Meet the Candidates: Jacob Reilly for State Senior Councilor

Convention is soon approaching, and we have more candidates to get to know. We have two candidates for the office of State Senior Councilor. The first is Bro. Jacob Reilly of al-Aksa Chapter.  

My name is Jacob Reilly, but everyone calls me JR. I have been involved with DeMolay since 2013. I have been Master Councilor for al-Aksa Chapter for 2 terms and I have earned my PMC-MSA. The term 2017 - 2018 was my first experience of what it is like to be a Elected State Officer. Throughout this past term, DeMolay has changes me for the better. Besides DeMolay, in my free time I am active with my Boy Scout Troop in Roaring Spring and I only need to attend the final board of review for my Eagle Scout Rank. I am also very active in my Youth Group at First Church of the Brethren in Roaring Spring. I am currently a Junior at Central High School in Martinsburg, PA. After I am finished with High School, my plan is to enlist into the US Navy and become a Corpsman in the Navy.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment?

My greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment is hard to describe in just one instance. I have so many experiences that have formed me into a better man. If I could limit to just one, it would have to be the time that I obtained the PMC-MSA which was presented to me by the Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, S. Eugene Herritt. It was quite an honor to receive, especially by someone with great honor and who is well respected.

Who are some of your DeMolay influences and how have they inspired you?

This is a tough question because there are many great men and women who have helped me become a better person and a better DeMolay. I certainly would not be where I am now without them. Honestly I would have to say that Bro. Tyler Moyer has truly mentored me through many problems, whether it be personal or DeMolay related, he has always directed me in the right direction and I know if I had any issues I can come to him for the best advice. He truly has been there for me and I thank him for all his help along the way. I am glad to call him my brother.

What are your goals if elected to serve as a State Officer?

My goals as a candidate for State Senior Councilor are few, but would make a very positive impact on the organization as a whole.

1. Improve attendance at state functions.
2. Inspire new members to prioritize DeMolay by becoming an active part of the organization.
3. Increase communications between chapters, whether by activities, district meetings, and visitations to general meetings.

My personal goals are to maintain a priority for DeMolay but to enhance my involvement in the organization.  My first year as a state officer was a learning experience in both a good way and bad. I have formed many friendships in the brotherhood.  I have met very dedicated men and women. This has caused me to evaluate myself and to see where I can increase my dedication and involvement.

The registration deadline for Convention is June 10th. Make sure you are there for your chance to vote for your Elected State Officers. See you in Gettysburg!

Meet the Candidates: Andrew Santilli for Deputy State Master Councilor

It's almost time for the annual PA DeMolay Convention, so why not get to know our candidates for State Office. We have two candidates for the office of Deputy State Master Councilor. Here is our second, Bro. Andrew Santilli of Chester Pike Chapter. 

I have been in DeMolay for six years now, and naturally I have experienced many ups and downs as a state officer, a chapter member, and a brother in general. My failures have given me invaluable insight into how better to serve my brethren, and I want to run for office to help them prove on a global scale that we aren’t some average fraternity struggling to survive, but that we are and will be flourishing in our communities. DeMolay has helped me realize not who I am, but who I need to be. A learner, a servant as well as a leader, an honest embodiment of our obligations, and someone who creates a better future right now, every single day.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment?

My greatest DeMolay experience is recurring in the presentation of the Flower Talk to an extensive number of Masonic lodges in the country. Not only is it a very practical application of skills we learn like public speaking and Masonic service, it is a very direct experience of how DeMolay can influence people. To be able to see the expression on someone’s face during the presentation, and to be able to speak deeply with new people around the country is an experience i will cherish forever.

Who are some of you DeMolay influences and how have they inspired you?

Obviously many people have had a significant impact on me in DeMolay. To keep it short, the two men that I thought of first were my grandfather, and “Dad” Jerry Richards. Before I was old enough to join, it was my grandfather who lit that fire in me and has held me to the highest standard of being a man and DeMolay. Dad Richards has given me invaluable support, both emotionally and in his guidance as I have made my way through different areas of being a DeMolay. He has driven me countless hours and prepared me to handle anything that was thrown at me.

What are your goals if elected to serve as a State Officer?

This is one of SMC candidate Tyler Moyers goals as well, but I want to ensure that every member is proficient in his obligations. I also want to see that for the first time in a long time, Pennsylvania experiences positive growth in membership. A third goal for my term is to see that the money raised for state charity is in excess of ten thousand dollars for the year. And finally, the existence of a squires program in every chapter by years end would be incredible.

Meet the Candidates: Dylan Kirk for Deputy State Master Councilor

It's almost time for the annual PA DeMolay Convention, so why not get to know our candidates for State Office. We have two candidates for the office of Deputy State Master Councilor. Here is our first, Bro. Dylan Kirk of Westmoreland Chapter. 

Hello! My name is Dylan Kirk and I have been a member of Westmoreland Chapter for nearly five years. I've spent the last two years as an Elected State Officer, currently serving as State Senior Councilor. I am 17 years old and finishing my junior year of high school. I am running for the office of Deputy State Master Councilor to further my DeMolay experience and to give back as much as I can. After serving one term as Master Councilor in my home chapter, I believed it was time for me to further my experience and join the state line. In larger chapters, once you become Master Councilor, that’s the extent you can go since you have new members wanting to move into the chairs. So, although I am still active in my chapter, I try to act as a leader to the newer DeMolay members and let them run the chapter. After all, they are the future.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment?

My greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment would have to be becoming an ESO. It has taught me so many things like planning events, creating and meeting deadlines, time management, and one which I have improved a lot in, being able to speak off the cuff. Along with being an ESO you get to meet so many people, especially the DeMolay members. It’s great to talk to them at events and get to know them, knowing that I could be someone they look up to, that inspires me to be a good leader.

Who are some of your DeMolay influences and how have they inspired you?

I have had so many influences in DeMolay. Several Advisors, DeMolays, past State Officers. They have all influenced me and taught me many things. I don’t think I would be the person I am today without them.

What are your goals if elected to serve as a State Officer?

My goals if elected to serve as DSMC are to help unify the state and spend time with the West, helping them grow stronger. I want to contribute to individual growth, this is something that has been somewhat lost in DeMolay. Many members are just in DeMolay to have fun, which is great, but that’s not the only purpose of DeMolay. So I hope to encourage teaching the virtues of DeMolays and bettering members.

Meet the Candidates: Sean Reitze for State Master Councilor

Convention is right around the corner, which means that its time to elect our officers for 2018-2019. Here is our second candidate for State Master Councilor, Bro. Sean Reitze from Pilgrim Chapter.

My name is Sean Reitze, and I am running for the office of State Master Councilor for PA DeMolay. I have been a member of Pilgrim Chapter since May 14, 2013. In that time, I have served two terms as Master Councilor, received my PMC-MSA twice, and recently had the honor of receiving the Chevalier. Outside of my DeMolay life, I will be entering my junior year at West Chester University as a Communications major with minors in Computer Science, Spanish, and Leadership. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, photography, and playing games on my Xbox 360.

If elected, what will your biggest area of focus be?

If elected State Master Councilor, my biggest area of focus would be working to create regular regional events, such as go-karting, bowling, dances, or other fun events. With Chapters working together, it makes it possible to have one awesome event, instead of spreading efforts out too thin. Collaboration is the key to success with our Chapters — everyone within a region has the power to plan and execute something that benefits not only their members, but also bring new friends into our Order.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment?

My greatest DeMolay experience in recent memory was my second time visiting Venango Chapter — to help obligate their first five members. It marked the start of new beginnings in Oil City, and it was amazing to see all of the hard work from many dedicated individuals come to fruition. I also had a great time meeting and getting to know the new members of Venango Chapter afterwards (even though they beat me in a few games of pool).

What do you see of your DeMolay legacy after serving as State Master Councilor?

After serving as State Master Councilor if elected, I would want my legacy to be looked back on as someone who worked to create unforgettable events, who made a difference, and seen as a team player. While it’s essential that we have memorable programs and events, it’s incredibly important to me that everyone feels valued and has their voices heard. The beauty of DeMolay is the fact that it is an organization for youth, run by youth. Each voice has something new to contribute to the dialogue, and I will acknowledge and respect each member’s voice equally. Following my time as an Active DeMolay, I plan on staying involved with PA DeMolay in the capacity of an Advisor and eventually hope to serve on the state staff. To me, DeMolay is a lifetime commitment — I want to be able to give back to DeMolay what it has given to me.

The registration deadline for Convention is June 10th. Make sure you are there for your chance to vote for your Elected State Officers. See you in Gettysburg! 

Meet the Candidates: Tyler Moyer for State Master Councilor

Convention is right around the corner, which means it will be time to vote for our Elected State Officers to serve for the 2018-2019 year. Here is one of the candidates for the office of State Master Councilor, Bro. Tyler Moyer from Pilgrim Chapter. 

While I’ve been a member of DeMolay for nearly eight years, it has been these last two years as an Elected State Officer and maintaining an active role in my local Chapter, that I’ve learned the most about DeMolay and what it truly means to be a member. As I progressed through the ESO line, I learned that the office of State Master Councilor is designed to give members an ultimate chance to give back to their brothers. My goals are simple, to make sure that each of us leaves the year with an understanding of what it means to be a DeMolay and how to do it. Also, to prepare us so that we can move into the next century running full-steam ahead; prepared to grow and develop our Chapters, but most importantly grow and develop ourselves.

If elected, what will be your biggest area of focus?

If elected State Master Councilor, my focus will be to create a positive learning environment for our members to build themselves through focused workshops at weekends and personal development time at our State functions. Our goal will be to see that the individual members and State go through three stages: education, development, and growth. If we receive the education and develop our skills, then we can see the benefits of growth; in ourselves, our chapters and our State. I’d be happy to tell you my exciting 3 step plan for next year, feel free to ask me.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment?

I think that my greatest DeMolay accomplishment/experience would have to be being the 2016 KeyMan Youth Director. While that position was more of an administrative role, I think that it gave me an insight into what being SMC would be like and what I would want to do with that opportunity. It taught me a lot about how to best balance the learning that is going on throughout the week with the fun that I had planned. Yes, I absolutely believe that our DeMolay program should be full of fun, but I also see the importance of education, and that’s what I hope to make sure we balance throughout the year.

What do you see of your DeMolay legacy after serving as State Master Councilor? 

We all want to be remembered for something. Whether that be as a great ritualist, athlete, or something else. I would love for my legacy to be based on being a motivator of change to help realign the focus of our program for others to build off of and make their legacies.

The registration deadline for Convention is June 10th. Make sure you are there for your chance to vote for your Elected State Officers. See you in Gettysburg! 

Convention 2018 in Gettsyburg

Who's ready for Convention 2018? PA DeMolay Convention is the annual meeting for the members and advisors of Pennsylvania to get together for fun and fellowship during the summer. The members get a chance to vote for their Elected State Officers, receive awards and scholarships for their hard work throughout the year, and, the most important element of a DeMolay Convention, have lots of fun with their friends from across the commonwealth. This year, Convention will take place in Gettysburg at the Eisenhower/Aspire Hotel and Convention Center from July 20th-22nd, 2018, and it promises to be like no other.  

For those arriving early on Friday, there will be an optional activity at All-Star Sports, which is conveniently located next to the hotel. The fun includes go-karts, mini golf and laser tag. Later on, the Friday night activity is a Civil War style escape room at 1863 Escape. You and your team will have one hour to solve the challenge and escape the room.

Saturday morning will be the annual business session where we will elect the officers that will serve Pennsylvania DeMolay for the 2018-2019 year. During the luncheon, awards and scholarships will be given to well deserving recipients; including RD of the Year, Most Visitations, Membership Awards, and Outstanding Chapter. In the afternoon there will be a special Photographic Scavenger Hunt that will take you to various battlefield sites. After dinner, an experienced tour guide will take groups of DeMolays and Advisors on a ghost tour of haunted areas of Gettysburg at Gettysburg Ghost Tours. The weekend will be complete with the installation of our next Elected State Officers on Sunday morning. 

Register now for Convention 2018! You will not want to miss out on this fun-filled event that only comes around once a year.

For the convention packet and all of the registration materials follow the link below

https://pademolay.org/pa-demolay-convention/ 

Until next time - Dad Joe Pullin