Information and photos by
Jim Chapman
Lassen Lodge #149 F&AM held its 105th Annual Observance of Public Schools Week on Thursday, April 24th in a special ceremony at the Masonic Lodge on North Lassen Street. Public Schools is a program founded by Grand Master Charles A. Adams in 1920 and has been observed by Grand Lodge and the local lodges every year since during the month of April.
The Lodge works with the Lassen County Office of Education and our County Superintendent Patty Gunderson to honor two students and a teacher from the area schools. This year we had nine schools participate, recognizing 18 students and 9 teachers for their outstanding achievements.
At the beginning of the program the 2025 Peter Lassen Masonic Scholars from Lassen High School were introduced. Four students were selected from the applications submitted earlier in April for the two-year scholarships, worth $2,000 each.
Lodge Master Ryan LaGache PM, welcomed Devin DeForest, Maddi Johnson and Cameron Wattenburg, along with County Superintendent of Schools Patty Gunderson and lodge Scholarship Chairman Jim Chapman, PM.
Not present was Hazel Gaumont, who was chosen as a scholar but unable to attend due to attending the state FBLA conference in Anaheim.
The following were honored for their achievements during the public schools program:
Shaffer Elementary
Shaffer school superintendent/principal Josh Blackburn recognized students Cody Fox and Summer Davidson, along with teacher Elise Williams.
Joining in the presentation were Master LaGache, Superintendent Gunderson and lodge Senior Warden Scott Tripp, PM.
Long Valley
Teacher Kathi Williams introduced Long Valley’s students, Colt Stokes and Kaylie Adams. Superintendent Gunderson then presented the recognition to teacher Williams, assisted by Master LaGache and Warden Tripp.
Richmond School
Superintendent/principal Brian Boyer recognized students Wyatt Bruce and Addison Tomlinson and teacher Ida Bruce.
Meadow View School
Meadow View Principal Charlotte Klinock introduced her students Tanner Browning and Emma Unger and read a letter from their teachers. She then introduced her teacher Trenna Hersrud.
Mckinley school
Mckinley Principal Tracy Cockrell presented her two students, Bronson Pritchard and Nathalie Eltzroth. She then gave the attendees details of the amazing story of her teacher Maria “liz” Alexandru, a native of Romania.
Thompson Peak Charter School
Stephanie Preston, representing Thompson Peak Charter, introduced her two students, Riley Champieux and Gracie Deal and talked about how hard they had worked on their studies. She then recognized her teacher Angelina Kingsley and the work she has accomplished.
Johnstonville School
Dr. Scott Smith, Superintendent/Principal of Johnstonville School introduced his two students, Isabella Bonnell and Juan Ayala-Galaviz. He then talked about the virtues of his teacher Lisa Urquizu and her contributions to the school.
Janesville School
Superintendent/Principal Jamie Lewis of Janesville School extolled the accomplishments of her students, Wilder Barnum and Leiga Moore. Her teacher was Amy Malone, who she called a great asset to their school.
Diamond View School
Principal Dede Heimbigner gave great praise for her two students, Ryleigh Evans and Samuel Duerksen, and what to expect from them as they move onto the high school. She also had great things to say about her teacher Jennifer Smith, whose work with all the students and staff has been legendary.
County Office of Education
The evening concluded with remarks from County Superintendent Patty Gunderson, thanking the Masons for their support for public education and sponsoring Public Schools Week for so many years. She also introduced Whitney Zubillaga, who was not present, as the Teacher of the Year at the county office.
