. Left to right, Allison Wockenfuss, Denae Bronikowski.

POSTER

SCRAPBOOK

INDIVIDUAL TALENT

2012 - 2013 DISTRICT FIVE ROYALTY

Y

SENIOR GROUP TALENT

48

Lodge 162, Iowa Colony Youth Club.

Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club.

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

HANDICRAFT Left to right, Keith Wockenfuss (88), Catherine Casey (88), Avery Moyle (162), Ryan Bronikowski (88).

HOBBY KITS

NEEDLEWORK

Left to right, Sean Moncrief (88), Denae Bronikowski (88), Ryan Bronikowski (88).

Lea Barcak (88).

PHOTOGRAPHY

PICTORIAL ARTS

Left to right, Lea Barcak (88), Zoe Saxton (142), Claire Casey (88), Cole Collins (162).

Left to right, Keith Wockenfuss (88), Sean Moncrief (88), Claire Casey (88), Allison Wockenfuss (88).

SEWING

Left to right, Jered Polly (88), Catherine Casey (88), Mackenzie Collins (162), Allison Wockenfuss (88).

SCIENCE AND EDUCATION

49

Left to right, Nathan Polly (88), Sean Moncrief (88), Denae Bronikowski (88), Allison Wockenfuss (88).

FOODS

2012 District Five Youth Achievement Day First Place Craft Winners

CONSTRUCTED ITEMS

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Left to right, Mathieu Barcak (88), Sean Moncrief (88), Avery Moyle (162).

Left to right, Lea Barcak (88), Alyssa Moyle (162), Denae Bronikowski (88).

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Five Youth Achievement Day Scenes

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LEFT PHOTO: From left, 2011 District Five Duke Keith Wockenfuss (88) and King Cole Collins (162) congratulate 2012 District Five King Ryan Bronikowski (88) and Duke Mathieu Barcak (88). CENTER PHOTO: 2012 King Ryan Bronikowski with parents Doris and Robert and sister Denae.

RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 88, Houston President Patricia Bruce, left, and District Five President Ashley Victorick recognize and thank District Five Youth Counselor Barbara Linney-Gonzales, center, for her dedication and work with District Five youth.

LEFT PHOTO: Youth bring in their craft projects during Youth Achievement Day check-in. CENTER PHOTO: DYC Barbara Linney-Gonzales, far left, expresses appreciation to, second from left to right, Lodge 88 Assistant Youth Leader Michelle Wockenfuss; Lodge 142, Houston Youth

Leader Catherine Manchack; and Lodge 162, Iowa Colony Youth Leader Brenda Moyle and assistant Jennifer Malovets. RIGHT PHOTO: Kitchen workers, left to right, Cindy and Kenneth Mlcek, Dorothy Pflughaupt, and Caroline Pechacek.

LEFT PHOTO: Josephine Pflughaupt, left, and Clara Broz. CENTER PHOTO: District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt and District Five Youth Counselor Barbara Linney-Gonzales introduce and install the

2012-2013 youth club officers of Lodges 88, Houston; 142, Houston; and 162, Iowa Colony Youth Clubs. RIGHT PHOTO: District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt and wife Dorothy.

LEFT PHOTO: Talent/royalty judges, from left, 1993 SPJST State King John Buri of Lodge 88, Houston; 1991 SPJST State Queen Bridget Schwartz Mullin of Lodge 160, San Angelo; Angie Williamson; and 1996 Mr. SPJST Jason Hermis of Lodge 142, Houston. CENTER PHOTO: Thanks to Lodge 88, Houston President Patricia Bruce for recognizing

the Vestnik’s 100th anniversary in 2012 with a beautifully decorated cake. RIGHT PHOTO: Tabulators take a short break. They are, left to right, Director Pflughaupt (88), Jack Manchack (142), Ashley Victorick (88), and Garry Zalesky (88). Thanks to all who attended and participated in this year’s District Five YAD!

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District Five Camp

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

July 12 to 15, 2012 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas

As I sit here and write this year’s

Youth Spectacular article, I realize that the summer has come to an end. For my family and me, it has been one busy summer, and I am so ready for school to start so there is some “normal” in my life. I think back to all the things that my children and the children of District Five have done over the last year and am so very happy to say I am a part of SPJST. This past year, our youth club collected items for the fire victims in the Tri-County area; food and toiletries for the Star of Hope at Thanksgiving and Christmas; items for the soldiers overseas, donated $100 to each of the Fisher Houses; and collected items for

Join Hands Day for the residents at the Fisher Houses.

We hosted our annual Easter party complete with an egg hunt and the bunny; a Halloween party with lots and lots of candy; and a Christmas party with a surprise visit from Santa. The Tomball Holiday Parade was a big hit—especially our lunch afterwards at Mel’s Country Kitchen in Tomball. We even found out that the float won “Best All Around Float” two years in a row!

This year, we had the pleasure of camping with Districts Six and Seven again. We arrived on Thursday morning, July 12 and took all of our stuff to the Pavilion for check-in. While that was going on, we started crafts in the mess hall. We decorated our water bot-

tles that we would be using all weekend, and the District Youth Counselors went over the “dos and don’ts” of camp. This year, I was in the “little boys” cabin at night and with a group of Leaders-in-Training (LITs) during the day. It was a change from what I’m used to, but it was a lot of fun. Some of the activities that we did at camp were crafts, swimming, canoeing, archery, BB guns, the blob, hay ride, GaGa ball, four-square, the lake, and inside games.

The theme for the party was the Fifties with a sock hop, and everyone had a really good time! To get things started off, chaperones Yvonne Marcaurele and Mark Polly danced to a popular 50s song—“You’re the One That I Want.” The campers really en-

51

joyed watching them.

I think the best part of camp that I heard from both the younger campers as well as the LITs and chaperones was that they enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. I know that my son loved getting to spend time with his “big boy and big girl” friends.

I know that next year at camp will be great, too! We are going to camp with Districts Six and Seven again, and we always have a great time together!

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

52

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District Five Camp Scenes

SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm

July 12 to 15 2012

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Six Youth Achievement Day

53

Sunday, July 22, 2012 - Taiton Community Center District Six held its Youth Achieve-

ment Day on July 22, 2012. Lodge 30, Taiton hosted the day’s event that was under the direction of District Six Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela. Youth clubs participating were Lodges 30, Taiton; 4, Hallettsville; 40, El CampoHillje; and 148, El Maton.

Serving as our emcee for the day’s event was Lodge 30 graduating senior Jessica Fucik. Our special guests for the day were State Youth Director Frank Horak, Vestnik Editor /Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny Constructed Items Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Kierra Taylor (40) 2nd - Adryanna Manzano (40) 3rd - Kelly Taylor (40) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Andrew Kresta (30) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Sky Garcia (40)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Dylan Treumer (30) 2nd - Ryan Drapela (30)

Foods Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Bethany Baker (30) 2nd - Kelly Taylor (40) 3rd - Kierra Taylor (40) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Luc Marcaurele (30) 2nd - Brittany Baker (30) 3rd - Myles Svatek (30) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Cynthia Garcia (40)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Sarah Siptak (4) 2nd - Allison Fucik (30)

Handicraft Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Lauren Kresta (30) 2nd - Grant Bubela (30) 3rd - Emily Kresta (30) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Tristan Voldan (148) 2nd - Brittany Baker (30) 3rd - Andrew Kresta (30)

and husband David, and District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom and wife Kathy. Many thanks for taking the time to be with us at this blessed and gifted event. Your help made for the day to run smoother and without a flaw. It is always a pleasure to have you all participate in the youth’s activities.

Our opening ceremony began with the presentation of the flags and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance by Lodge 30, Taiton. Lodge 30 President Yvonne Marcaurele welcomed everyone and wished the youth a great big good luck.

I was very proud of the youth of Ages 12 to 14 1st - Myranda Zielonka (148) 2nd - Brooke Bexley (148) 3rd - Sky Garcia (40)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ryan Drapela (30) 2nd - Allison Fucik (30) 3rd - Dylan Treumer (30)

Hobby Kits Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Grant Bubela (30) 2nd - Bethany Baker (30) 3rd - Kierra Taylor (30) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Tristan Voldan (148) 2nd - Blake Zielonka (148) 3rd - Taylor Thurmond (148)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Sky Garcia (40) 2nd - Brooke Bexley (148) 3rd - Myranda Zielonka (148)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Allison Fucik (30) 2nd - Jordan Voldan (148) 3rd - Ryan Drapela (30)

Needlework Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Trianna Manzano (40) 2nd - Aiyana Gonzalez (40) 3rd - Grant Bubela (30) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Brittany Baker (30)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Cynthia Garcia (40)

Photography Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Trianna Manzano (40) 2nd - Emily Kresta (30) 3rd - Adryanna Manzano (40)

District Six. We had 139 entries in the craft category, and great talent was performed. This year’s Youth Achievement Award went to Jessica Fucik and Vincent Lutringer, both of Lodge 30.

The District Six Queen is Allison Fucik, and her duchess is Lauren Kresta. They are both from Lodge 30.

We are very proud of these young ladies. I would like to thank all judges, tabulators, parents, and youth leaders who played a very big part in Youth Achievement Day. Your help was greatly appreciated, and things could not have been ran more smoothly.

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Myles Svatek (30) 2nd - Tristan Voldan (148) 3rd - Luc Marcaurele (30)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Cynthia Garcia (40) 2nd - Brooke Bexley (148) 3rd - Myranda Zielonka (148)

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

Pictorial Arts Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Kelly Taylor (40) 2nd - Lauren Kresta (30) 3rd - Adyranna Manzano (40) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Brittany Baker (30) 2nd - Tristan Voldan (148) 3rd - Blake Zielonka (148)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Sky Garcia (40) 2nd - Brooke Bexley (148) 3rd - Myranda Zielonka (148)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Andrew Zielonka (148) 2nd - Jordan Voldan (148) 3rd - Ryan Drapela (30)

Science and Education Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Grant Bubela (30) 2nd - Adyranna Manzano (40) 3rd - Trianna Manzano (40) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Luc Marcaurele (30) 2nd - Brittany Baker (30)

Congratulations to all youth who participated in this year’s District Six YAD. I am proud of each and every one of you for taking the time to make an effort to particate in YAD. You give a lot of time in making your crafts and practicing your talent. I know you could be doing other things, but you always choose the SPJST Youth Program first, and it shows!

Fraternally, Lisa Bubela District Six Youth Counselor • • • SPJST • • • Ages 12 to 14 1st - Sky Garcia (40) 2nd - Cynthia Garcia (40)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Dylan Treumer (30)

Sewing Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Aiyana Gonzalez (40) 2nd - Adyranna Manzano (40) 3rd - Bethany Baker (30) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Luc Marcaurele (30) 2nd - Myles Svatek (30) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Cynthia Garcia (40)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Allison Fucik (30) 2nd - Sarah Siptak (4)

Poster 1st - Lodge 30, Taiton 2nd - Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 30, Taiton 2nd - Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje

Individual Talent Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Aiyana Gonzalez (40) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Cynthia Garcia (40)

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

Junior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 30, Taiton Royalty District Six Queen Allison Fucik (30) District Six Duchess Lauren Kresta (30)

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2012 District Six Youth Achievement Day First Place Winners 2012 - 2013 District Six Royalty

2012 - 2013 District Six Royalty

District Six Duchess Lauren Kresta and Queen Allison Fucik, both of Lodge 30, Taiton.

Congratulations to Youth Achievement Award recipient Jessica Fucik of Lodge 30, Taiton.

She is pictured with DYC Lisa Bubela and District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom.

Top Junior and Top Teen

Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje. Left to right, Kierra Taylor, Aiyana Gonzalez, and Kelly Taylor.

Lodge 30, Taiton. Front, left to right, Grant Bubela, Bethany Baker, Lauren Kresta, Brittany Baker. Second Row: Myles Svatek, Luc Marcaurele. BACK: Ryan Drapela, Allison Fucik, Dylan Treumer.

POSTER

SCRAPBOOK

SENIOR GROUP TALENT

Left to right, Aiyana Gonzalez (40), Cynthia Garcia (40), Allison Fucik (30).

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club.

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club.

INDIVIDUAL TALENT

JUNIOR GROUP TALENT

District Six Top Junior Sky Garcia (40) and Top Teen Cynthia Garcia (40).

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

HANDICRAFT

Left to right, Bethany Baker (30), Luc Marcaurele (30), Cynthia Garcia (40), Sarah Siptak (4).

Left to right, Lauren Kresta (30), Tristan Voldan (148), Myranda Zielonka (148), Ryan Drapela (30).

HOBBY KITS

NEEDLEWORK Left to right, Trianna Manzano (40), Brittany Baker (30), Cynthia Garcia (40).

Left to right, Trianna Manzano (40), Myles Svatek (30), Cynthia Garcia (40), Dylan Treumer (30).

Left to right, Kelly Taylor (40), Brittany Baker (30), Sky Garcia (40), Andrew Zielonka (148).

SCIENCE AND EDUCATION

SEWING

PHOTOGRAPHY

PICTORIAL ARTS

Left to right, Grant Bubela (30), Tristan Voldan (148), Sky Garcia (40), Allison Fucik (30).

Left to right, Grant Bubela (30), Luc Marcaurele (30), Sky Garcia (40), Dylan Treumer (30).

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Left to right, Kierra Taylor (40), Andrew Kresta (30), Sky Garcia (40), Dylan Treumer (30).

FOODS

2012 District Six Youth Achievement Day First Place Craft Winners

CONSTRUCTED ITEMS

VӖSTNÍK

Left to right, Aiyana Gonzalez (40), Luc Marcaurele (30), Cynthia Garcia (40), Allison Fucik (30).

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2012 District Six Youth Achievement Day Scenes

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LEFT PHOTO: Assistant District Six Youth Counselor Susan Siptak (4), left, District Six Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela (30), and District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom get ready to start District Six Youth Achievement Day. CENTER PHOTO: Lodge 30 members prepare and serve a delicious lunch. Left to right are Brenda Drapela, Wanda Dorotik, Debbie

Krpec, Kirby Bubela Lange, and Patsy Baker. RIGHT PHOTO: DYC Lisa Bubela, far left, instructs YAD volunteers. They are, second from left, Susan Siptak (4), Shirley Kalmus (4) (barely visible behind Susan), Patsy Baker (30), Nancy Fucik (30), Yvonne Marcaurele (30), Tria Svatek (30), and Marjorie Treumer (30).

LEFT PHOTO: Thanks, youth leaders! Left to right are DYC/Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Leader Lisa Bubela; Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Youth Leader Cathy Garcia; Lodge 4, Hallettsville Youth Leader Shirley Kalmus; and Lodge 148, El Maton Youth Leader Melissa Zielonka and Assistant Youth Leader Chris Zielonka. Not pictured is Assistant DYC Susan Siptak of Lodge 4, Hallettsville. CENTER PHOTO: Tabulating the

day’s scores are, left to right, Kathy Ahlstrom (32), Stephanie Fucik (30), Director Mike Ahlstrom, Elizabeth Vahalik (4), and Patsy Zabransky (4).

RIGHT PHOTO: Congratulating District Six Duchess Lauren Kresta are brother Andrew, sister Emily, and mother Sara. Congratulating Queen Allison are sisters Stephanie and Jessica; mother Nancy; and grandparents A.J. and Joann Hlavaty and Annie Fucik.

LEFT PHOTO: Flag bearers Ryan Drapela (30), left, and Luc Marcaurele (30) bring in the flags to start the day’s program. PHOTO 2: Thanks to District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom and wife Kathy for all of their service to the District Six Youth Program. Mike retired from the director’s posi-

tion at the end of July. PHOTO 3: JC and Carmen Kocurek, both of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje, show support for the youth. RIGHT PHOTO: Kirby Bubela Lange, left, with son Grant Bubela, and sister 2007 District Six Queen Kenna Bubela.

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 30 President Yvonne Marcaurele and granddaughter Simone Riha. PHOTO 2: 2011 District Six Duchess Trianna Manzano (40) and Queen Jessica Fucik (30). PHOTO 3: Sarah Siptak

(4), left, and Kathy Ahlstrom (32). RIGHT PHOTO: The Fucik sisters: 2010/2012 District Six Queen Allison; 2006/2008 Queen Stephanie; and 2009/2011 Queen Jessica.

VӖSTNÍK

District Six Camp

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

July 12 to 15, 2012 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas

Districts Five, Six, and Seven at-

tended summer camp at SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter Texas. There were 110 SPJST youth and adults from Districts Five, Six, and Seven. Lodges 30, Taiton; 40, El Campo-Hillje; and 4, Hallettsville, who are all a part of District Six participated in the camping session.

Camp was under the direction of the District Youth Counselors from Districts Five, Six, and Seven. Leaders-inTraining (LITs) conducted many of the events taking place for the camping session. LITs from District Six were Ryan Drapela, Dylan Treumer, and Jacob and Jeremy Supak, all of Lodge 30, Taiton; Cynthia and Sky Garcia, both of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje; and Sarah Siptak of Lodge 4, Hallettsville. Through the weekend, LITs were in charge of various responsibilities and activities.

Youth arrived on Thursday morning, July 12. Upon arrival, they all met in the Strnadel building for orientation of camp rules that was given by State Youth Director Frank Horak and ENC Executive Director John Hoelscher.

Everyone then was dismissed to the dining hall for lunch. After lunch, everyone was sent to the cabins to get ready for the first event of the camping session. Many of the activities for the

camping session were at Fayette Lake for water sport activities such as banana boat riding, swimming, skiing, and riding in the boats. Activities at the camp were archery, gun safety, swimming, indoor and outdoor games, high and low ropes course, and crafts.

Special guests who attended camp were past SPJST State Youth Director and current SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm Executive Director John Hoelscher and wife Lisa. They were our bus drivers and boat drivers. Hats off to the staff at Cooper Farm. They were a great big help, and the youth loved and enjoyed spending the weekend with them!

Chaperones were Tommy Drapela, Greg Bubela, Yvonne Marcaurele, Patsy Baker, and Tria Svatek, all of Lodge 30, Taiton, and Inez Villarreal of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje.

Thanks for the

great help and hard work and for always being with the youth and staying on top of things. A great big thank you to our Camp Nurse Teresa Treybig for fixing all the boo-boos and headaches.

I know most of you have jobs, and I appreciate you taking the time off to spend with us as chaperones. Thanks to my Assistant DYC Susan Siptak for always being at my side and willing to go that extra mile for the youth. And, for my big thank you to District Five Youth Counselor Barbara Linney-Gonzales and District Seven Youth Counselor Wendy Pruski. We had the most wonderful time camping with all of you. We all worked so very hard to make it fun for the youth. It was a great

57

pleasure to get to know you all and interact with you, your youth, and parents.

I can say that District Six they had another great year camping at Cooper Farm. We are definitely looking for a greater time next camping season. And for ENC Executive Director John Hoelscher, well, you did it again! You out did yourself in make the camping season so much fun and enjoyable. The kitchen cook Yolanda and her family did a great job. She is a keeper. The camp staff men and women—what a great group that was hard working, fun, and full of energy. They interact with the campers very well and as if they have known them for years—and maybe some have. And, we can’t leave out John’s wonderful wife Lisa Hoelscher. As most of the youth said, “We like riding in Mrs. Lisa’s boat, and her being our bus driver.” Thanks for sharing her with us during the camping session.

It is a great privilege to serve as DYC of District Six. I look forward to the camping season next year with Districts Five and Seven. Let’s keep passing on all the “smiles” that the SPJST Youth Program has to offer.

Lisa Bubela District Six Youth Counselor • • • SPJST • • •

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2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Seven Youth Achievement Day

VÓ–STNĂ?K

Sunday, July 1, 2012 - Jourdanton, Texas

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Jiovanna Wells (202) 2nd - Katlyn Polasek (202) 3rd - Zachary Howard (185)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Isabella Wiederhold (202) 2nd - Samara Valdez (202) 3rd - Ross Jaroszewski (185)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Isaac Schmidt (185) 2nd - Luke Jaroszewski (185) 3rd - Michelle House (202) Foods Ages 9 to 11 1st - Madison Lutz (202) 2nd - Zachary Howard (185) 3rd - Jordan Woodall (185)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Leah McDonald (185) 2nd - David Popham Sanders (202) 3rd - Amanda Hoggard (202) Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Lane Hoggard (202) 2nd - Michelle House (202) 3rd - Luke Jaroszewski (185) Handicraft Ages 9 to 11 1st - Ciara Popham (202) 2nd - Jiovanna Wells (202)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Noah Schmidt (185) 2nd - Leah McDonald (185) 3rd - Isabella Wiederhold (202)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Lane Hoggard (202) 2nd - Isaac Schmidt (185) 3rd - Sammy Hoggard (202) Hobby Kits Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kelly House (202) 2nd - Ethan Hilbig (185) 3rd - Ciara Popham (202)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Isabella Wiederhold (202) 2nd - Leah McDonald (185) 3rd - Tyler Hilbig (185)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Clay Howard (185) 2nd - Sammy Hoggard (202) 3rd - Hayley Hilbig (185) Needlework Ages 9 to 11 1st - Jordan Woodall (185) 2nd - Zachary Howard (185) Ages 12 to 14 1st - Angel Valdez (202) 2nd - Noah Schmidt (185)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Sammy Hoggard (202)

Photography Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Diego Valdez (202) 2nd - Gillian Lewis (185) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kelly House (202) 2nd - Ethan Hilbig (185) 3rd - Jordan Woodall (185)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Ross Jaroszewski (185) 2nd - Amanda Hoggard (202) 3rd - Leah McDonald (185)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Hannah Hancock (185) 2nd - Emily Hancock (185) 3rd - Samara Valdez (202)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Lane Hoggard (202) 2nd - Michelle House (202) 3rd - Isaac Schmidt (185) Sewing Ages 9 to 11 1st - Madison Lutz (202) 2nd - Kelly House (202) 3rd - Ethan Hilbig (185)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Isabella Wiederhold (202) 2nd - Samara Valdez (202) 3rd - Noah Schmidt (185)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Michelle House (202) 2nd - Isaac Schmidt (185) 3rd - Hayley Hilbig (185) Scrapbook 1st - Lodge 185, New Braunfels

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Sammy Hoggard (202) 2nd - Lane Hoggard (202) 3rd - Michelle House (202)

Pictorial Arts Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Diego Valdez (202) 2nd - Gillian Lewis (185) Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kelly House (202) 2nd - Jiovanna Wells (202) 3rd - Ciara Popham (202)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Emily Hancock (185) 2nd - Samara Valdez (202) 3rd - Kendall Lewis (185)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Lane Hoggard (202) 2nd - Isaac Schmidt (185) Science and Education Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kelly House (202) 2nd - Jiovanna Wells (202)

Youth Ach ievement Day

Constructed Items Ages Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Diego Valdez (202) 2nd - Gillian Lewis (185)

Individual Talent Ages 9 to 11 1st - Ciara Popham (202)

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Tyler Hilbig (185) 2nd - David Popham Sanders (202) 3rd - Ross Jaroszewski (185) Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Sammy Hoggard (202)

Senior Group Talent 1st - Lodge 185, New Braunfels Royalty District Seven King Lane Hoggard (202) District Seven Duke Ethan Hilbig (185) District Seven Queen Michelle House (202) District Seven Duchess Katlyn Polasek (202)

SPJST Youth C olorin g Fun !

VӖSTNÍK

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2012 District Seven Youth Achievement Day First Place Winners 2012 - 2013 DISTRICT SEVEN ROYALTY

59

YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

LEFT PHOTO: The 2012-2013 District Seven Royalty are Duchess Katlyn Polasek, Queen Michelle House, and King Lane Hoggard, all of Lodge 202, Jourdanton, and Duke Ethan Hilbig of Lodge 185, New Braunfels. ABOVE: Congratulations to Youth Achievement Award recipient Shelby Howard of Lodge 185, New Braunfels. She is pictured with DYC Wendy Pruski and State Youth Director Frank Horak.

INDIVIDUAL TALENT

SENIOR GROUP TALENT

District Seven Top Teen is Sammy Hoggard and Top Junior is Amanda Hoggard, both of Lodge 202, Jourdanton.

Left to right, Ciara Popham (202), Tyler Hilbig (185), Sammy Hoggard (202).

Lodge 185, New Braunfels. Left to right, Hannah Hancock, Regan Lewis.

SCRAPBOOK

TOP TEEN AND TOP JUNIOR

Lodge 185, New Braunfels Youth Club.

Congratulations to President’s Student Service Award recipients, left to right, Lane Hoggard, Sammy Hoggard, Michelle House, Kelly House, and Amanda Hoggard, all of Lodge 202, Jourdanton.

VӖSTNÍK

HANDICRAFT

Left to right, Diego Valdez (202), Jiovanna Wells (202), Isabella Wiederhold (202), Isaac Schmidt (185).

Left to right, Madison Lutz (202), Leah McDonald (185), Lane Hoggard (202).

Left to right, Ciara Popham (202), Noah Schmidt (185), Lane Hoggard (202).

HOBBY KITS

NEEDLEWORK

FOODS

2012 District Seven Youth Achievement Day First Place Craft Winners

CONSTRUCTED ITEMS

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

60

Left to right, Jordan Woodall (185), Angel Valdez (202), Sammy Hoggard (202).

Left to right, Diego Valdez (202), Kelly House (202), Ross Jaroszewski (185), Sammy Hoggard (202).

Left to right, Diego Valdez (202), Kelly House (202), Emily Hancock (185), Lane Hoggard (202).

SCIENCE AND EDUCATION

SEWING

PHOTOGRAPHY

PICTORIAL ARTS

Left to right, Kelly House (202), Isabella Wiederhold (202), Clay Howard (185).

Left to right, Kelly House (202), Hannah Hancock (185), Lane Hoggard (202).

Left to right, Madison Lutz (202), Isabella Wiederhold (202), Michelle House (202).

VӖSTNÍK

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Seven Youth Achievement Day Scenes

61

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 202, Jourdanton hosted YAD and served lunch.

Adults, in back, assist youth with lunch sales. Youth are David Popham Sanders, far left, back, Katlyn Polasek, front, left, and Michelle House.

CENTER PHOTO: Michelle House (202), left, works on Katlyn Polasek’s (202) hair as Kelly House (202), right, looks on. RIGHT PHOTO: Proud grandpa Roy Haag (185) holds granddaughter Lilyanna Howard.

LEFT PHOTO: Ciara Popham (202) is all smiles as her mother Jolene Sanders applies makeup before Ciara’s individual talent. CENTER PHOTO: YAD attendees bid on kolache entries in the silent auction.

RIGHT PHOTO: On their day off from SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm, camp staff Shelby Howard (185), left, Stephen Mazur (202), and Kellie Ihlenfeldt (17) enjoy District Seven YAD.

LEFT PHOTO: State Youth Director Frank Horak, left, David Nauert, center, and District Seven State Field Representative Don Strickland.

CENTER PHOTO: Youth look through Lodge 185, New Braunfels Youth

Club’s winning scrapbook. RIGHT PHOTO: Tabulating the day’s scores are, left to right, Valerie Barta (202), Polly Bayer (107), and District Seven Director Bob Bayer.

LEFT PHOTO: Congratulating District Seven Queen Michelle House and Duchess Katlyn Polasek are, from left, Katlyn’s grandparents Katherine and Albert Marek and mother Kathleen Polasek, and Michelle’s parents James and Regina House, sister Kelly, grandparents John and Georgia Marek, and aunt/godmother Sharon La Grange. RIGHT PHOTO: Con-

gratulating District Seven King Lane Hoggard and Duke Ethan Hilbig are, from left, Ethan’s sister Hayley, brother Tyler, and mother Cathryn Hilbig, and Lane’s sister Amanda, mother Sandra, and brother Sammy Hoggard and grandparents Bettie and Lloyd House. Best wishes to the newly crowned royalty in their 2012-2013 reign.

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District Seven Camp

VӖSTNÍK

July 12 to 15, 2012 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas

istrict Seven went to summer camp this year at SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) at Cooper Farm on Thursday, July 12 to Sunday, July 15, 2012, along with Districts Five and Six. We really had a great time this year!

Many fun activities were planned for the youth. The theme this year was “Blast from the Past” to coincide with the SPJST theme “Paying Tribute to our Past.” The youth had a good time as we kept them busy most of the day and into the night.

We had 36 campers (the Hula Hoops, the Legos, the Frisbees) along with 12 LITs (the Slinky’s and the Yo Yo’s) and 11 chaperones and staff.

Youth and adult members from Lodges 107, Floresville; 185, New Braunfels; 202, Jourdanton; and 258, Seguin were in attendance.

Staff and LITs began arriving at camp at 10 a.m. on Thursday to get camp set up and cars unpacked before campers began arriving at 11 a.m.

When campers arrived, they checked in at the pavilion to get their cabin assignments and headed over to the dining hall to decorate a water bottle and holder before having lunch.

After lunch, everyone headed to the cabins (the Burger Shack, Dairy Whip, Al’s Diner, Soda Shop, Drive In, Mel’s Diner, The Hop, Pig Stand, Snack Shack, and the Roller Rink) to get set up for the weekend and change into swimsuits for a swim test and an afternoon swim in the pool. The youth then enjoyed a scavenger hunt called the “Route 66 Races” before dinner.

Thanks to John for taking the youth on a great hayride our first night at camp, before coming back to enjoy a campfire with s’mores and games at the pavilion. After the younger campers went to bed, LITs continued to enjoy the game time at the pavilion.

Some of the other activities the youth enjoyed at camp this year included lake activities with the tubes (although rain threatened to put a damper on part of our time, we still had great fun), swimming, archery, riflery (with BB guns), crafts, high ropes course, low ropes course (for the LITs), indoor/outdoor games, the blob, canoeing/kayaking, and a “drive-in movie” with popcorn.

On Saturday night, our last night at

D

2012 Campers, LITs, and Chaperones from Districts Five, Six, and Seven.

camp, the youth were treated to a 50s Sock Hop, complete with some 50s music and ice cream floats. Thanks to Donnie Howard for providing the great music for the sock hop. The youth really enjoyed the dance!

Many thanks to the chaperones for giving of their time to come and help with camp. The time you take off from your jobs to be with the youth and spend the weekend as a chaperone is greatly appreciated. We couldn’t do it without you. Also, a special thanks to Theresa Haag for being the “snack lady” at camp. You do such a wonderful job keeping us from going hungry.

Thanks to State Youth Director Frank Horak for coming to our camp and enjoying the time with us, and to Lisa and John for providing us with such a great camp and staff to make the weekend so enjoyable (especially because some of the staff are from District Seven).

Most of all, thanks to the youth of District Seven. I hope you enjoyed your time at SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm, and I hope you made some great friendships from your time with youth from other districts. We look forward to a bigger and better camp next year with more activities planned (and hopefully less rain).

Fraternally, Wendy Pruski District Seven Youth Counselor Regina House Assistant District Seven Youth Counselor • • • SPJST • • •

Campers and Chaperones from District Seven.

Leaders-in-Training (LITs) from District Seven.

VӖSTNÍK

2012 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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SPJST’s YOUTH PROGRAM

is poppin’ with fun!

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