Albany Masons donate to dyslexia program, senior center
The Albany Masonic Lodge continues its tradition of giving back to the community, recently making donations to the Albany ISD Dyslexia Program and the local senior citizens center, as well as opening applications for its annual scholarship.
As part of its commitment to education, the Albany Lodge No. 482 contributed $1,000 to the dyslexia program, with $500 in matching funds from the Grand Lodge of Texas and $500 from the Albany lodge. The funds will support Kristie Smith, who oversees the program. According to Worshipful Master Xavier Perez, the decision to donate to the dyslexia program was an easy one.
“The dyslexia program is closely tied to the Scottish Rite, which is connected to our Masons Lodge,” Perez said. “We wanted to help out the teacher who does that program, and we put it to a vote.”
Smith may use the funds as needed within the dyslexia program, with discussions including digital audio books as a possible investment to assist students.
In addition to supporting education, the lodge also donated $500 to the local senior citizens center, with funds collected directly from members.
“That money came from our local members,” Perez explained. “We passed the hat and took donations so that it didn’t come out of our scholarship money. One of our duties as Masons is looking after our widows and orphans, and a lot of widows go to the senior center, so we decided it was a worthwhile cause.”
The lodge’s annual scholarship fund is also accepting applications, with a deadline of April 21. The scholarship is open to any student pursuing continuing education, including trade schools. Applications can be picked up from the high school counselor’s office or downloaded from the Albany ISD website.
“There’s really no criteria other than pursuing continuing education,” Perez said. “Whether it’s college, university, or a trade school like welding or firefighting, we consider all applicants.”
The primary source of funding for the scholarships comes from the lodge’s annual golf tournament, which has been successful in raising money for local students.
For more information on the scholarship or the lodge’s community efforts, interested students and families can contact the Albany Lodge or visit the Albany ISD website.
