Before 100-plus Brothers, family members, and guests, Tuesday evening April 23, 2013, Temescal Palms Lodge #314 Free and Accepted Masons honored eight Exemplary Students from seven of the CNUSD high schools, four Teachers of the Year, the Certificated, Classified Administrators of the Year, and the Classified, Confidential, and Site Support Employees of the Year. Each honoree received Certificates of Recognition from the Lodge represented by Worshipful Master Micheal Padilla; the City of Corona represented by Mayor Jason Scott; Congressman Ken Calvert’s office; and State Senator Richard Roth represented by staffer Tyler Madary. The brethren of the Lodge also presented each student with an honorarium to be used toward future studies. Temescal Palms, in accordance with the Grand Lodge of California, has been conducting this program for over thirty years. In addition to honoring these fine representatives of the Corona-Norco Unified School District, the Lodge also partners with Vicentia Elementary School in Corona by donating to the school’s “Box Top for Education” program, and also collecting “pop top tabs” to donate to the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House, and recyclable plastic bottles to raise funds for the Grand Master’s Literacy Project. Brother Dennis J. Brandt, Chair of the Public Schools Observance committee, states that this program continues to be one of several important Lodge sponsored public service events.
On March 5, 2013, the staff of San Jacinto High School provided breakfast for those individuals and organizations who donated time and financial awards to its students during the 2012 school year. Mike Sekera and Dennis Brandt, members of the Grand Lodge Public Schools Advisory Council – IE, joined with community members, school staff, and San Jacinto Unified School District administrators in being serenaded by groups from the school’s Music Department and enjoying presentations from the Art and Drama Departments as well. In 2012 the PSAC-IE awarded an Investment in Success scholarship to Ms. Jamie Back, a graduate of SJHS, who is currently attending Cal State University, Fullerton, along with other recipients from La Sierra and Perris High Schools. Along with the Investment in Success scholarship program, the PSAC-IE is diligently working with the Masonic Foundation and Raising A Reader to bring this highly successful literacy program to other schools in Division VIII. The support of all Lodges is crucial to the success of this and all programs in our Division. Again, we thank San Jacinto High School for a wonderful breakfast and its continued support.
On Tuesday, April 17, 2012, Fellowship Lodge #668, in Yucaipa, CA had a program honoring several students from the Yucaipa-Calimesa Unified School District. Students and principals from13 schools were represented. Each school chose one student to be recognized for their outstanding scholastic or personal achievements. This year’s program was very successful with over 180 people in attendance.