Two Seniors Embrace Their New Beginnings

Seniors Breanne and Joy graduated from Elizabethtown Area High School on May 25, and thanks to the Masonic Children’s Home, they’re poised to take on the next step in life’s journey.

Joy, 18, from Philadelphia, was a very busy student. She’s 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’s also a member of the Human Rights Club and a mentor for young girls at the intermediate school, among other activities.

“I just want to make a difference in school and have an impact in any way possible,” she said. “I have friends who are in various clubs, and I usually join with them.”

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 class at Lancaster County Career & Technical Training (CTC), with plans to major in nursing at Penn State University this fall.

“I really enjoy the healthcare field,” she said. “My mom is a nurse, my uncle is a doctor and my cousins are nurses. I grew up around the health care field, and it’s a job with good stability and pay.”

By earning college credits at Lancaster County CTC, Joy learned more about the medical field and got a glimpse into what to expect at college. “I wouldn’t have this chance if I was still living in Philadelphia,” she said.

Joy is grateful for the opportunities she received at the children’s home. She has been given many tools that will come in handy in the future. She is thankful to the donors, whose kindness and generosity have made a real difference.

“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 will carry with me the memories we have created here – the laughter, tears, milestones and triumphs. This institution has been a place of refuge, growth and transformation, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

Joy also praised the house parents, who she connected with over time.

“They are terrific and helpful,” she said. “A lot of the time, we use them as our therapists and get their advice on things.”

Joy enjoys school and sports. She is also grateful for the trips she took while at the children’s home and for all the activities, including Youth Appreciation Day.

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, Paige and Hailey. She has enjoyed her time at the children’s home because she gets along well with the other girls and the house parents are always “nice and inviting.”

“They give me everything I need and guide me,” she said. “I was given the chance to pursue a college education. I was able to participate in sports and school events. I had that feeling of security and was provided the tools to have a better future than I would have had otherwise.”

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

“I really appreciate being here,” she said. “I want to encourage the younger children who live here. You have all been given the possibility to succeed, but it is up to you to

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.