Vestnik Project

SPJST October 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 Seven Youth Counselor April Howard

District Seven Youth Counselor April Howard was born in what was once a small German community between Austin and San Antonio called New Braunfels to Roy and Theresa Haag. She is the only girl, stuck between two boys - Chris and Jonathan - and a lifelong member of SPJST Hill Country Lodge 185, New Braunfels.

Growing up in New Braunfels, April spent many days and nights on the waterways of New Braunfels swimming, tubing, rafting, and camping with family and friends. To this day, just the smell of the lakes and rivers joined with the sound of the croaking frogs at night is enough to put her heart at ease.

April has always been active, a mover and shaker with a love for music. It is said that she danced right out of her mother’s belly the day she was born. In elementary school, she participated in Kinderchoir, where children are taught to sing and dance German songs. She also participated in 4-H with sewing and baking, winning grand champion in the 1986 Comal County Youth Show for her cookie entry. Her parents signed her up for Hermann Sons dance to get some of her energy out until middle school, where she learned to play the clarinet and twirled in the marching band. With her newfound music abilities, her father started the “Village Family Band” which played at the family restaurant, Wurstfest, and once even at her own school.

In high school, April continued to play clarinet in the marching and symphonic band, but she decided it wasn’t enough, so she added high school choir to the mix. She was involved in several clubs in high school including Future Homemakers of America (FHA), Home Economics COOP, Business Professionals of America (BPA), Yearbook, German Club, and SPJST. All this involvement helped with competing in Youth Achievement Day (YAD) through the years. There wasn’t a category April did not compete in, with talent being her favorite.

She was so excited to become a teenager in order to become a LeaderIn-Training (LIT). With this rite of passage, she learned things such as CPR, first aid, low ropes, high ropes, how to lead games, and make longtime friendships. After LIT camp, the anticipation would begin with plans to meet up with her friends at State YAD which was a two-day affair at the time. Saturday was the royalty competition and dance. Sunday was the craft and talent competitions.

SPJST continued in April’s life. She became a camp lifeguard and chaperone as well as an SPJST sales agent when she turned 18 to keep Lodge 185, New Braunfels growing, and she continues to sell SPJST certificates today. She started as assistant youth leader as a teenager, has served as treasurer for her lodge for several years now, and serves as District Seven Youth Counselor today.

April graduated from Texas State University San Marcos with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. One piece of interesting information is that she has two diplomas. The school was changing its name from Southwest Texas University, so she received one from each university.

SPJST has always been in April’s life. She says: “SPJST was like going to school. It was just what I did, and I loved it! I went to monthly meetings where I learned how to conduct meetings, socialized, met new people, worked in teams, learned new crafts and talents for District YAD, discovered that youth may or may not be good public speakers, went to State YAD, and the most beloved of all, CAMP. Camp is where it was! I would count down the days until the day we would leave for camp. At camp, the youth learned how to ride horses, dance to ‘Popcorn’ with Ms. Maxine, synchronized swimming with Ms. Frankie. We learned how to hide our leftovers from Ms. Cornelius, raise and lower a flag in the worst conditions, tell a good ghost story, cross Christy’s Crossing with no fear, change clothes on top of a bunk bed without being seen, lived without AC, crafted with the best of them, sang camp songs at the top of our lungs under the stars, and bond. I was one of the lucky ones to be able to have my mom chaperone camp for 39 years, with her only recently retiring her title as chaperone/snack lady. Not too many people can say that.

“SPJST has been a very big part of my life. It helped create who I am today. Because of SPJST, I am a leader, cherish heritage, give back, value camp, and know the importance of the three F’s: family, friends, and fun! I have friends all over the United States. There aren’t too many festivals that I go to that I do not run into someone from my SPJST family. If I vacation in Florida, I know someone. If my plane is grounded in

Houston, I know someone. If I blow a tire in Dallas, I know someone. If I have a dead battery in San Angelo - you got it; I know someone. SPJST is where it’s at!”

—SPJST—