Masonic Lodge honors locals
Anahuac High School junior Kayden Billiot receives the Honesty and Integrity Award, presented to him by Lodge Marshall Jabe Otwell, Worshipful Master Randall Decker, Right Worshipful Robert "Bobby" Roggenbuck, District Deputy Grand Master and Lodge Secretary Josh Cuccio, Justin Mercer, Senior Deacon Mike Waddell, Senior Warden James Copeland and Junior Warden Noel "Ray" Parkinson.
Anahuac Middle School Secretary Rebecca Torres receives the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award, presented by Lodge Marshall Jabe Otwell, Worshipful Master Randall Decker, Right Worshipful Robert "Bobby" Roggenbuck, District Deputy Grand Master and Lodge Secretary Josh Cuccio, Justin Mercer, Senior Deacon Mike Waddell, Senior Warden James Copeland and Junior Warden Noel "Ray" Parkinson.
Anahuac High School junior Taylor Neumann receives the Honesty and Integrity Award, presented by Senior Warden James Copeland, Worshipful Master Randall Decker, Junior Warden Noel "Ray" Parkinson and Lodge Marshall Jabe Otwell.
ANAHUAC— The masonic lodge recently honored two individuals who go above and beyond in everything they do, earning the Honesty and Integrity Award and the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award of Excellence.
On Saturday, May 3, Anahuac Masonic Lodge No. 955 honored two people at Anahuac Independent School District, one student and one staff member.
"It is an honor to stand before you this afternoon as we recognize an exceptional student who has demonstrated the qualities that define true leadership, honesty and integrity," Lodge Marshall Jabe Otwell said.
Kayden Billiot, Anahuac High School junior, was given the Honesty and Integrity Award, nominated by teachers and his guidance counselor. Members of the lodge also interviewed him before being chosen.
Billiot was awarded for his continued dedication to exhibiting moral and social virtues and his commitment to academics.
"Kayden, may you continue to lead with honesty, inspire with integrity and be a guiding light for those who follow in your footsteps," Otwell said.
Billiot shared his appreciation for being recognized.
"It means a lot that people see these values in me, because I try to do what's right, even when it's tough," Billiot said. "This award motivates me to stay true to my values as I move through high school, college and whatever comes next."
Taylor Neumann, AHS junior, also received the Honesty and Integrity Award. She was presented the award prior to the event as she was out of town.
The Lamar award was presented to Anahuac Middle School Secretary Rebecca Torres, the first Anahuac local to receive this award. Torres was nominated by AMS Principal Lynna Stephenson and selected by AISD administration.
"A great school secretary is more than someone who answers phones or files paperwork. They are the heartbeat of the campus, the problem solver, the comforter and often the first face students, staff and parents see each day," Otwell said. "It is true that the school secretary is the bridge between chaos and calm and that couldn't be more true for the person we are here to honor today."
The award is named after the second president of the Republic of Texas, known as the "Father of Texas Education." Lamar was also a member of the Masonic Fraternity.
"I want to thank the ones who nominated me and my admin that chose me for this award," Torres said. "It is truly amazing that the members of the Anahuac Masonic Lodge take the initiative to honor students and educators for their contributions to the community."