Each year, Masonic lodges throughout Texas have recognized a Texas Public Schools Week, according to Dickens County judge Kevin Brendle, secretary of the Spur Lodge #1023.
In Spur, the lodge celebrates the occasion by awarding college scholarships from money they’ve raised throughout the year, and inviting students and families to be their guests for a hamburger supper at the lodge before the awards ceremony. It’s one of the few times non-Masons ever enter the lodge’s sanctuary, where its membership rituals are routinely held.
This year, said Brendle, the lodge raised $2,500, its largest amount ever, which is also matched for the Texas state organization.
Six students received scholarships May 2: Paige Bonham, who plans to attend McMurry University; Kaitlyn Combs, who plans to attend Angelo State University; Austin Fulmer, who plans to attend West Texas A&M University; brothers Eoin Horn and Liam Horn, who are each undecided about plans at present; and Savannah Olivarez, who plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington. Each was awarded an $850 scholarship.
“The future of Spur is shown here tonight with these young people who are going out to futher their educations,” said lodge member Woodie McArthur. “And we hope some will come back.”
In addition, the lodge bestowed its annual Community Builder Award, the highest award given to anyone outside the Masonic order, to Spur librarian Donnice Carruth.
The award is given “for devotion and service to fellow men and for unselfish efforts” in the community,” said Brendle, who with lodge Grand Master John Schmidt presented the award to Carruth.
Brendle noted Carruth’s many initiatives since 2019, when she stepped into the vacancy left by the late Beth Rumbaugh: she finished a grant in process; commissioned a mural on the ibrary wall; initiated a craft night and a game night; initatied service through Bib lionics; pursued and oversaw Summer Reading, Story Time, and Texas Writes programs; attended Texas Library Association annual conferences; and initiated PayPal and library loan programs.
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