Tompkins Medal Recipients

by Joann Williams-Hoxha, Content Manager

The Daniel D. Tompkins Medal is conferred upon a deserving Masonic or Scottish Rite Brother who has rendered outstanding distinguished and exemplary service to his country or the Masonic Fraternity. These Scottish Rite Brothers received this distinct recognition in 2021.

David Collins, 33°

Illustrious Brother David S. Collins, 33˚, MSA, of the Valley of Concord and Grand Master of New Hampshire, was awarded The Daniel D. Tompkins Medal on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at the Council of Deliberation meeting in Nashua. Brother Collins is the first recipient of this award in New Hampshire. He is active in his community, serving as an Advanced EMT and Fire Fighter. He was named Colebrook, NH’s 2021 Citizen of the Year and in 2020, he received the Jeremy Ladd Cross Award for his longtime efforts for the betterment of Freemasonry in New Hampshire. He is a member of York Rite, Scottish Rite, Order of the Eastern Star, DeMolay, and Shrine.

William M. Sardone, 33°

Illustrious Brother William M. Sardone, 33˚, of the Valley of New York City and Past Grand Master of Masons in the state of New York was awarded the Daniel D. Tompkins Medal on September 24, 2021. Sovereign Grand Commander Peter J. Samiec presented the award at the New York Council of Deliberation Convocation. Brother Sardone is active in many areas of Masonry, from DeMolay International to five International Grand Lodges. He is a member of Mecca Shrine, Royal Arch, Red Cross of Constantine, Commandery, Cryptic Masons, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and served as Chairman on several Grand Lodge committees.

Vtyautas “Vyts” Paukstys, 32°

Brother Vtyautas “Vyts” Paukstys, 32˚, of the Valley of Chicago, was awarded the Daniel D. Tompkins Medal on September 21, 2021. Brother Paukstys volunteered at the Valley of Chicago’s Children’s Dyslexia Center since 2009, becoming Vice-Chair in 2011 and Chairman from 2016-2021. The Children’s Dyslexia Center was established by the Valley of Chicago in 1999 on the grounds of the Illinois Masonic Children’s Home in La Grange. When the home closed in 2017, Brother Paukstys was instrumental in moving the Children’s Dyslexia Center to its current location in La Grange.

Congratulations to these worthy men for all their hard work and dedication to Scottish Rite!