One of the great things our lodge has the opportunity to do each year is sponsor a young student to attend the annual All-State Masonic Band Camp, held during the week of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. We feel it is important to insure the youth of our community have every opportunity we can give them. In 2016, we sent a young man from Shawnee Mission South High School who displayed qualities of character which stood out among the ~220 members of this year's band.

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The students spend the week in long days of grueling practice learning to come together and learn new music, new choreography and new friends. The Band Staff are there with the students every step of the way. Through 12+ hours of practice and learning every day one young man was a leader and motivator to his fellow students. He encouraged them when they faltered. He picked them up when they fell. He cheered them up when they were sad. He energized them when they were tired.

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So, it is with great pleasure we were able to present The Jeff Atherly Inspiration Award to Elliot Huels. Elliot is a Patient Ambassador for the St. Louis Shriners Hospitals for Children and plays guitar. Elliot received a check for $1000 in appreciation for being a true friend and inspiration to all those around him.