Grand Master Dluge and Bro. Gilson Cash, Director of Children's Services for the Masonic Homes, assist Justin Raihl, the home's graduating senior, to plant the ceremonial tree signifying his lasting ties to the Masonic Children's Home.

The Masonic Children's Home residents and staff celebrated their 78th annual Youth Appreciation Day with an awards banquet in the Brossman Ballroom of the Freemasons Cultural Center on June 1. All 38 children were recognized for their varied activities throughout the year, and several were given special recognition for outstanding achievements in the areas of creativity, scholarship, vocation, athletics, and citizenship.

Special focus was on graduate Justin Raihl, who is seeking employment in the construction field in Lancaster County. Along with his graduation certificate, Justin was presented with a Bible from Rev. and Bro. A. Preston Van Deursen.

In attendance were Masonic Children's Home staff and youth; parents, relatives, and friends of the children; members of the Committee on Masonic Homes; and Dr. Allan Thrush, Mr. Gerald Lorson, and Ms. Carol Myers from the Elizabethtown Area School District.

Robert L. Dluge Jr., R.W.G.M. shared some personal thoughts with the children.

He encouraged the children to take with them a positive attitude and always tell themselves, "We can do it; we will do it; and, most importantly, we will succeed."

For the senior to commemorate the day, a tree was planted on the grounds of the Masonic Children's Home, which concluded the ceremonies.

Ronald A. Aungst, Sr., R.W. Junior Grand Warden, presented awards to youth at the Masonic Children's Home.