Graduating Seniors Ready to Take on the World

Bridget and Calvin, both graduating seniors, have had wonderful experiences at the Masonic Children’s Home. As they prepare for college, they look back at the journey that got them to where they are now and look forward to a bright future ahead.

Bridget has had many milestones throughout her time in high school. She received a leadership award for her involvement with the varsity cheerleading team and was named Homecoming Queen this past fall.
She has lived at the children’s home since the summer before fourth grade and said it will be hard to leave her friends and the house parents she has grown to know and love.

“From a young age, I’ve been more on the timid side, so when I came here and was greeted with smiles and kindness from the staff and kids, I knew it would soon be a place I could call home,” Bridget said in her speech during the milestone 100th Youth Appreciation Day in May. “We’ve gone through a pandemic together, and for a period of time, we only saw each other. Calling some of these people friends would be an understatement – we’re family.”

At the children’s home, Bridget said she became independent. She also learned patience, especially living with other girls in close quarters. She credits the house parents for giving her nothing but support and guidance.

“Because of the Masonic Children’s Home, I’ve gained so many mentors in my life,” she said. “These house parents change lives. I’ve learned the most valuable lessons.”

Bridget will attend Widener University this fall to study psychology. “I’m ready for something new, a new chapter,” she said.

Calvin, another senior, first moved to the children’s home when he was 12 years old. Calvin’s older sister already lived at the home, and he has another sibling there now. Calvin had an immediate connection with his housemates, which has only grown stronger over the years.

“All of us are like family,” he said. “They’re my brothers.”

Calvin recognizes the influence his house parents have had on his life, from teaching him valuable skills like tidying up his room, to learning how to manage his time and keep his grades up.

“At every stage, I’ve always learned something from my house parents,” he said. “They taught me how to manage work, school and sports, and, most importantly, how to be a mature young man.”

Calvin was a member of both the football and track teams in high school and will attend La Salle University this fall to study nursing.

R.W. Grand Master Larry A. Derr said during his remarks to the seniors at Youth Appreciation Day: “Congratulations! Everyone in this room is proud of you, as you should be of yourselves. Soon, you will embark on your next chapter in pursuit of your dreams.
Always remember that the Pennsylvania Masonic fraternity believes in you and is here to support you.”

Bridget and Calvin thanked the donors who have given them a caring, safe place to live and provided so many opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise.

“I am really grateful for everything that they have not only done for me, but for everyone else here,” Calvin said. “We all appreciate it, so thank you very much.”

“I thank the donors who made these memories possible,” Bridget said. “Because of your genuine, generous hearts, we have the opportunities our families have prayed for. I am forever indebted to you.”

If you know of a child who could benefit from residency at the Masonic Children’s Home, call 717-367-1121, ext. 33301 or email children@masonicvillages.org.