News

From the desk of the Supreme Secretary
by Scott T. Pogorelec, F.I.C.
LOOKING BACK AND MOVING AHEAD

It is hard to believe that the Fall Season is upon us! It is always my favorite time of the year as the air gets a bit crisper and the beautiful colors begin to form. This time of the year also allows us the opportunity to not only look forward to the holiday season, but to look back at the wonderful times had over the summer months. The Slovak Catholic Sokol had a busy summer calendar filled with great memories and true fraternalism.

Our 50th International Slet was held at Kutztown University from July 13th-16th. Our Sokol youth from eight participating Groups displayed their fine athletic ability in the best traditions of the Sokol Movement. Congratulations to our Slet Flag winner, Group 5, Cleveland, OH, and to our John J. Stofko Memorial Spirit Award winner, Group 19, Toronto, ON! I would also like to thank our Supreme Physical Fitness Board, our Group Physical Fitness Staffs, and all who had a hand in making the 50th International Slet so successful and memorable. Great job!

Three weeks after our Slet, the elected delegates of the Slovak Catholic Sokol met in Scranton, PA for our 34th Quadrennial Convention. The Convention is the highest governing body in the life of a fraternal organization. I want to thank the 157 Delegates who took the time out of their busy schedules to participate and give back to the organization. Decisions that were made at this Convention will guide our organization in the coming four years and beyond. I would like to commend our Supreme President, Michael J. Horvath, who served as Chairperson of the Convention. It is not an easy job to navigate through the agenda, but Brother Mike did a wonderful job in being efficient and keeping us on task.

I would like to give a special thank you to Right Reverand Gary Hoover, O.S.B., Abbot of St. Andrew Abbey, who was the celebrant at our beautiful opening Mass. Thank you to our Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic for all his efforts in organizing the beautiful liturgy.

In the coming issues, you will have the opportunity to read about the proceedings at our 34th Quadrennial Convention. An important role of the Delegates is to elect members of the Supreme Assembly. In this issue, you will find the newly elected Supreme Officers who will serve our organization for the next four years. I would like to thank our Delegates for their trust in me to serve as your Supreme Secretary and I extend warm fraternal wishes to all our newly elected and reelected Officers. Once again, thank you!

Congratulations to all our flight winners at the recent 68th International Golf Tournament held in Canfield, OH at the beautiful Kensington Golf Club. A wonderful time was had by all and the spirit of fraternalism shone brightly. Thank you to our Director of Sports and Athletics, James C. Matlon, and his entire staff for their efforts to make this wonderful event a success.

A big congratulations to our 2023 Frank S. Petruff Award winner, Donald Koval, from S-059, Wilkes-Barre, PA. Brother Donald is a longtime attendee at our golf tournaments and truly deserving of this honor. Congratulations Don!

Stay safe, stay strong, and STAY POSITIVE!
Zdar Boh!