Masonic Life Network

In April Mike Sekera, from San Jacinto Lodge, along with Dr. Shari Fox, Superintendent of the San Jacinto School District, accompanied representatives from the Raising A Reader program to the Edward Hyatt Elementary School in San Jacinto.  While visiting the Kindergarten class he was asked to read to the students.  The book that the students chose was “Read and Rise”.

The class also presented to Brother Sekera a collection of pictures and thank you notes, made by the students, thanking the Masons for the Raising A Reader Program that they are participating in.  The pictures were given to the Grand Lodge representatives at the Public Schools Kick Off event on April 12, 2013, that was held at their school.

Mike was very moved by his experience with the children and agrees with the philosophy of the Raising A Reader program, “Reading is the foundation for all other learning. Not only do readers achieve better in school, they also become lifelong learners.”

Friday April 12, 2013 was a glorious day for Masonry and the Masons of Division VIII! With guests, many Brethren, Grand Lodge officials, parents, students, and school officials, the Public Schools Advisory Council – Inland Empire hosted the annual Public Schools Kick-Off event at Edward Hyatt Elementary School in the San Jacinto Unified School District.  The second elementary school to have Raising A Reader as an integral and successful part of the education process in the District. Brother Mike Sekera of San Jacinto Lodge coordinated the program which featured glowing comments from school officials, parents, and teachers on the value of the reading program and the Investment in Success scholarship program to which $79000 has been allocated for this year. Campus tours by fifth and sixth grade students were well-received as each classroom visited found students and teachers fully engaged in the learning process which bodes so well for the success of the kids and the school community. Principal De Roberts read several parent tributes about the success of the Raising A Reader program, Dr. Shari Fox, Superintendent, also gave glowing remarks about the program and support given by San Jacinto Lodge and the Masonic Foundation as well. Worshipful John Heisner, the emcee for the program, explained the history and importance of Masonic support for public education followed by the presentation of the check to the PSAC-IE to fund RAR classrooms and upcoming scholarships in the Inland Empire. The PSAC-IE is grateful to Brother Mike Sekera for putting together this absolutely phenomenal program. His knowledge of the community and school district, and his dedication to the cause was above and beyond. Thanks also, to Candler Gibson and Jessica Mausner of the California Masonic Foundation for all their work and support, as well as to Worshipful Frank Lee, AGL of Division VIII, for his tireless support of this and every program, and to all the Brethren of Division VIII who continue to support public schools in their areas and the “Fraternity’s Project”. We are pleased to announce that, in response to your fundraising efforts, the Raising A Reader program will be expanding to other schools in Division VIII. As the most vital parts of education are found in reading and literacy, we must continue our efforts to fund this important effort to improve our society through our children.

Article Submitted by: Dennis J. Brandt

Photos by: Michael J. Sekera

Video by: Franklin R. Lee

San Jacinto had their program, ”Let’s Go to Las Vegas”, with Seniors On Stage, on June 15, 2012 at Hans Christianson Middle School in Menifee. The proceeds from the evening went to the Grand Master’s project, “Raising A Reader”. The evening included 25 acts, that consisted of stand up comedians, such as “Larry the Cable Guy”, an operatic aria performed by Jan Milos, an Hawaiian dance performed by Barbara Leone accompanied by her husband Vince Leone singing “Blue Hawaii” and moving renditions of the gospel song “All Rise” by Arlene Fisher and “America the Beautiful” sung by Leonard Fisher.  The program offered something for everyone.  The PTA from the school also participated and sold light refreshments to those in attendance.

San Jacinto Lodge, including the M.C., Jim Ridley and their Inspector, Russ Baldauf, did an outstanding job producing this production. We wish to thank the members of the Lodge, who helped put this show together, coordinated with Seniors on Stage, made arrangements for the school, the insurance that was required and the millions of other details that necessary to check off to make this event the success it was.

On June 5th. 2012 The Chino Masonic Lodge recognized 3 kindergarten teachers for their contributions in education with the lodge’s 1st annual “Teacher of the Year Award.” Recipients were: Mrs. Sheila Sifflet, Mrs. Tina Persoon and Ms. Michelle Sandoval.

In attendance for the ceremony was the Mayor of the City of Chino Dennis Yates, Fire Chief Summers of the Chino Valley Fire District and Lt. Crowley of the Chino Police Department, Assistant Grand Lecturer Franklin R. Lee as well as many of members of the lodge.

This was a very worth while endeavor for our lodge” Said Lodge Master Manny Blanco, “ It’s definitely something we want to do again next year., these ladies work very hard and they are the first person to inspire our children on their road to learning.”