Vestnik Project

Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club reports on May meeting

Dear Readers,

The youth of Lodge 84, Dallas continue to meet monthly via Zoom. Youth Leader Lynda Novak keeps us on our toes by reminding us of all things that are due or coming up that we should work on and deadlines that we should mark on our calendars. I have all my Youth Achievement Day (YAD) entries already submitted and am current on my Vestnik projects so I am ready for YAD . . . are you?

Youth leader Lynda also reminded us about State Fraternal Director Frank Horak’s webcasts. It is important to be registered to attend those because they are very informative.

That is about all I have to report on until next month. Fraternally, Josh Tucker, age 12 Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 185 New Braunfels youth wins first place in cookoff

I went to a cookoff in New Braunfels, on Friday, May 7, 2021, and entered the chef’s choice division. I won first place with my ribeye. Skeet Kitchen, age 10 —SPJST—

SPJST June Věstník Project

This project earns a maximum 1 point in the SPJST Youth Merit Point System. To complete the project questions to earn 1 point in the SPJST Merit Point System, scan the QR Code below, or go directly to spjst.org/programs/vestnik-project/

Get to Know District One Youth Counselor Hannah Kovar

Hannah Kovar was born at Humana Hospital in Bryan, Texas, on September 11, 1992, to David and Sharon Kovar. Hannah grew up in Snook and continues to reside there today. Hannah’s father grew up in the SPJST Youth Program and was District One King during his time. Her mother, however, did not grow up in the program, but she knew she wanted her children involved in this organization. Hannah is a lifelong member of SPJST and became an active youth member at the age of eight. Hannah is the oldest of two kids; she has a younger brother named Hayden. Growing up, Hannah spent most of her summers at her grandparents’ house. There she would spend her days outside playing baseball, riding around in the pasture, or playing ping-pong in her grandfather’s shop. As a youth club member, Hannah enjoyed participating in youth achievement day (YAD) where she competed in royalty, talent, and crafts. Although she never advanced to state in royalty (first runner-up both years) or talent, she did advance in several craft categories. One of her best memories from State YAD is winning the special category contest by painting a rock to look like a lamb. Hannah was also a member of the Lodge 9, Snook Ceska Beseda group where she danced for six years.

When she was eight years old, Hannah began attending SPJST camp at Camp Val Verde. She has many memories of camp from horseback riding, hiking the trails, Christy’s Crossing, and parties on the basketball courts. Hannah loves SPJST camp and has only missed one year of camp since she was eight. Hannah also attended camp at Forest Glen and has continued at Camp Kubena. Hannah’s last year as a leader-intraining (LIT) was her first year at Camp Kubena. She fondly remembers sleeping on the floors of the dining hall due to the cabins not being built yet.

Hannah graduated from Snook High School where she was active in FFA, volleyball, basketball, softball, track, tennis, golf, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was also active in 4-H and the 4-H Exchange program, traveling to Tennessee, Kansas, and Pennsylvania. Hannah raised market rabbits and goats to show in the Burleson County Fair for many years. Her love of goats allowed her to raise her own baby goats for a few years. Hannah was also crowned the 2010 Burleson County Fair Queen.

Hannah has enjoyed making kolaches throughout the years and has entered them in the Kolache Fest bake show several times. She was crowned Miss Kolache Fest in 2011 and 2012 and won grand and reserve champion with her kolaches in 2012.

After high school, Hannah attended Texas A&M University where she graduated with a degree in recreation, parks, and tourism sciences with an emphasis in youth development. She is employed as an admin istrative associate at Texas A&M Counseling and Psychological Services. Hannah also works part-time at Aggie sporting events as a concession’s supervisor.

Hannah is active at Lodge 9, Snook. She was Assistant District One Youth Counselor for three years and has served as District One Youth Counselor since 2020.

—SPJST—

SPJST Flag Day Contest

What is it?

Each year, SPJST sponsors a Flag Day Contest to promote patriotism and creative writing.

Who can enter?

All SPJST members who are entering kindergarten or age 5 to high school senior. Youth club membership is not required. The age group will be determined by January 1.

2021 Theme

“United We Stand”

The Rules a Write a Flag Day essay or poem with the theme “United We

Stand.” Essay length must be between 150 to 500 words. a Entries must be typed. a Entries must be original and created by the youth member. a Entries become the property of

SPJST and will not be returned. a Entries must include a cover sheet with participant’s name, address, phone number, and lodge number. a Entries must be received by May 31, 2021. a Send entries to:

SPJST State Fraternal Director Frank Horak c/o SPJST Home Office PO Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503-0100 Email: frankh@spjst.com Judging

Entries will be judged by a panel of writing specialists. Judging is based on the entry’s creativity, grammar, and neatness.

Awards

All participants will receive a participation certificate. Youth club members will also receive five* merit points in the Merit Point System. Winning entries will be published in the Veštník. Grand Prize Winner $100 gift card and winning entry published in the Veštník. (Youth winning grand prize will not receive age category prize.) Age Category Prizes Ages Entering Kindergarten or Age 5 to 8 Years $50 Gift Card Ages 9 to 11 Years $50 Gift Card Ages 12 to 14 Years $50 Gift Card Ages 15 Years to High School Senior $50 Gift Card —SPJST—

Color the Patriotic Picture

All SPJST members ages eight and under can participate. All participants’ names will be entered in a drawing for prizes. All entries will be exhibited at the SPJST Home Office in Temple. Entries must be postmarked by May 31, 2021.

Name ______________________________Age______Name ______________________________Age______ SPJST Lodge No. ___________________________SPJST Lodge No. ___________________________