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Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 4:14 AM

Stanzel Family Foundation welcomes new scholars at 5th Annual Stanzel Scholar Launch

SCHULENBURG — The Stanzel Family Foundation celebrated its 5th Annual Scholar Launch on July 9 welcoming new high school scholars into a growing legacy of leadership, learning, and community impact.

In addition to the Joseph & Victor Stanzel Memorial Scholarship, they work closely with community members and donors who share its values and vision for supporting future leaders. Together, they’ve established scholarships in honor or in memory of individuals who have made a lasting impact on their communities.

Joseph & Victor Stanzel Memorial Scholarship 2026 Recipients - Jamison Bennett, Cheyenne Booker, Caleigh Brock, Reagan Dusek, Jayse Janda, Zowie Lee, Phoenix Richter-Trejo, Daysi Rico and Lance Tolbert.

Clark Scholarship – Landa Family Education Foundation 2026 Recipient - Jamison Bennett.

Ginger Stanzel Bosl Memorial Scholarship 2026 Recipient - Reagan Dusek.

Cyndy Reed Legacy Scholarship 2026 Recipient - Jamison Bennett.

Wanda Johnson Beaudry Stanzel Memorial Scholarship 2026 Recipients: - Jailyn Guerrero, Aidan Mendez, Shalanie Olvera, Phoenix Richter-Trejo, and Daysi Rico.

Held at the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum in Schulenburg, the event was more than just recognition, it marked the official launch into the next chapter of life for these scholars.

New scholars were honored, toured the museum to explore the origins of the foundation and its aviation legacy, and even assembled balsa wood model planes, a hands-on tribute to the innovative spirit of the Stanzel brothers. As a nod to family and tradition, the evening included a favorite treat, cookies at Grandma’s house (in the ancestral home), offering a heartfelt moment of connection.

Perhaps most importantly, the event fostered real connection. Scholars had the opportunity to network with foundation directors, committee members, staff, donors and fellow scholar alumni, from recent graduates to seasoned professionals. The result was a meaningful connection across generations, and a lasting sense of community and family.

Since 1991, the Joseph & Victor Stanzel Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to over 600 high school and professional students from the Schulenburg and Weimar areas, investing in their academic journeys and building a thriving network of community- minded scholars.

With hearts full and visions lifted, the 2026 cohort has of- ficially taken flight.

Visit stanzelfamilyfoundation. org

On hand to receive their scholarships from the Stanzel Family Foundation at the 5th Annual Scholar Launch are, from left, Lance Tolbert, new scholar; Josh Cardarelli, current scholar; Kristi McBride, Stanzel Alumni; Cheyenne Booker, new scholar; Meagan Velasquez; board member; Melanie Ramirez, SFF program director; Nicole Gabler, Stanzel Alumni; Aidan Mendez, new scholar; Violeta Martinez, board member; Cynthia Fogleman, SMAM Museum director; Shirley Schoener, SMAM Museum docent; Dorothy Huebel, committee member; Cheryl Pekar, SFF ceo; Zowie Lee, new scholar; Phoenix Richter-Trejo, new scholar; Daysi Rico, new scholar; Jailyn Guerrero, new scholar; Shalanie Olvera, new scholar; Nicolas Lopez, current scholar; Jamison Bennett, new scholar; and Jayse Janda, new scholar. Courtesy photo

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