From left to right: Heather Crozier, Tracee Evans, R.W. Grand Master James L. Ernette, Jennifer Paquette, David Hunger, Bro. Gilson Cash, Melinda Tkacs, and David Carbonneau participate in the traditional tree-planting ceremony.

The Masonic Children's Home at Elizabethtown celebrated its 75th annual Youth Appreciation Day with an awards banquet on May 22. The 41 youth residing at the Children's Home received recognition for outstanding achievements in the areas of creativity, scholarship, vocation, athletics, volunteerism, and citizenship.

Six of the residents were graduated from Elizabethtown High School in June and each will attend a college or vocational school.

The majority of the program was presented by the children, who provided musical entertainment and shared the duties of emcee and award presenters.

Attending were: parents, relatives, and friends of the residents; representatives from the Elizabethtown Area School District, members of the Committee on Masonic Homes, and the Masonic Children's Home staff.

R.W. Grand Master James L. Ernette congratulated the children on their awards and wished the graduating seniors success in all of their future endeavors. He also thanked the staff for all that they do for the children.

Marvin A. Cunningham, Sr., R.W. Senior Grand Warden, and Gilson Cash, Director of Children's Services, presented the awards to the children. The Rev. Charles H. Lacquement, D.D., Director of Pastoral Care, presented Bibles to the six graduating seniors. Mr. Richard L. Singer presented the seniors with scholarships and membership certificates from the Patton School Alumni Association. Norman A. Fox, and his wife, Gertrude; and William L. McCarrier Sr., his wife, Irene, presented personal awards to the graduating seniors.

Miss Jennifer Paquette, who resided at the Masonic Children's Home since age 12, provided an emotional senior class address. She told the audience: "Look at me now. I made it! You, all in your own way, have taught me something that I can take with me forever."

The afternoon concluded with the traditional Tree Planting Ceremony. Each year, the senior residents, the Director of Children's Services, and the Grand Master plant a tree on the grounds of the Children's Home to symbolize the senior residents' living and growing ties to the Masonic Children's Home.

For further information on the services offered by the Masonic Children's Home, or for an application, contact: Director of Children's Services, Masonic Homes, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA, 17022-2199, (717) 367-1121, extension 33301.

Bro. Norman A. Fox (at lectern) and his wife, Gertrude, along with Bro. William L. McCarrier and his wife, Irene, present their personal gifts to the graduating seniors on Youth Appreciation Day.