SPJST State Youth Achievement Day

Important Information for State YAD Contestants

Saturday, July 30, 2022, is our big youth event, and we are looking forward to welcoming you to Temple, Texas! It’s SPJST State Youth Achievement Day (YAD), and we can’t wait to see you at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center! We have an important list of tips to help you as you prepare for the day.

Location
Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center • 3303 N Third St • Temple, TX 76501
Plan to arrive at the Mayborn Center between 8:45 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 30.

Can’t Attend?
If you are a first place winner and cannot attend State YAD, please send an email by Tuesday, July 26 at 5 p.m. to frankh@spjst.com (Frank Horak) and tammym@spjst.com (Tammy Martinez).

The Day’s Schedule
8:45 to 9:45 a.m. – Check-in for Craft, Talent, Royalty, Scrapbook, and Beseda – All entries must be checked in by 9:45 a.m. No late check-ins will be accepted.
9 a.m. – Royalty Rehearsal for all royalty contestants (kings, queens, dukes, duchesses) at the stage.
9:45 a.m. – Beseda photos at the stage
10 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies
Beseda Performance
Group Talent – Senior Groups perform first, then Junior Groups
Individual Talent – 9th to 11th grades perform first, then 6th to 8th, then 3rd to 5th, then K to 2nd
Break for Craft Viewing and Silent Auction of Cookies
State Royalty Competition
Awards Presentations – Note: Craft, Talent, Royalty, and Scrapbook contestants must be present at the Awards Presentation in order to receive their award.
We anticipate the day to conclude at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Check-In Process
When you arrive at the Mayborn Center, please gather your entries and proceed to the lobby. Each contestant will receive a yellow entry verification card. Prior to entry check-in, please print your complete name and lodge number on the card. Signs will be posted in the lobby directing contestants where to proceed. Check-in areas are:

• Craft K to 2nd Grades*
• Craft 3rd to 5th Grades*
• Craft 6th to 8th Grades*
• Craft 9th to 11th Grades*
• Individual Talent*
• Group Talent*
• Royalty
• Beseda
• Scrapbook (for youth leaders)
*Present your yellow entry verification card at each of these check-in areas. The volunteer will check you in and stamp your yellow entry verification card.

After you have visited the entry check-in areas and had your card stamped, proceed to the Participation Awards table which will be labeled:

• A – F
• G – L
• M – R
• S – Z

Stand under the arrow that includes the first letter of your last name. (Example: Jane Doe will stand under the A – F arrow.)
Present your yellow entry verification card to the volunteer at the Participant Awards table. You will then receive your participation prize.

Important Entry Tips
Desserts – We recommend placing your cookies on a 12×10 Chinet white paper platter (plate). Then, place it in a two-gallon Ziploc-type storage bag. This will help us better handle your entry when preparing it for judging.

Hobby Kits – Hobby Kits project directions are not needed for judging.

Photography – Even though we have your photo entry, you still must check-in at your respective craft check-in area.

Other Craft Projects – Do not forget to bring the entries with you to State YAD.

Individual Talent / Group Talent
The Mayborn Center has an audio system that uses CDs/USB flash drives. Bring a backup of your music.
The media must be ready to play when given to the sound crew.
If not, a penalty of one point per judge will be assessed.
The recordings will be tested prior to the talent competition, but please check your music before coming to State YAD to ensure that it will play correctly.
A talent act can bring their own sound equipment as a backup; however, someone from your group will need to know the equipment and where to begin the music so the talent will start as practiced for the contest.
If any technical difficulties should arise, the contestant will have an opportunity to restart the talent.
Bring your props.
Contestants must not announce their name before performing. Contestants must announce the talent they will perform.
Setup and Breakdown Time Limits – If you exceed these time limits, one point per judge will be deducted:
Individual Talent – 2 minutes for setup 2 minutes for breakdown
Group Talent – 4 minutes for setup 4 minutes for breakdown Performance
Time Limits – If you exceed this time limit, one point per judge will be deducted:
Individual Talent – 3 minutes
Group Talent – 5 minutes
One more thing . . . Talent Contestants: relax and have fun!

Royalty Contestants
Bring your cue cards that contain your speech.
Register your entries prior to 9 a.m. Then meet at the stage at 9 a.m. for Royalty Rehearsal. It’s very important to attend the Royalty Rehearsal.
Queens and Duchesses – bring your tiaras and sashes. We encourage you to wear them during the day prior to the Royalty Competition. Please dress appropriately while wearing your official SPJST sash and tiara.
Bring your formal attire for the competition. Be ready for the competition at the time announced during the Royalty Rehearsal.
Kings and Dukes – bring your sashes. We encourage you to wear them during the day prior to the Royalty Competition. Please dress appropriately while wearing your official SPJST sash.
Bring a suit or nice blazer, button-down shirt, tie, dress pants, and dress shoes for the competition. Be ready for the competition at the time announced during the Royalty Rehearsal.
One final thing . . . Royalty Contestants: relax and have fun!

Food/Beverages Available
“Magnolia’s at the Mayborn” will offer the following menu:
Sandwiches – $5 each – Turkey and Swiss; Ham and Cheddar; Chicken Salad
Salads – $5 each – Chef; Chicken Caesar
Fun Favorites – Hot Dog $5; Chili Cheese Dog $6; Frito Pie $5; Nachos $4
Candy, chips, cookies, popcorn, and drinks (soda, water, orange juice, apple juice, hot chocolate, and Red Bull) will also be available. Magnolia’s will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What to Bring
The temperature inside the Mayborn Center may be too cool for some attendees. It’s always best to bring a light sweater, jacket, or blanket for comfort.

Best of Luck!
We are proud that you are a part of this event, and we wish the very best to each and every contestant. Safe travels to Temple.

Fraternally,
SPJST Member Engagement Team