Stanzel Family Foundation Welcomes Its New Scholars at 4th Annual Stanzel Scholar Launch

(Back Row; L-R): Fay Kutac; Harly Zapalac, 2023 Scholar; Jazmine Nelson; Emmrie Marx; Natalie Osina, 2024 Scholar; Nicolas Lopez, 2024 Scholar; Rodney Walton Jr., 2024 Scholar; Joshua Cardarelli; Kristy Janak, 2001 Scholar Alumni; Taylor Jensen; Logan Kainer; Bralen Heger; Edgar Mandujano; Madyson Holub; Mikayla Otto; Madison Kunschick; Shelby Davis; Noe Nieto. (Middle Row; L-R): Nicole Gabler, 2008 Scholar Alumni; Riley Zapalac, 2024 Scholar; Claire Oeding. (Front Row; L-R): Cheryl Pekar, SFF CEO; Meagan Velasquez, SFF Board Member; Melanie Ramirez, SFF Program Director; Violeta Martinez, SFF Board Member. New Scholars Not Pictured: Adina Barnett, Arnesia Powe, Dominique Nicks, Josh Vandever, Kacy Svatek, Kambri Adams, Marcus Seger, Ruby Rodriguez.

The Stanzel Family Foundation celebrated its fourth Annual Scholar Launch on July 8, welcoming new high school and professional scholars into a growing legacy of leadership, learning, and community impact. In addition to the Joseph and Victor Stanzel Memorial Scholarship, we work closely with community members and donors who share our values and vision for supporting future leaders. Together, we’ve established scholarships in honor or in memory of individuals who have made a lasting impact on their communities.

Kaylee Beyer Shelby Davis Madyson Holub Logan Kainer Fay Kutac Edgar Mandujano Emmrie Marx Noe Nieto Claire Oeding Mikayla Otto Ruby Rodriguez Joseph and Victor Stanzel Memorial Professional Scholarship

Kambri Adams Adina Barnett Taylor Jensen Dominique Nicks Arnesia Powe Kacy Svatek Josh Vandever

Clark Scholarship – Landa Family Education Foundation Emmrie Marx

Ginger Stanzel Bosl Memorial Scholarship Ruby Rodriguez

Cyndy Reed Legacy Scholarship

Ruby Rodriguez

Wanda Johnson Beaudry Stanzel Memorial Scholarship

Shelby Davis Madyson Holub Fay Kutac Edgar Mandujano Madison Kunschick Jazmine Nelson Mikayla Otto Ruby Rodriguez

Schmidt Family Foundation Scholarship Joshua Cardarelli Bralen Heger Marcus Seger 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 exceptional students. 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 intermingle 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 and Victor Stanzel Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to 572 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 2025 cohort has officially taken flight.

For more information, visit stanzelfamilyfoundation. org.

About the Stanzel Family Foundation:

High school and professional scholarships are provided by the Stanzel Family Foundation, Inc. The Foundation was established in 1989, by Joseph and Victor Stanzel, co-founders and owners of Victor Stanzel Co., a model aircraft toy manufacturing company located in Schulenburg. Their seventy years of entrepreneurial endeavors affirm the importance of hard work, dedication, honesty, integrity, and focused vision. Today, the Stanzel Family Foundation aims to support an educated and healthy community in Schulenburg and Weimar.