Local seniors receive scholarships

By Sandy Morris

The Albany Masonic Lodge once again awarded four graduating seniors with $1,000 scholarships during a special dinner and program on Thursday, May 20.

Recipients of the scholarships this year were seniors Brady Karl, Addie Beth Denton, Torie Fuentes, and Jackson Chapman. 

The ceremony started with a dinner honoring the recipients and their families, followed by the award presentations made by Worshipful Master Kelly Head.

According to Lodge member Bob Skelton, the Masons have several criteria for selecting recipients.

“The main thing we look at is community involvement,” he said. “We also evaluate each student’s work ethic, academic leadership, grades, moral character, and conduct. They get a few extra points if they have a family member who is a Mason, but that is not the most important aspect that we consider.”

Skelton said the local Lodge is actively involved in education and hosts a breakfast for school personnel in May during Teacher Appreciation Week, along with providing dental care kits for elementary students. 

The scholarship program started several years ago as an effort to assist students seeking to further their education either by attending colleges or trade schools.