ˇ ´ VESTNIK
Back To School
SPJST HERALD
Benevolence ★ Humanity ★ Brotherhood
Volume 114 Number 8
August 1, 2026
ISSN —07458800
They Came Home With More Than Memories SPJST Summer Camp Continues a Tradition of Friendship, Leadership, and Belonging.
One moment, campers The true value of camp launched rockets and climbed has never been the activities. high ropes. The next, they enIt’s always been our people. joyed Czech cookies and Frank Horak, director of laughed through the Grand member engagement, reMarch. flected on that lesson on his By week’s end, SPJST youth return home. members returned home un“You can schedule activloading more than suitcases. time with iends ities, but you can’t schedule a They unpacked traditions, sense of belonging,” Horak reflections of who they are, said. “That connection – that and hopes for who they will fellowship – it comes from become. our kids.” That is the lasting effect of That spirit stood out with SPJST Summer Camp. the Hermann Sons staff This year’s camp returned to throughout the week. SevHermann Sons Life Camp in eral staff members told Comfort. Friends reunited after Horak the SPJST group months apart, while first-time was their favorite. campers quickly found their Many remembered hostplace. ing SPJST last year and Hermann Sons filled each day looked forward to welwith crafts, games, sports, and coming everyone back. outdoor adventures. Yet the The staff joined ! e n li week’s greatest success wasn’t p zi e h t id Id Continued on Page 29. found on the schedule.
JULY Top SPJST Agents
FOR CONVENTION
Certificates Issued and Annualized Premium
DELEGATES
1st - Certificates Issued 2nd - Certificates Issued 3rd - Certificates Issued 4th - Certificates Issued 5th - Certificates Issued 1st - Annualized Premium 2nd - Annualized Premium 5th - Annualized Premium 3rd - Annualized Premium 4th - Annualized Premium $500 Award $100 Award $100 Award $100 Award $100 Award
Ballot in Lieu of Special Convention
Chris Liebum, LUTCF
Tinesha Owens
Lodge 196, Houston-West Lodge 160, San Angelo District 5 District 4
Aaron Denosaquo Lodge 88, Houston District 5
Lodge 38, Kovar District 1
★ ✪ ★ ✪ ★ ✪ ★ Interest Rates ........................................3 Important Dates ....................................3 Readers Write .......................................3 Executive Committee Minutes ............4 From the President/CEO ......................9 Insurance Department Updates........12
Linda Eureste
Maria Garcia Lodge 133, San Antonio District 7
See Pages 6-8
Inside This Week’s Vestnik
District Rally.........................................11 Lodge Section .....................................13 In Memoriam .......................................33 Czech Culture......................................36 Advertisements ...................................37 Lodge Calendar...................................38
• Board of Directors’ explanation • Historical background • Current and proposed Bylaw language
★ ✪ ★ ✪ ★ ✪ ★
2019 SPJST Royalty reunites in Bremond Page 16
Scenes from SPJST Summer Camp
Lodge 219 El Paso receives recognition Page 25
Pages 28-31