Youth Appreciation Day

As a ballroom full of staff, family members, educators and donors watched, the 33 residents of the Masonic Children’s Home were celebrated for their academic, athletic and extracurricular achievements at the 99 th annual Youth Appreciation Day.

The two seniors, Joy and Breanne, shared their gratitude for all those who’ve helped them grow stronger along the way, while providing encouragement for the younger children who will follow in their footsteps.

Joy, 18, from Philadelphia, kept a busy schedule. She was captain of the varsity lacrosse team and the varsity cheerleading team. She was involved with the pep club and co-leader of the student lighthouse team (a group of student leaders who aim to create an inclusive environment at school). She was also a member of the Human Rights Club, a mentor for young girls at the intermediate school and a parttime cashier at the Weis markets, among other activities.

“I just want to make a difference in school and have an impact in any way possible,” she said.

Joy came to the children’s home in 2018 with her younger sister and appreciates all the opportunities she has been given.

“The things I’m doing now would not have been possible if I hadn’t come here,” she said.

Joy took an advanced health careers course at Lancaster County Career & Technical Training (CTC), with plans to major in nursing at Penn State University this fall.

Joy is thankful for the opportunities she received at the children’s home. She was given many tools that will come in handy in the future. She also praises the house parents, with whom she connected over time, and donors.

“The relationships I’ve made are wonderful, but all the things I’ve been able to do have really built me up,” she said. “I know they will be very useful to me. My gratitude extends to the donors who have generously contributed to the children’s home. Your kindness and generosity have made a profound difference in the lives of us children. Your support has opened doors and created pathways for a brighter future, and for that, we are forever grateful.

“May the children’s home always be a beacon of hope and love for generations to come.”

Breanne, 18, from Elizabethtown, will attend Millersville University in the fall, where she plans to study psychology.

“I just find it interesting,” she said. “I like learning about the brain and how people work.”

Breanne came to the children’s home in the seventh grade, along with her two younger sisters. She has enjoyed her time because she gets along with the other girls and the house parents are always “nice and inviting.”

“They give me everything I need and guide me,” she said.

Breanne played lacrosse at Elizabethtown Area High School and was a part-time cashier at Weis markets. She’s grateful for the trips she took while at the children’s home and the events she took part in, including Youth Appreciation Day.

“I really appreciate being here,” Breanne said. “I want to thank the generous donors for making this all possible. Without you all, none of us would be here today. You’ve changed lives, and I, along with everyone else, am so grateful.”

“We have kids who can be confident they’ve been given the tools to be successful, no matter what they decide to do,” R.W. Grand Master Jeffrey Wonderling said. “To all our children: you’re blessed with having everything you need to succeed; you just have to go out there and do it. There will be ups and downs, but you will succeed.”

Foundations For The Future

Following the Youth Appreciation Day program, two plaques for the Masonic Children’s Home Donor Recognition Garden were dedicated. One was in memory of Brother Russell Trimmer, Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown, and his wife, Viola, who served the children’s home from 1946-1972 as superintendent and director. The other plaque was dedicated in memory of Brother Dr. James Stark, a 71year member of Pollock Lodge No. 502, Tarentum.

Russell and Viola’s son, Brother Tom Trimmer, Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, and his wife, Carol, from Newburg, North Carolina, attended the event and made a gift in his parent’s memory. Russell and Viola nurtured and loved the youth at the children’s home for 26 years.

As Russell wrote in his memoirs, “One of the greatest gifts God has given mankind is a child.”

Joy Breanne

James’ wife, Fran Stark, came from Anaheim, California, alongside her two daughters, Sandra and Tracy, to attend the dedication. She and James have been generous donors to the Masonic Children’s Home for many years. James served on the John Wanamaker Research Center Committee and the Masonic Villages Building and Grounds Subcommittee. He served in the U.S. Navy in WWII and graduated from Grove City College. He had a lifelong passion for education and went on to earn two master’s and two doctorate degrees, and he taught at Pepperdine University, Northrop University, West Coast University and Ambassador College.

With the support of donors, staff, family and one another, the youth at the Masonic Children’s Home can grow stronger and more confident in a future with limitless possibilities.