On Wednesday March 29th 2017 the Masonic Lodge of Dallas Texas came together to honor public education, and those dedicated to it in the 2017 Lamar Awards. The award ceremony was held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Downtown Dallas. A reception and banquet dinner was held in the Crystal Ballroom, and was catered by Sallio’s Bistro, a 5 star restaurant in Preston Hollow. President Robert Thompson kicked off the event by welcoming everyone. Brother Chaplain, Terry Bennett led us in invocation, and Brother Vice President Chris Livingston led a pledge to the flags. Then the dinner began. The food was fantastic and enjoyed by all. Many of our attendees and guests commented on how much they enjoyed it afterwards.
After the banquet, the attendees retired to the auditorium and awaited for the presentations to begin. Brother Secretary, Kyle Wahlquist, setup the ceremony by introducing our Keynote Speaker, Brother Jimmy Rumsey, who gave a fantastic lecture on the history of public education in Texas. Brother Wahlquist then introduced Past Grand Master David Dibrell, as the presenter of the awards for the evening.
We then watched as the awards were handed out. The dedicated students where honored first, which led up to the professional awards of excellence in contributions made to public education. The awardees were honored, and many expressed their appreciation to the Lodges and Masons honoring them.
After the presentation, Brother Wahlquist made his final remarks, and concluded the evening by calling Brother Chaplain to give the benediction.
A great evening was had by all in honoring public education, and those who provide so much to it.
The Officers of the 14th MWSA would like to thank Scott Brosi, Ken Black, & Matt Cast, from Highland Park Lodge for going above and beyond to assist us with making this event possible, and as good as it was.