Freemasons of Kyle Lodge #96 Turn Pages Into Prizes

Members of Kyle Lodge #96 made the most of a break in last week’s windy weather to deliver prizes to local students participating in the Bikes for Books and Kindles for Kids programs. Sponsored statewide by local Masonic lodges with support from the Montana Masonic Foundation, the programs are designed to encourage reading and support education in Montana communities.

In past years, Kyle Lodge’s program included only schools in Saco and Hinsdale. Following the merger of North Star Lodge #46 in Glasgow with Kyle Lodge, Glasgow students were added as well. This year also marked an exciting first, with the masons choosing to include Nashua Schools in the program for the first time. Efforts were also made to include Frazer Schools in the program this year; however, the lodge was unable to connect with school representatives before the program deadline. The lodge hopes to extend participation opportunities to Frazer in the future.

Representing Kyle Lodge, Senior Steward Kevin Taylor and Worshipful Master Max Knodel were at Glasgow’s Irle Elementary and Nashua School on May 12 and 13 to award prizes and visit with students. Along the way, they asked a simple but important question: “Why do we read?” Students gave thoughtful answers like “to learn” and “to get smarter”- evidence that the program is already making a positive impact.

The winners from Glasgow are as follows: 5^th grade, Luke Abrahamson and Buddy Jackson; 4^th grade, Jack Kirkland and Wyatt Tanasee; 3^rd grade, Amelia Clarke and McKinley Creamer; 2^nd grade, Larry Baumgartner and Allyanna Hocryan; 1^st grade, Lucas Beer and Jace Wilson; and kindergarten, Caleb Morehouse and Noah Barras.

Nashua’s winners were, from kindergarten through 2^nd grade Ari Thievin; 3^rd through 5^th grade Analeigh Knaff, also winning kindles in Nashua were Addison and Eden.

The Kindles for Kids is a reading achievement program by the Montana Masonic Foundation to encourage children to learn to enjoy reading. The Foundation purchases Kindles, and outside donors (in this case, Masonic Lodges) receive them at a matching half-price (up to the program designated funding limit). These are then awarded to students at the end of the program as a reward and encouragement for reading.

When students were asked how many books they had read, some proudly reported totals as high as 55 books. And as Kevin Taylor pointed out, “since you all read a book- that makes you all winners.” As a reward for all the reading and effort put in by all the kids, Kevin and Max handed out popsicles to everyone at both schools, including students of all ages, high schoolers, and even teachers who joined in on the fun.

One thing was certain by the end of the week: plenty of pages were turned, plenty of popsicles were enjoyed, and plenty of young readers walked away smiling. As the program continues to grow, Kyle Lodge hopes to keep encouraging students one book- and one smile- at a time.