By Brandon Smith, Masonic Secretary
Monday, August 3, marked a special occasion in Stephenville. Gathered at the City Park Pavilion, representatives of the Stephenville Masonic Lodge No. 267 recognized the outstanding achievements of some of our community’s finest.
The recipient of the Community Builder Award was Matt Underwood, Superintendent of the Stephenville ISD. The Community Builder Award was established by the Grand Lodge of Texas so that local lodges can formally recognize outstanding non-Masons who have distinguished themselves through their service to the community, local and state governments, places of worship, or to humanity at large. Underwood has been instrumental in his service to the students, educators, and citizens of Stephenville for the past six years. One of the greatest highlights of Underwood’s tenure has been the implementation of the iChampion Learning Initiative, started in 2016.
The recipient of the Lamar Award of Excellence for Personal Achievement was Dr. Ann Calahan. Since 1988, the Grand Lodge of Texas has allowed the presentation of the Lamar Medal in honor of Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar, widely known as the Father of Public Education. A member of Harmony Lodge No. 6, Lamar also served as the second President of the Republic of Texas. Dr. Calahan has been a member of the Stephenville community since 1984, has served on the Board of Stephenville ISD for seven consecutive terms, and is in her 16th year as President of the Board. Dr. Calahan has consistently been guided by her governing principle: doing what is best for the students and community.
The Stephenville Masonic Lodge, through its charitable fundraisers, is privileged to award scholarships each year to deserving graduates of Stephenville High School. This year’s recipients were Ms. Cheney Carrillo and Ms. Katie Cason. Cheney will be attending Texas A&M University to study to be a physician’s assistant. Katie will be attending Tarleton State University and will be studying nursing.
The Stephenville Masonic Lodge was also fortunate to be able to give back to the Stephenville ISD. Through charitable activities, the Masons presented Dr. Calahan with a check for $500 to support activities of the SISD Education Foundation.
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Stephenville Lodge No. 267 was chartered in 1861 through the Grand Lodge of Texas. The Lodge is currently home to 152 active Masons. For more information, feel free to contact lodge267@gmail.com.
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