Pictured left is Worshipful Master Clarence Thornberry
Pictured Right is Recipient Junior Deacon Diego Reynoso
By Joseph M. Morgan
joseph@southerntorch.com
FORT PAYNE, Ala.—Fort Payne Masonic Lodge #437 earlier this week awarded Southern Torch Manager of Operations Diego Reynoso of Fort Payne with a $1,000 academic scholarship. The award is a matching scholarship program between FP Lodge #437 and the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Alabama.
Reynoso, who is an Master Mason at FP Lodge #437, recently became a student at Northeast Alabama Community College in Rainsville, Ala. after making the decision to return to school to finish his education.
Reynoso, 35, is a colon cancer survivor who is still battling the disease will most likely be required to undergo various levels of chemotherapy and radiation for the rest of his life in order to prevent the cancer from growing or returning. Reynoso said he has always dreamed of going to college and decided recently that he was not going to let his fight with cancer hold back his education any longer. Reynoso plans to earn a degree in website development.
“I am extremely grateful to my brother masons at Fort Payne Masonic Lodge #437 and to the Alabama Grand Lodge organization,” Reynoso said. “Getting back in school is something I’ve had my eye on for a number of years, and this generous scholarship will go a long ways to help me pay for the many costly expenses of attending college and earning a degree.”
Fort Payne Masonic Lodge #437 accepts scholarship applications from any individual in the Fort Payne area who has been accepted to an accredited college or university and will be enrolled in courses at the school the following semester. Reynoso said it is important that the public know that you do not have to be a member or related to a member of any Masonic Lodge to be considered for the scholarship.
FP Lodge #437 reviews each application and selects two students each year to award the $1,000 scholarships. For more information about applying for a scholarship through your local Masonic Lodge, visit www.alafreemasonry.org; or contact your local lodge.
