Ten Ulysses High School (UHS) students were recognized at the latest Chamber Coffee Friday, August 18, at the Masonic Lodge.
Worshipful Master Derik Hockett spoke on behalf of Masonic Lodge No. 435 which was charted March 1, 1923.
Hockett was joined by Secretary James Hickok and Senior Warden Robert Annis.
“This is an opportunity to open our doors and let people know we’re still here and what we do,” said Hockett. “We’ve had Freemasons in Grant County for 100 years and we’re really trying to continue that tradition.”
Men are encouraged to come on their own accord to inquire. Hockett described the organization as a “personal improvement fraternity” that promotes the bet-terment of one another.
“I’ve been a Mason for 65 years and have not regretted one minute,” added Annis.
Freemasonry requires an extension of “appendant bodies”, according to Hockett. One of these partnerships is Shriners International.
“A lot people know who the Shriners are and the Shriners Hospital for Children, but not everybody knows about the connection,” said Hockett. “Our regional Shriners Hospital is in St. Louis.”
Patients serve as Patient Ambassadors to share their stories and show students the challenges of various medical conditions.
“It really drives home how important that charitable work Shriners Hospital does for the world,” Hockett said.
To be a Shriner, you have to be a Blue Lodge Mason. One of the biggest events for Kansas Masonic Lodge mem-bers is the Shrine Bowl. Football players travel from across the state to build a game of East versus West every summer. A cheer squad and band are created between 400 students to perform during game time. Band students from UHS are sponsored by the Eastern Star Chapter and Masonic Lodge to attend the game every year.
Lori Barnes has been a UHS Cheerleading Head Coach for eight years, taking her football cheering squad to the Shrine Bowl for the second year July 15. In total, nine cheerleaders: Nixon Keeler, Layla Rivera, Natalia Jasso, Aria Gaddis, Addie Manzano, Olivia DeLeon, Amaria Fralin, Cindy Cortez, and Summer Breese traveled to Hays to attend and perform at the event.
“From the second we get there, we unpack and start getting into cheering,” shared Keeler.
Over the training period, the squad learned ten cheers and chants along with a “big, crazy dance” for the halftime show. From sunup to sundown, athletes attend practices and social events. On day two, the team was taken to Shriners Hospital.
“We got to hear the incredible stories about persevering through it all,” said Keeler. “The warm welcoming and free experience is really great for the kids.”
A busy last day was had, starting with a parade and pep rally. With the sun “blazing down” at game time, Keeler recalled the heat and tired feet.
“It’s kind of brutal but, at the end, it’s all worth it because it’s for such a great cause,” Keeler said.
UHS Junior Galilea Martinez spoke next about her first experience playing clarinet in the Shrine Bowl Band, which consisted of 200 high school students from across the state.
“I thought it was just a real big marching band camp, but it’s a lot more than that,” said Martinez. “I’m glad people were nice and welcoming, and I really want to go again next year.”
A big part of Masonic Lodge’s monetary support for band students comes from fundraising.
“We’ve got a fundraiser for a ’66 Chevelle, so if anyone wants to buy a ticket, just visit with us,” announced Hockett. “All of the proceeds come back for the charitable things we do.”
Currently, Masonic Lodge provides support to Loaves and Fishes, Furever Friends Humane Society as well as scholarships.
Masonic Lodge No. 435 will meet at 7:30 p.m., every second and fourth Thursday starting in September, at 909 N. Joyce Drive.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here