State Youth Directors

After Birdie Hilsher resigned her position as "Youth Director" in January 1955 and after Joe B. Hejny was elected vice president of the Supreme Lodge in the 1956 Convention, all youth activities were placed under his control, effective 1 January 1957. As stated previously, Hejny had very little to model after and no similar set-up to copy. On the local lodge level, he was assisted by youth leaders, which the lodge had elected at about that same time. As the program broadened in scope and activities increased, it became apparent, just as it had become apparent in insurance sales, that there ought to be someone responsible for youth activities in the districts. Consequently, District Youth Directors, as they were titled then, came into existence the latter part of 1956 in some districts, in other districts a little later. 

As time progressed and youth activities became more intensified and caught the interest of an increased number of youth, the need was seen for a position in the Home Office for a person to supervise youth activities under the Supreme Lodge officer in charge of the Youth Department. Since the vice president, who was the head of the Youth Department at that time, was also in charge of the Insurance Department - sales, lodge and district sales representatives - and since he was working very hard to promote the growth of the Society through insurance sales, talk began of having an assistant to help him with the Youth Department. Additionally, in his editorial of January 1, 1964, six months preceding the XIXth Convention in Waco in 1964, Vestnik Editor Nick Morris addressed this matter and asked that the delegates to that convention consider creating this position as a help to Hejny. Among other things, Morris said that " ... he (Hejny) is only ONE person and he can achieve only so much ... in short, Bro. Hejny needs help ... " 

The idea of a State Youth Director apparently appealed to the delegates and the position was created, effective 1 November of that same year. The Youth Committee to that convention recommended the creation of the position and the person was to be appointed by the Supreme Lodge. There were eight applicants for the job and their letters applying for the position were reviewed in the October 1964 meeting of the Supreme Lodge. In that meeting, Vaclav (Jim) Kucera of Corpus Christi was selected as the first State Youth Director. He served from 1 November 1964 until 1 September 1965.

The Supreme Lodge, in its meeting of July 8, 1965, discussed the vacancy created by Kucera and a search was started for a new State Youth Director. By the October 14th meeting of the Supreme Lodge, four applications for the position of State Youth Director had been received. After interviewing two of the applicants for the job, James J. Janousek of Dallas was selected to start work as the new State Youth Director on January 1, 1966. He served until 1 October 1971. 

Dorothy Massey of Temple succeeded James Janousek as the next State Youth Director and she served from 1 December 1971 until 1 December 1980, one year short of a decade. 

Jann (Thomas) Wilson of Belton succeeded Dorothy Massey as State Youth Director on 15 December 1980. She was selected by President Morris and his selection was ratified by the entire Supreme Lodge in their January 1981 meeting.  

Sue Meadows succeeded Jann Wilson to take over as State Youth Director and Claudette Reese took over for her in 1987 through 1991.  Joni Lange held the position for seven years until Melanie Zavodny took over in 1998. The job's duties and responsibilities for the youth grew as the organization became larger and more involved.

Trissa Klement took over in 2004 and John Hoelscher succeeded her as the present State Youth Director. John Hoelscher provides guidance, support, and participates with the youth to help them get the most out of their activities. 

Pictured left above: 1952-1954 Birdie Hilsher Pech
                                                 Jan 1953-Jan 1955

   1964-1965   Jim Kucera            1965-1971   James J. Janousek      1971-1980   Dorothy Massey
        Nov 1964-Sept 1965                               Jan 1966-Oct 1971                  Dec 1971- Dec 1980

1980-1983   Jann Wilson

1985-1987   Sue Meadows

1987-1991   Claudette Reese

1991-1998   Joni Lange

1998-2004   Melanie Zavodny
 
2004   Trissa Klement

2004-2010   John Hoelscher

2010 to present   Frank Horak