Once again, Fort Crook Lodge 250 F&AM carried on their tradition of providing backpacks to second graders in the Intermountain area. This year the Lodge is giving out backpacks filled with school supplies to 49 students at Burney Elementary, 33 students in Fall River, 8 students in Big Valley and 12 students in Montgomery Creek.
Teacher Michael Von Schalscha, Mason Jim Crockett, teacher Joy Ford and Burney Second Graders with new backpacks
On Tuesday, September 25, Mason Jim Crockett delivered the packs to second graders at Burney Elementary School.
Teachers Michael Von Schalscha and Joy Ford lead their students into the cafeteria and introduced Mr. Crockett who then gave a short talk.
Jim Crockett gives a short talk to students
Crockett asked the students if they knew what country they live in.
“The United States of America!” The children shouted in reply.
When he asked if they knew who the first president was, they raised their hands and answered, “George Washington.”
Crockett told them that George Washington was a brother Mason. He also told them that another Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, who aided in the discovery of electricity was a Mason.
Mr. Von Schalscha told the students that they would learn more about Ben Franklin later in the year.
Crockett explained that the Masons had long been supporters of public education in California and that is why they give out the backpacks each year.
A lot of students raised their hands to ask questions. Some wanted to know what was in the backpacks. Each pack contained a pencil, a notebook, an eraser, crayons, and a ruler.
Michael Von Schalscha, Jim Crockett, and Joy Ford hand out back packs to Burney Elementary School students
After the talk, the children lined up and each child was presented with a backpack by Mr. Crockett.
Pit River Country 