The George West Masonic Lodge #1129 held its Appreciation and Awards Banquet last Thursday evening and awarded Mirabeau B. Lamar scholarships of $300 each to George West seniors Jane Riser and Whitley James.

Masonic Master Robert Lowrie gave the opening remarks. He said, “We like to recognize people in the community who have gone above and beyond and we like to recognize students in our community who have gone above and beyond. These young students were selected late last year when they were juniors. We like to present this award early in their senior year so that they can wear their medal and include this award on their college applications. The Mirabeau B. Lamar scholarship is a much respected award because Lamar was not only the second president of the Republic of Texas he is also known as “The Father of Public Education in Texas” because he saw to it that every child in the State of Texas would have available to him a public education.”

Lowrie continued, “These two young people have put forth a lot of effort during their young years and since they have been in high school now I think it is appropriate not only to recognize but when I call out their name I would like for them to stand up and introduce their parents, grandparents, friends or whomever is with them here tonight. The first recipient is Miss Jane Riser. She is the daughter of Gene and Vicki Riser. The second recipient here tonight is Miss Whitley James. She is the daughter of Pat and Kelly James. Both of these young ladies are from families that have been in this county many, many years. I want to thank Jane and Whitley; you had to for your whole school life be a good student. A good student doesn’t just come naturally; you have to apply yourself. You have to accept the responsibility of being a good student. Responsibility is probably the second most beautiful word you will hear tonight and the first most beautiful word is honor, and that is what we are doing here tonight. We are honoring all those years that you applied yourself both athletically and academically, for being well-rounded. We are proud of you.”

After presenting the scholarships, Lowrie went on to recognize Live Oak County Chief Deputy Glenn Thompson and present him with a Masonic Plaque of Appreciation. Lowrie read a brief biography of Thompson written by LOC Sheriff Larry Busby, who nominated Thompson for the award.

Lowrie quoted Busby’s statement. “Glenn Thompson has given me good, honorable, faithful service for more than 20 years. Thompson grew up in Brazoria, Texas and served in the Marines from 1965-69; a portion of that time in Vietnam where he came under attack a number of times. After his stint in the Marines, he became interested in law enforcement and started as a reserve deputy sheriff with San Patricio County. In July 1984, he came to Live Oak County as a deputy sheriff. He was promoted to chief deputy in January 1995 and plans to retire this year. Thompson’s greatest tribute as chief deputy is his dependability. He possesses the knowledge required for the job as well as the temperament but possibly his greatest asset to the sheriff’s office is he is always available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if needed.”

Lowrie also recognized the 50-year Masons by presenting them with a Masonic apron. “The apron is important to us as Masons and significant to us in our work and we like to recognize longevity. The recipients of the 50-year Masonic apron are Lamon Bennett, Walter Holmes and Tige Brown,” Lowrie said.

Prior to concluding the ceremony, Lowrie addressed the scholarship winners once again and urged them to embrace life. “When you go out and tackle life, turn loose all of your passion, all of your energy, all of your spirit, and all of your endeavors, and turn your life into the wind.”