Masons mark Public Schools Month with $161,000 donation

Randy Brill, left, and Jessica Mausner, California Masons; Trustee Richard Barrera; Taft Middle School Principal Mike George; Supt. Bill Kowba

The Masons of California have helped make public education a focal issue in California since their 1920 introduction of Public Schools Week, now celebrated statewide as Public Schools Month each April. As part of this special month, events are being held throughout California this spring, with statewide donations amounting to more than $750,000. The donation is part of the Masons' commitment to making a profound difference for public education throughout the state.

The local chapter of the Masons of California presented San Diego Unified a check for $161,000 at this year's celebration held at Cherokee Point Elementary School on March 27. The donation will support teachers and students in San Diego public schools and provide funding for the fraternal organization's statewide public education initiatives: Raising A Reader and Investment in Success Scholarship Program.

Through the Raising A Reader Literacy Partnership, California Masons are bringing the award-winning literacy and family engagement program to elementary school classrooms in the lowest- performing public schools throughout the state, building strong family relationships and creating a new legacy of literacy. The Masons' donation is supporting the Raising A Reader program at four district elementary schools: Central, Cherokee Point, Joyner and Rowan. Currently,

The fraternity's Investment in Success Scholarship Program, which launched in 2011, provides college scholarships for deserving high school seniors who demonstrate an active pursuit of education in spite of significant obstacles. Students who receive these scholarships demonstrate exemplary character, drive, and scholastic potential, despite challenges in their homes or communities.

“To have the support of the world’s first and largest fraternal organization is a powerful statement about the importance of community involvement in public education,” said Supt. Bill Kowba during the ceremony. “We are very grateful to the Masons for their continuing support of our students, teachers and schools.”

To learn more, contact the California Masonic Foundation at https://www.freemason.org .