The Kansas Masonic Foundation, the charitable arm of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, its 205 Masonic Lodges statewide, and the Kansas Masons, announced the award of 250 scholarships to Kansas Students. The awards total nearly $200,000.

The scholarships, which range from $500 to $2,500, are awarded to graduating high school seniors and students already attending four and two-year universities and colleges, including junior colleges and vocational and technical colleges, throughout the state.

This year, the Hays Masonic Lodge was able to provide three scholarships totaling $2,000 to local students. During a banquet held Wednesday, members of the Lodge awarded Alyson Claiborn with a $1,000 check, and Marissa Lindberg with one for $500. A third student, Dylan Brown, was also awarded $500, but was unable to attend.

“It is with great pride that we, as Masons, are able to provide this type of financial support to our future leaders,” said Rick Reichert, President of the Kansas Masonic Foundation. “Our commitment to the scholarship program – and to the numerous other programs that benefit Kansans and Kansas communities through the foundation and the Masonic Lodges throughout the state – is at the core of our belief that charity beyond ourselves strengthens our community.”

— Submitted