To SPJST’s 2023 Scholarship Recipients :

Lodge 88, Houston

The Woodlands College Park High School

Son of Cathy Pittenger and David Pittenger

College - Undecided

Computer Science

Lodge 229, Abilene

Cooper High School

Daughter of Rebecca Race

Cisco College

Major - Undecided

Keith

Lodge 186, Caldwell

Caldwell High School

Son of Sharon and Christopher Ramon Blinn College

HVAC Technology

Ian Ranly

Lodge 47, Seaton

Rogers High School

Son of Gary and Stephanie Ranly

Texas A&M University Engineering

Lodge 66, Waco

Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts

Son of Victoria Rosas and Jared Rossi

College - Undecided

Biomedical Engineering

Ryan

Lodge 84, Dallas

Forney High School

Son of Travis Ruzicka and Jennifer Ruzicka

Texas A&M University

Computer Science/Engineering

Lodge 92, Fort Worth

Birdville High School

Daughter of Kristin Scaff and Brent Scaff

College - Undecided

Biological Sciences

Lodge 30, Taiton

El Campo High School

Daughter of Lilburn and Stephanie Schulz

Texas A&M University Accounting

Lodge 9, Snook

Snook High School

Son of Randall and Jonna See

Texas A&M University

Animal Sciences

Lodge 9, Snook

Snook High School

Son of John See, III and Robin Burns

Blinn College

Agricultural Leadership and Development

Abbie Stehling

Lodge 30, Taiton

El Campo High School

Daughter of Jeanine Stehling and Nolin Stehling

Texas A&M University

Briley Strey

Lodge 258, Seguin

Marion High School Daughter of Kurt and Barbara Strey

Texas Lutheran University Biology

Lodge 25, Ennis

Ennis High School

Son of Bill and Lisa Sullivan

Culinary Institute of America

Culinary Arts

Trevor Wuensche

Lodge 48, Beyersville

Taylor High School

Son of John Wuensche

Temple College

Major - Undecided

Ashley Victorick Scholarship

Ashley was a lifelong member of SPJST, serving as District Five President, secretary of the SPJST Finance Committee, and a delegate at the 2021 SPJST Convention. Ashley helped in almost all areas of SPJST throughout the years. He saw a need to speed up the tabulation process at youth competitions and created a program to expedite it. He supported the youth in every endeavor. At Lodge 88, Houston, Ashley served in many capacities as a member, past chair of the Board of Trustees, Treasurer, and member of the Bingo Committee. Perhaps his favorite time spent at the lodge was serving as bar chair because it combined his love for helping people and his ability to analyze data.

* Ben and Martha Trcalek Scholarship

Ben and Martha Trcalek were longtime members of SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor and residents of Cooks Point where they engaged in cattle ranching. Ben and Martha were avid fans of Texas A&M University athletic teams and were both active in the community and strong supporters of numerous civic organizations including VFW, Cooks Point Community Center and Caldwell Brethren Church and, of course, SPJST.

* Ben F. Trcalek, Jr. Scholarship

Ben F. Trcalek, Jr. was a rancher, businessman, investor and civic leader. A native of Bryan, Texas, Mr. Trcalek was a graduate of Texas A&M University and a member of SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor. An avid sports enthusiast and a past football coach, Mr. Trcalek was a board member and past treasurer of the Czech Educational Foundation of Texas, life member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and a strong supporter of the Texas A&M 12th Man Foundation

* Bessie Petr Scholarship

Bessie Petr was the longtime and devoted youth leader and District YouthCounselor of SPJST District Three. She was extremely active in SPJST and served as the Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Leader for 63 years. Generations of children grew into young adults under her guidance, and lovingly referred to her as Mama Bessie. A devout Catholic and member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Bessie was known throughout the Greater Dallas region for culinary skills and Bessie’s Catering.

Birdie Hilsher Pech Scholarship

Birdie Hilsher Pech of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston was a driving force behind SPJST’s Youth Movement in the early 1950s. In a Věstník column that Sister Pech wrote in 1953, she says, “If you think that the grass is just a little greener on the other side of the fence, better think twice. Our SPJST has all of the green grass. It is up to us to keep it watered now and keep it growing bigger and better all the time. Keep our youth and keep them entertained for a greater future of our SPJST, for without them, we would perish as grass would die without water.”

Cyrill “ Sid ” Pokladnik Scholarship

A successful businessman and lifelong SPJST supporter, Cyrill Polkladnik served as President of Lodge 84, Dallas, District Three President, Director of the Dallas Czech Concert Orchestra, a founding Director of the S.P.J.S.T. Rest Homes, and for 32 years as District Three Director. In addition to his involvement with SPJST, Mr. Pokladnik served as President of the Texas Fraternal Congress and as President of the National Fraternal Congress of America Fraternal Section.

* Denisse Wuensche Scholarship

Denisse Wuensche of SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville loved helping children and teaching them new things. She loved volunteering and serving as the Youth Club Leader and Camp Counselor. An active member of Taylor Brethren Church, Denisse was also a Sunday School Teacher, Brethren Youth Fellowship Sponsor, Junior Sermon Leader, and Vacation Bible School Teacher.

Donnie & Janice Victorick Scholarship

Janice Victorick, the late wife of SPJST District One Director Donnie Victorick, was a very hard worker who was always willing to lend a helping hand. She loved being able to travel with Donnie on trips for SPJST. She went to every lodge meeting with him, even when she was working full time. She loved meeting and talking to people and was never at a loss for words. Helping, caring for, working, and cooking were the things she loved. Janice was a 51-year member of SPJST Lodge 9, Snook when she passed in 2021. She is survived by husband Donnie Victorick.

Edward L. Marek Scholarship

Edward L. Marek was the sixth President of SPJST and service in that capacity from 1949 through 1969. Prior to that, Mr. Marek served as Vice President from 1945 through 1949, and as Financial Secretary from 1933 to 1943.

Sr. Scholarship

Ernest A. Wentrcek, Sr. of Bryan was a founding member and President of SPJST Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station and a 20-year member of the SPJST Finance Committee. Mr. Wentrcek attended Texas A&M University and served as Associate Director for Business Affairs of Texas Engineering Extension Service. He owned two family businesses: W&W General Contractors, Inc. and W&W Real Estate Company and was one of the organizers of the First Federal Savings and Loan in Bryan.

Frank E. Klinkovsky, Sr. Scholarship

Known for always being concerned about others, Frank E. Klinkovsky was a man of service to his country, community, and family. He spent most of his adult life serving SPJST as District Youth Counselor, State Fraternal Activities Coordinator, Life Insurance Agent, was on the Board of Directors as District Two Director. He also held many positions at Lodge 47, Seaton - Star Hall, where he was a life-long member.

* Gladys Yates Scholarship

An active member of Lodge 66, Waco, Gladys Yates was the beloved SPJST State Fraternal Activities Coordinator who served from 2001 until her untimely death in 2004. As a testament to her fraternal commitment, Ms. Yates also served as District Three President and as District Three Assistant Youth Counselor for many years.

Joe B. Hejny Scholarship

Joe B. Hejny served as Vice President of SPJST from 1956 until his death in 1978. Mr. Hejny’s passion for SPJST and its fraternal mission fueled Societal growth during his tenure as head of SPJST’s marketing and sales area. It was during Mr. Hejny’s service to SPJST that the SPJST Youth Program became a fully-integrated component of the SPJST’s statewide fraternal outreach programming.

* Johnnie R. Krizan Scholarship

Johnnie R. Krizan served as Director of SPJST District Three from 1997 until his untimely death in 2014. A member of Lodge 6, Cottonwood and graduate of Baylor University, Mr. Krizan also served as President of Lodge 6, Cottonwood and was a top-producing SPJST sales representative for more than 40 years. He was a strong community booster, an avid Texas Rangers fan, and a member of the Baylor University Alumni Association.

J.R. Kubena Scholarship

Known as the “Father of the SPJST,” J. R. Kubena was a member of Lodge 1, Fayetteville and served as SPJST Secretary from 1897 until his death in 1938, administering the affairs of SPJST out of a single room in his general store in Fayetteville. A civic leader with a keen sense of obligation to others, Mr. Kubena served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives for three termsin 1903, 1905 and 1907; and he served for a term as mayor of Fayetteville. He was also a member of the governing body - today known as the Board of Governors - at what was then Texas A&M College.

Scholarships given every other year

Helen (Fusig) and King B. Hegwood

King B. and Helen Fusig Hegwood were active members of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston for many years. King was a member of the Men’s Club, and for more than 40 years, he popped popcorn at the SPJST hall at Thursday night bingos. This earned him the title of “Popcorn King.” Helen served the Home Office as District Five State Field Representative from 1989 to 1998. She also served in local lodge, district, and state roles throughout her 75-year membership. Helen was an award-winning sales agent for many years, receiving the pres-

* Larry W. Pflughaupt Memorial Scholarship

Larry W. Pflughaupt was a 60-year member of SPJST and served as SPJST District Five Director from 2000 to 2016. His affinity for SPJST goes back to when he was 15 and was honored as the first Prince of Lodge 88, Houstona royal title which he earned at an early age and one which set the standard for what was to follow. A member of Lodge 88, Houston, Mr. Pflughaupt served as lodge president and along with his wife, Dorothy, was an avid supporter of the SPJST Youth Program at the lodge, district and state levels.

Nick A. Morris Scholarship

Nick A. Morris served as SPJST President from 1969 until 1984. Prior to that, he served as Editor of SPJST Věstník for six years - selected for the position by the Supreme Lodge after the death of Editor L.O. Hosek. It was during his tenure as Editor that Mr. Morris began the SPJST library collection in West, which would become the cornerstone of the SPJST Library, Archives, and Museum. It was also during Mr. Morris’ Presidency that the SPJST Home Office relocated from its location on Central Avenue in Temple to its new headquarters at 520 North Main Street.

* Otto Hanus Scholarship (2)

A member of Lodge 66, Waco, Otto Hanus was the first librarian, archivist and curator of the SPJST Library, Archives, and Museum serving in that capacity from 1971 until his death in 1987. Mr. Hanus earned the admiration and respect of SPJST leadership and membership for the tireless and meticulous care he devoted in overseeing and maintaining SPJST Library, Archives, and Museum collections.

* Rudy and Maxine Benevolence Scholarship

Rudy and Maxine Sefcik - lifelong SPJST members - earned the respect and admiration of SPJST members and the Texas Czech community statewide for their passion in promoting all things Czech. Rudy Sefcik, who was President of Lodge 88, Houston and later, Lodge 54, West, served as SPJST Věstník Editor from 1968 until 1992. Throughout his tenure as Věstník Editor, Rudy’s wife Maxine remained his faithful assistant, providing backup support in the newspaper’s composition. Perpetual community boosters, Rudy and Maxine also served as Master of Ceremonies for Westfest Cultural Entertainment program from its inception. Following Rudy’s passing in 1993, Maxine continued to serve as event Co-Emcee until health reasons prompted her to step down in 2018. As a lasting testament to Brother Rudy and Sister Maxine’s commitment to all things Czech, the Sefcik Amphitheatre on the Westfest fairgrounds is named in their honor.

* SPJST District Six Scholarship

The SPJST District Six Scholarship is funded annually thanks to the endowment established by the members of SPJST District Six. The scholarship is presented to a graduating senior on the basis of academic stature and activity within the lodge and/or district.

Tommie & Gladys Lostak Scholarship

A devoted fraternalist, Tommie served as secretary of SPJST Lodge 139, Danbury for 36 years and on the Publication Committee for 12 years. He hosted many annual SPJST district meetings at the Lone Pine in Danbury. Tommie was a farmer and rancher. When Tommie wasn’t working, he could be found playing with his children, playing on his softball team, or hunting. Tommie’s wife, Gladys, was a hard worker as well. She balanced many roles as Tommie’s supporter - always by his side, a mom and owner of a kolache shop in Danbury for several years.

* Denotes Endowed Scholarships —SPJST— tigious Million Dollar Producer Award each year from 1995 to 1999 and in 2001 and 2002. She will also be remembered for her beautiful voice with the Lodge 88 Czech Chorus.

Myles Marek

Myles Marek was a member of SPJST Lodge 79, Corpus Christi. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II and retired from Sun Oil in 1972 as a senior gas coordinator. Both Myles and his wife, Clarice, were strong supporters of the SPJST Scholarship Program.

Vernell Foyt

Vernell Foyt was passionate about volunteering at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, and she and her husband, Rudy, shared many “two steps” at the lodge hall before his passing. Vernell was on the Rules and Regulations Committee, treasurer of the Birthday Club Sisters, bingo volunteer, a member of the Swimming Pool Committee, and chair of the Entertainment Committee. As the head of the Entertainment Committee, Ms. Foyt enjoyed a special relationship with every band that performed at Lodge 88 as well as members of the lodge.