Masons give 5 local scholarships

Five Albany High School seniors were presented with Albany Masonic Lodge scholarships at a special meeting held at the Lodge on Thursday, May 19 for recipients and family members.

After a hamburger meal, Lodge member Kelly Head offered an opening prayer, and  Stephen Kayga led the Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.

Kayga explained to the guests the important roles Texas Masons played in the education of Texas children during the State’s early history. Often schools met in the Lodge buildings of each community. The first floor of many Lodges was used as a classroom while the second floor served as the location for Masonic meetings.

The year 2022 marks the 11th year the Albany Lodge has offered scholarships to Albany seniors, joining Masons in almost 600 different Lodges across Texas who will give away approximately $2.4 million in scholarships to Texas students this year.

Kayga then introduced the five $1,000 scholarship winners for 2022, including Elizabeth Chavez, Taren Farmer, Caitlan Lee, Ryan Mark, and Sara Smith. The seniors were presented certificates acknowledging academic achievements as well as their involvement in the community.