Youth Section

SPJST Youth Section

The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Send your news and photos directly to: SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087 Email: vestnik@spjst.org Online: spjst.org/news/submitarticle-photo Questions? Call 800-727-7578

This section is dedicated to the youth of SPJST. As part of its membership benefits, SPJST offers a statewide youth program. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about opportunities offered to young members of SPJST, please contact your local lodge, District Youth Counselor (listed on page 2), State Fraternal Director at 800-727-7578, or visit www.spjst.org.

Lodge 47, Seaton youth: happy to get together with other lodges again

I had a great time at the pizza and skating party for District Two. I’m really happy that we can finally get together with the kids from other lodges again. I missed getting to see my friends. I’m glad I went because I’m not a great skater, but by the end of the party, I was doing pretty good. Sydney Bilbrey, age 9 —SPJST—

Lodge 47, Seaton youth ready for spring break

Dear Vestnik Readers,

I can’t wait for spring break! It will be so fun! We just started swim lessons at school. It is so fun! We get to go swimming during class time.

On Friday, it’s my BlueBonnet breakfast. I had to read five BlueBonnet books and pass AR tests to be able to go. We will get to do crafts and eat donuts! I can’t wait!

I am getting started with YAD crafts. I am hoping to do some categories for it. See you in April! Fraternally Travis Ordogne, age 10 —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis youth hopes to make queen dream a reality

Dear Readers,

I am running for SPJST District Three Queen at Youth Achievement Day (YAD) on Sunday, March 27, 2022. It has been a dream of mine to become queen since I was in kindergarten. Staring at the beautiful crowns for the queen really got my desire to become queen started. I was State Duchess with my older and younger brother being State King and Duke in 2017-2018. I can’t believe it’s my turn to get a chance to capture the crown. Fraternally yours, Madison Holland, age 14 —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena youth begins track season

Dear SPJST,

We started track season and ran against some big schools last week. There were lots of fast kids. I did okay. We have lots to work on for our relay though. I can’t wait for the next track meet.

Tanner Wood, age 17 —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena youth plays tennis

Dear SPJST,

I have been playing tennis for about three weeks now. I really do enjoy it. I have a pretty good partner so I’m hoping we can place in district. Hunter Wood, age 16 —SPJST—

Lodge 49, Rowena youth enjoys science

Dear SPJST,

School is going okay. It’s getting harder for me. We are doing our benchmarks this week. I have to do science. I like science. Cotton Wood, age 11 —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis youth visits grandparents; attends meeting

Dear Readers,

My dad is in the Texas National Guard, and he’s been gone since September. My grandma and grandpa pick me up in Farmersville once a month so I can go to the youth club meeting. I enjoy spending time with my family in Ennis.

Fraternally yours, Maison Holland, age 11 —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis youth: dirt pile playing fun

“I played in the dirt piles after the meeting,” says Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club member Kalynn Ryan. “It was fun!” LEFT PHOTO: Kalynn and sister Kenley enjoy a cupcake. RIGHT PHOTO: Youth are pictured playing outdoors. Kalynn and sister Kenley conquer the top of the rock pile. —Submitted by Kalynn Ryan, age 8

State Queen Megan Ohnheiser wins at Guadalupe show

Congratulations to 2021-2022 State Queen Megan Ohnheiser of Lodge 185, New Braunfels for receiving the reserve grand champion baked goods award at the 2022 Guadalupe County Youth Livestock and Homemakers Show. Her entry was a carrot cake with brown butter frosting and candied pecans. Megan’s placement also landed her in the premium auction where she was able to sell her cake. Megan is a member of St. James 4-H Club in Seguin and has participated in the youth show for seven years.

—SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club prepares for District Three YAD

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club met on Sunday, March 6, 2022. We are busy getting ready for District Three Youth Achievement Day (YAD), which will be held at our lodge on Sunday, March 27. We are looking forward to hosting this event in Ennis. Fraternally yours, Rita Holland, Youth Leader —SPJST—

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club and adult guests recognize March birthday celebrants - Luke and April. Happy birthday! RIGHT PHOTO: 2019-2020 SPJST State Queen and Lodge 25 youth member Misty Dvorak, left, reviews royalty questions with Madison and Preston.

Lodge 202, Jourdanton youth wins first Place at powerlifting meet

I received first place on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at my powerlifting meet in San Antonio, Texas. I squat 635, bench 425, and deadlift 515. I will be competing in regionals on March 11, at Bishop.

Diego Valdez, age 16 —SPJST—

Lodge 187, Round Rock Youth Enjoy District Two Pizza and Skating Party Sunday, February 20, 2022 • Temple, Texas

Lodge 187, Round Rock Youth Club members enjoyed the District Two pizza and skating outing on Sunday, February 20, 2022, in Temple. LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are Mathieu McCarthy, Elijah Clark, and Hazel Smith. Elijah and Hazel are the grandchildren of Jennifer McCarthy. PHOTO 2: Mathieu McCarthy is pictured on the skating floor. PHOTO 3: Mathieu McCarthy and Hazel Smith. PHOTO 4: Pictured are Greg McCarthy, District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky, Mathieu McCarthy, Elijah Clark, and Hazel Smith. RIGHT PHOTO: Hazel Smith and Elijah Clark enjoy the skating party. —Submitted by Jennifer McCarthy, Youth Coordinator