March 19, 2024

Local students awarded scholarship

Courtney R. Titus, a senior at Murray, Alexa R. DeVore, a senior at Clarke, and Shelby A. Myers, a senior at Murray, have each been awarded a $2,000 scholarship from the Grand Lodge of Iowa, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

They were one of 60 outstanding Iowa high school students selected to receive the scholarship from more than 650 applicants.

Iowa Masons award scholarships each year in recognition of a student’s academic performance, community activities, leadership and financial need.

Since the program’s inception in 1970, the Grand Lodge of Iowa has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to more than 1,800 students. This year alone, $120,000 in scholarships were awarded from an endowment fund established to recognize the accomplishments of young Iowans and to promote the education of future state leaders.

At present, Myers plans to attend Southwestern Community College. Principal Tara Page writes, “Shelby is respected by her teachers and friends. Her personal relationships and choices are her own, not influenced by status or friends.”

DeVore plans to attend the University of Northern Iowa. Counselor Jennifer Scott writes, “Alexa is a dedicated student and excellent role model to her peers and younger students. She approaches each task with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.”

Titus plans to attend Iowa State University. Counselor Connie Beck writes, “Courtney’s talents include getting along with people well, good time management, leadership, a caring demeanor and being a good listener. She is very capable, tremendously ambitious and extremely hard working.”

Known to be the world’s oldest fraternity, Masonry is an organization dedicated to building character among its members. Membership is open to men age 18 and older.

There are 270 Masonic lodges in communities across the state. For more information about Freemasonry in Iowa, visit www.grandlodgeofiowa.org.