Masonic Life Network

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