Two Junior F.B.I. Classes Graduate In Foundation's Adopt-a-School Program

On May 29 and 30, the first two classes of elementary school students graduated from the Junior F.B.I. Program that is offered as part of the Pennsylvania Masonic Foundation for Children's Adopt-a-School program. The unique program is presented by the Philadelphia office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with Joseph H. Brown Lodge No. 751, Philadelphia, and the Foundation. The two schools are Fairhill Elementary in North Philadelphia, and Joseph H. Brown Elementary in Northeast Philadelphia.

The agency's Philadelphia outreach specialist, Tanya Jetter, presented the Junior F.B.I. Program in the schools during the entire academic year. Each meeting began with the "agents" (students) reciting the Junior Agents' pledge in which they promised to be good citizens, obey laws, and be positive role models in their neighborhoods. They also pledged to stay drug-free and to practice non-violent behavior in difficult situations. During the term, the students visited the F.B.I. office and learned about polygraphs from Special Agent Jerry O'Callaghan. Upon their graduation, each group chose a Junior Special Agent-in-Charge.

Joseph H. Brown Lodge has adopted its namesake elementary school and the officers and members have become involved in helping the school by providing funds to purchase books for the library and Shrine Circus tickets. Lodge members attended many of the Junior F.B.I. meetings during the year as well as the graduation.

In recognition of the Lodge's and Foundation's efforts, the F.B.I. presented certificates to John N. Welsh, W.M., and Charles E. Lankert, S.W., and a plaque to the Foundation Executive Director Raymond G. Brown.