Stanzel Family Foundation Welcomes New Scholars at 5th Annual Stanzel Scholar Launch
Pictured 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; Jayse Janda, New Scholar. New Scholars not pictured.
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, 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.
Joseph & Victor Stanzel Memorial Scholarship 2026 Recipients from Schulenburg ISD: Jamison Bennett, Reagan Dusek, Jayse Janda, and Daysi Rico; Weimar ISD: Zowie Lee, Cheyenne Booker, and Lance Tolbert; La Grange ISD: Caleigh Brock; and Sacred Heart Catholic School: Phoenix Richter-Trejo.
Clark Scholarship-Landa Family Education Foundation 2026 Recipient from Schulenburg ISD: Jamison Bennett.
Ginger Stanzel Bosl Memorial Scholarship 2026 Recipient from Schulenburg ISD:Reagan Dusek.
Cyndy Reed Legacy Scholarship 2026 Recipient from Schulenburg ISD: Jamison Bennett.
Wanda Johnson Beaudry Stanzel Memorial Scholarship 2026 Recipients from Schulenburg ISD:Jailyn Guerrero, Aidan Mendez,Shalanie Olvera, Daysi Rico and from Sacred Heart Catholic School : Phoenix Richter-Trejo.
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 and Victor Stanzel Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to ovr 600 high school and professional students from the Schulenburg and Weimar areas, investing in their academic journeys and building a thriving network of communityminded scholars.
With hearts full and visions lifted, the 2026 cohort has officially taken flight.
For more information, visit stanzelfamilyfoundation.org.
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.
For more information, contact: cheryl@stanzelmuseum.org or connect with the Foundation via Facebook.