Within weeks, Richard J. Stemmler (second from left on photo at left), D.D.G.M. 30th Masonic District, presented a $5,000 financial assistance grant from the Samuel Davis Bequest to Mrs. Carole Echard, widow of the late Bro. Alex A. Echard, Marion Lodge No. 562, Scottsdale, then a $2,000 Lawrence Dietrich Smith Memorial Scholarship to their son, Trent Echard (right photo). Participating in both presentations were Terry Grath (left), W.M., and David F. Hillegas (right), Secretary of Marion Lodge.

The Samuel Davis Bequest is granted by the Grand Lodge to assist families in caring for minor children of deceased Pennsylvania Masons. The grant is based on need and there is a special application which must be completed by the parent or guardian.

The Lawrence Dietrich Smith Scholarship is awarded by the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation, an extension of the Grand Lodge, to young people who have a Masonic relative, or who are members of a Masonic-sponsored youth group. Trent was graduated from Southmoreland High School where he was valedictorian in the Class of 1999. He will be attending Carnegie Mellon University majoring in Political Science.