Graduation Honors Propel Seniors Forward

In May, youth, staff, donors, parents, guardians and Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania representatives gathered for the annual Youth Appreciation Day to recognize the youth for their achievements in the classroom and beyond. During the event, graduating seniors Jebbeh, Shedrack and Eriyah were honored and reminisced about their wonderful experiences at the Masonic Children’s Home.

Jebbeh came to the children’s home as a shy and timid 10-year-old. She said she hardly recognizes the 18-year-old woman she has become today.

“I am confident when I speak now and am always up for a challenge,” she said. “I have truly grown into an amazing woman with the guidance I received from the house parents.”

Jebbeh was inducted into both the National Honors Society and the National Technical Honors Society, competed in track and field and was crowned Homecoming Queen.

She said it will be difficult to leave her friends at the home. She will also miss the fun trips to amusement parks and the Jersey shore with the staff.

“No matter who it is that I’m hanging out with on campus, I am always having a good time,” she said. “I have learned how to coexist in a space with so many different types of people. It’s a struggle at times but learning how to forgive and apologize has been a big lesson.”

Jebbeh will attend Temple University this fall to study nursing.

Shedrack moved to the children’s home at age 10. His older brother also lived there. While nervous at first, he quickly acclimated to his new home and made many friends while playing basketball.

“When I first came here, I was unsure what type of person I would become, but looking back now, I realize how much the children’s home and the people in it have shaped me,” he said.

“I will never forget the people I met here, the friends who turned into family, the staff who cared more than they had to and the small moments that seemed normal at the time but now feel huge.”

Shedrack will attend Pennsylvania College of Technology to major in automotive technology.

Eriyah has been living at the children’s home since fifth grade. He has a younger brother and two cousins who live there. He said his experience has been great, and he will miss playing basketball and other activities with the other boys.

“Having a basketball court that I could use at any time made a huge difference,” he said. “It gave me a space to clear my mind, improve my game and continue doing something I really enjoy.”

He said the children’s home quickly became his “second home” and is a big part of the person he is today. He attended the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center, where he learned about architectural technology and computer-aided design (CAD).

He will attend Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in the fall to major in engineering/CAD technology.

“This place helped me grow, learn and become a better person,” he said. “The house parents gave me advice and life lessons I’ll carry with me forever.”

During his remarks to the three seniors at Youth Appreciation Day, Grand Master Robert D. Brink said:

“Congratulations! You stand on the edge of something new and exciting. As you look ahead, know that you are ready. Ready to take what you have learned here and apply it to the world. Ready to make a difference … But as you soar, never forget where your journey began. This home and this fraternity will always stand behind you – proud of you, supportive of you and confident in all that you will achieve.”

Jebbeh, Shedrack and Eriyah are thankful to the donors who provided them with a safe place to live and thrive.

“I am blessed with this education and future because of all of you,” Jebbeh said. “Thank you isn’t a strong enough phrase for the opportunities you have provided to me … Your generous donations are appreciated by every child in this room.”