Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Monticello Consistory #331 Scottish Rite Masons awarded two $1,000 scholarships at a banquet on Saturday, March 26. Congratulations to Tyren L. Dasher and Paris M. Thomas!
Consistory #331 Member Keith Morley presented the awards on behalf of the group's Scholarship Committee. First, he recognized the parents for bringing up such fine young people. Then he introduced the first recipient, Paris M. Thomas, a 17-year-old student at Jefferson Somerset K-12 with a 3.8 GPA. He applauded her for her humility, good behavior, involvement and achievement.
In accepting the scholarship, Thomas said, “Growing up I would often see my parents working hard and helping others with whatever they may need. Due to this, I strive hard in my work and want to help others whenever I can... When deciding what I wanted to do career-wise, I chose something that would both interest me and allow me to help others, which was psychology. I hope to later be able to make an impact on my community and aid other people along the way... Once I am in college, I plan on striving for my PhD in psychology. This would open so many opportunities in said field. I want to reach a point where I am knowledgeable on this topic and have means to give back and support those in Jefferson County. Spreading awareness about mental disorders and mental health issues is something I would like to do as well. I hope you are there to witness the changes I will make later, both in this community and wherever I may reside.”
Morley then introduced Tyren L. Dasher, a senior at Jefferson Somerset K-12 with a 3.61 GPA. He noted that as a football player, Dasher participated in all aspects of the game – offense, defense and special teams – while also setting an outstanding example for his peers as a scholar.
In accepting the scholarship, Dasher said, “I’m greatly honored to be here. I thank you all for giving me the opportunity. Throughout my high school years, I have noticed that commitment is the biggest thing for me... There is nothing that can stop me from doing what I want in life... I plan to attend FAMU later on in the Fall. Thank you all for the grants to go to college. I plan to start my own real-estate agency. I want to major in business because it's not often that you see an African American in a real-estate agency. I want to try something different.”
Earlier in the program, the keynote speaker Brandon Williams, recognized that both T-y-r-e-n and P-a-r-i-s are ways to spell “great.” He encouraged the scholarship recipients to continue to achieve greatness with the following points of guidance:
Number One – Know who you are. Speak positive affirmations every day, Williams said, such as “I am smart, I am beautiful, I am a friend, I am a facilitator of good relationships, I am blessed.” Affirmations can also be ways to activate visions for the future, such as I am a lawyer, I am a writer, etc. “Speak who you are,” he said. “Speak who you want to be.”
Number Two – Make a pact with supportive peers, Williams advised. Agree with these teammates that you will not let each other fail. Pay attention to how each other are doing, and help each other move along.
Number Three – Have a head coach, a divine being you go to for guidance. In addition, listen to other coaches, such as parents, teachers, celebrities and community leaders, who can be invaluable resources in life.
Monticello Consistory #331 is one of several Prince Hall Affiliated Rites of Freemasonry in Florida and has been active in the community since 1978. The organization continues to enhance and strengthen the character of individuals by providing opportunities for fellowship, charity, education, and leadership.
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