Symbolic Freemasonry, and by extension to some degree the Scottish Rite, frequently confronts the question of in what way, and even whether to engage in benevolent activities outside of the Freemasonry itself. What action would make our efforts unique and be integral with our Masonic teaching? With so many established non-Masonic charitable organizations directly accessible to each of us, what distinct value is being added by a Lodge action in this arena? These questions are best decided within each of our Lodges, of course, and cannot be answered here. However, the following quote may provide some direction:
“… the promotion of wisdom, strength, and beauty, in the form of patronage for the very arts and humanities about which we have always taught, is the best philanthropic hand that Masonry can extend to the world. A Lodge seeking to do good works will choose this course over all other options, because it speaks directly to the principles laid down in our several lectures, as well as to who we are and what we should become as Masons.”[1]
The work of our Oregon Scottish Rite Educational Foundation exemplifies the use of our philanthropic hand. It encourages the study of the arts and humanities among our Oregon youth. Our members, and our predecessors, who have supported the Foundation have enabled us to extend that hand to many hard working students over the years. This year the Foundation has selected once again a number of excellent students to receive our help toward their goal of being well-educated and contributing members of our society. In 2017, we were able to assist six impressive students from the Portland Valley.
The prestigious Stan and Jayne Schmidt Scholarship was awarded this year to a Portland Valley student, Ms. Willow Rakoncay. Ms. Rakoncay graduated from Beaverton High School. She plans a career in theater, with a goal of being a technical director of theaters. In fact, she has been accepted into the very selective theater arts program at DePaul University. Since the sixth grade, Ms. Rakoncay has been in 40 theater productions, three internships, and has written a short play presented at a local Renaissance faire.
Ms. Lauren Kang presented many accomplishments to recommend her to us. She earned a nearly perfect GPA at Jesuit High School. A driven intellectual interest in Chemistry led to perfection in the classroom, motivated her to create a new Chemistry club at Jesuit to help her classmates succeed in this challenging subject, and qualified her for a paid biochemistry research internship at Lewis and Clark College. Her demonstrated accomplishments outside of school include ten years of classical violin study, and 200h of community service in hospitals, shelters, and churches. Ms. Kang aspires to become a pediatrician. As a first step, she will earn a biochemistry degree at Washington University.
Mr. Jeremy Shahan was the runner up for the Walt and Shirlee Peters Scholarship this year, which is awarded annually to one outstanding applicant planning a career in natural science, mathematics, or related fields. Mr. Shahan plans to attend Oregon State University, where he will decide on a career in electrical or computer engineering, or in mathematics. Mr. Shahan graduated from Aloha High School. His recommenders stated, “Jeremy is a pure mathematician and a possible visionary,” and “shockingly analytical and brings a profound wisdom to the study of (English) literature.” These comments provide evidence of Mr. Shahan’s breadth of ability and interest, particularly in the Arts and Sciences that Masons revere.
Mr. Dang Duong was the Peters Scholarship award winner in 2017. In an unusual move, the committee again selected him for an award this year due to his continued, exceptional progress at Oregon State and financial need. Last year’s blog entry summarizes this man very well: “His academic record and extensive volunteer and work history are clear evidence of a purpose-driven life. He aspires to be a primary family care physician serving a rural community.” Since then Mr. Duong completed his junior year in pre-med at OSU and completed a competitive internship delivering medical services in rural India. Mr. Duong’s family home is in Clackamas, Oregon.
Portland resident, Mr. Jeff Cui is a clever communicator with excellent written communication skills. He graduated from Sunset High School with an exceptional GPA, earned an IB Diploma (International Bachelorette) at Sunset, and was a leader of Sunset’s National Honor Society. His recommenders describe a person of strong character, rounded interests, and an accomplished academic talent. Mr. Cui is also a musical talent, studying the violin for twelve years. He will be studying electrical engineering at USC (University of Southern California).
Ms. Lena Grover is an enthusiastic learner, advocate, and leader. While maintaining an excellent GPA at Grant High School, she was an outdoor school student leader for three years; president of the Environment club; and was on the yearbook staff for three years, one as the editor. Her recommenders described her as insightful, practiced at thoughtful discourse, a careful detailed researcher, and a compassionate classmate and advocate. During the year after graduation, Ms. Grover paused to travel and develop several employment and life experiences. Next year she has decided to attend Central Wyoming College. It has an exceptional and unique program in environmental science. Ms. Grover ultimately aspires to teach environmental science at the high school level.
Thus, once again our philanthropic hand has been extended. We are confident that the individuals it has touched will continue to develop into outstanding members of our society. Brethren, remember that it is through your contributions and bequeaths that we can maintain and strengthen the Foundation’s success.
Submitted for the Portland Valley Board of the Oregon Scottish Rite Educational Foundation,
Wayne K. Ford, 32º KSA
[1] A. Hammer, Observing the Craft, p.221 (2015)