Katy Kostelnik crowned 2023 Queen of Lavaca County Czech Heritage Society

Katy Kostelnik, a senior at Sacred Heart HS in Hallettsville and daughter of Todd and Jennifer Loudon and the late Tim Kostelnik, was crowned the 2023 Queen of the Lavaca County Chapter of the Czech Heritage Society at the Jan. 29 meeting. 

She will compete in the State Miss Czech-Slovak Queen contest at the Hallettsville KC Hall on July 22, hosted by Lavaca County CHS. 

At the meeting Harvey Matusek and Travis Mixon reviewed plans for the annual Tarock Tournament scheduled for March 4 at the KC Hall. Volunteer help was solicited.  Marsha Steffek discussed the revised scholarship application forms that are available to graduating seniors.  President James Steffek talked about events at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center and support for the Czech Heritage Society of Texas. 

Janis Hrncir spoke about the ways that CHS strives to promote and cherish the Czech culture, traditions and customs that are all rich with music, dancing, feasting and worshiping.  She noted that “through the State Miss Czech-Slovak Queen contest the Society has an opportunity to publicly promote its customs and traditions and hope to pass it on to the next generation.”  Katy Kostelnik said that a newly-formed Sacred Heart Czech Heritage Club for ninth through twelfth graders meets monthly, during lunch, at the school. 

This club was initiated by students who were eager to learn about their Czech heritage.

Following the meeting members enjoyed “svacina”  (light appetizers) and gathered  to learn more about the Tarock game.  

The next meeting is Sunday, April 30. Katy is the granddaughter of Donald and Delora Wagner of Moulton.