Staff Writer
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
The Scottish Rite Masons headquartered at Terre Haute have announced the award of Abbot Scholarships to George Fritch from Linton, Kaddi Fulford from Avon, and Brandon Query and Christopher Vidal from Brazil.
Abbott Scholarships are awarded to qualified students in recognition of scholastic and all-around achievement. Our goal is to help young people fulfill their career goals by assisting them financially as they further their education beyond high school.
The Valley of Terre Haute is delighted to award these Abbott Scholarships. Freemasonry has historically been dedicated to the importance of education in our society, and this scholarship program is another indication of continuing Masonic commitment. We are pleased to be able to contribute to the educational opportunities for young people.
Abbott Scholarships are given to children of Scottish Rite Masonic families, to young people who have been active in Masonic-related organizations such as DeMolay, Rainbow and Job’s Daughters, and to graduates of our 32° Masonic Learning Centers for Children. The grants are made throughout the 15-state Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Total scholarships in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction will be $450,000 for the 2010-2011 academic period. A year ago, 352 college-level students across the Jurisdiction were helped by the Abbott grants.
Support for the growing scholarship program comes from the Supreme Council Education and Charity Fund established through the generous legacy of former Sovereign Grand Commander Leon M. Abbott. In recent years, the fund has been strengthened by sharing in annual contributions to the “blue” envelope appeal by the Fraternity’s 200,000 members. In addition to the Abbott Scholarships, the Scottish Rite Masons of the Northern Jurisdiction also support The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum of Our National Heritage in historic Lexington, Mass., and the 32° Masonic Learning Centers for Children Inc.
