Tommie & Gladys Lostak Scholarship Fund

Larry W. Pflughaupt Memorial Scholarship Fund

Donnie & Janice Victorick Scholarship Fund

Helen Fusig & King B. Hegwood Memorial Scholarship Fund

Ashley Victorick Scholarship Fund

Vernell Foyt Endowed Scholarship Fund

Rudy & Maxine Sefcik Benevolent Scholarship Fund

Myles Marek Endowed Scholarship Fund

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 the VFW, Cooks Point Community Center, Caldwell Brethren Church, and SPJST.

Ben F. Trcalek, Jr. Scholarship

Ben F. Trcalek, Jr. was a member of SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor for over 60 years. A native of Caldwell, Texas, Mr. Trcalek was a rancher, businessman, investor, and civic leader. He attended Texas Christian University on a football scholarship and was an avid sports enthusiast and a past football coach. Board member and past treasurer of the Czech Educational Foundation of Texas (CEFT), Mr. Trcalek was on the ground floor of the University of Texas Czech Chair and A&M Fellowship. He was life member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, member of Burleson County Czech Heritage Society, and a strong supporter of the Texas A&M 12th Man Foundation. He owned and operated with his parents, Rocking T Ranch, in and around Cooks Point, and was a founding member of Peoples National Bank.

Bessie Petr Scholarship

Bessie Petr was the longtime and devoted youth leader and District Youth Counselor of SPJST District Three. She was extremely active in SPJST and served as 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.”

Charles H. Chernosky Scholarship

Born in 1885 in Rocky Creek near Bellville, Charles H. Chernosky served as SPJST President from 1925 to 1948. An honor graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Charles helped organize the University’s first Czech club, Cechie, in 1909. Charles received his law degree in 1912 and promptly went about opening hi law office in Rosenberg. A champion of community causes, he was elected Judge of Fort Bend Country in 1918. A tireless supporter of civic causes, Charles was also an outspoken advocate for an independent Czechoslovak nation. In 1929, Texas Governor Moody selected Judge Chernosky as one of the first nine members of the newly established State Board of Education. Charles and his wife Vlasta Flyt Chernosky were married in 1912 and had four children, Charles Henry Jr., Juanita Eulalia, Joyce Clarina, and James Eugene. Charles passed away in 1963.

Cyrill “Sid” Pokladnik Scholarship

A successful businessman and lifelong SPJST supporter, Cyrill “Sid” Pokladnik served as president of SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas, District Three President, director of Dallas Czech Concert Orchestra, a founding director of 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 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 Lodge 48 Youth Leader and SPJST Camp counselor. An active member of Taylor Brethren Church, Denise was also a Sunday school teacher, Brethren Youth Fellowship sponsor, junior sermon leader, and Vacation Bible School teacher.

Edward L. Marek Scholarship

Edward L. Marek was the sixth President of SPJST and served 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 until 1943.

Ernest A. Wentrcek, 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, Sr. was a man of service to his country, community, and family. He spent most of his adult life serving SPJST as District Two Youth Counselor, State Fraternal Activities Coordinator, life insurance agent, and District Two Director. He held many positions at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton where he was a lifelong member.

Gladys Yates Scholarship

An active member of SPJST Lodge 66, Waco, Gladys Yates was a 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.

Helen Fusig and King B. Hegwood Scholarship

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 prestigious 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.

Joe B. Hejny Scholarship

Joe B. Hejny served as SPJST Vice President 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 SPJST’s statewide fraternal outreach programming.

Johnnie R. Krizan Scholarship

Johnnie R. Krizan served as SPJST District Three Director 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 SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood and was a top-producing SPJST sales agent for more than 40 years. He was a strong community booster and an avid Texas Rangers fan and member of the Baylor University Alumni Association.

J.R. Kubena Scholarship

Known as the “Father of SPJST,” J. R. Kubena was a member of SPJST 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, J.R. Kubena served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives for three terms — in 1903, 1905, and 1907. He also served for a term as mayor of Fayetteville. He was a member of the governing body — today known as the Board of Governors — at what was then Texas A&M College.

Larry W. Pflughaupt 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, Houston – a royal title which he earned at an early age and one which set the standard for what was to follow. A member of SPJST 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.

Myles Marek Scholarship

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.

Nick A. Morris Scholarship

Nick A. Morris served as SPJST President from 1969 until 1984. Prior to that, he served as SPJST Věstník Editor for six years. It was during his tenure as Editor that Mr. Morris started the SPJST library collection 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 the location on Central Avenue in Temple to its new headquarters at 520 North Main Street.

Otto Hanus Scholarships

A member of SPJST 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 the SPJST leadership and membership for the tireless and meticulous care he devoted in overseeing and maintaining the SPJST collection.

Ronnie Gene Marek Scholarship

Ronnie Marek grew up on the family farm in Meeks and had a lifelong love of farming and tractors. But after graduating high school, he decided to pursue a career in aircraft engineering. He was known for being detail oriented, methodically developing electrical wiring installation solutions across a multitude of  production and retrofit aerospace programs. Ron’s fingerprints are on many airframes both commercial and defense. The most notable are the Boing 777 airliner and Northrop Grumman B-2 bomber, aw well as the Lockheed Martin F-16 and F-22 fighter jets. Ron and his wife Lenese also volunteered much of their time to the Texas Early Day Tractor and Engine Association of Temple, Texas for more than 20 years, assisting with cleanup and proudly displaying their restored tractors and farm implements. Ronnie also took a keen interest in International Harvester Lone Star Chapter 25 and was involved in chapter activities for more than 20 years.

Rudy and Maxine Sefcik 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 SPJST Lodge 88, Houston and SPJST 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 the 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 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.

Susan Chandler Scholarship

Susan Chandler served as the curator and director of Temple’s Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center from 2014 until her untimely death on September 4, 2022. Throughout her service to the museum, Susan not only curated artifacts, but cultivated love-forged friendships and nurtured knowledge. Widely recognized for her passion for Czech history and culture, Susan was also a devoted mother to her four daughters, Grace Anne, Lauren, Marie, and Sarah, and a friend to many. The daughter of Charles and Retta Chandler, Susan attended Texas A&M and UT-Arlington Universities. She shared her talents as a communicator working for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Police Department, and the Temple Daily Telegram before establishing her lasting presence at the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center.

Tommie and 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.

Vernell Foyt Scholarship

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.

Victorick Family Scholarship

The Victorick Family Scholarship honors the memories of Janice and Ashley Victorick, wife and son of longtime SPJST District One Director Donnie Victorick of Snook. A loving wife and a devoted mother to daughter Melissa and son Ashley, Janice passed away in 2021. Helping to care for others, working to make a positive difference, and cooking were the things she loved to do. Janice was the rock for Donnie and supported him in all facets of his career. Janice’s unwavering support and belief in Donnie built him up to believe in himself and the causes that he continues to champion. Ashley, who passed away in 2022, was a lifelong member of SPJST and in recent years served as District Five President and as Secretary of the SPJST Finance Committee. As a member of Lodge 88, Houston, Ashley served in many key roles including Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Treasurer, and as a member of the Bingo Committee.