FREEMASONRY AND PUBLIC EDUCATION
Freemasonry
and Public Education Bro. Dustin R. Rawlins Asst. to the Grand Master for Educational Affairs
My name is Dustin Rawlins and I am a member of William R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge #7. At present, I am employed as the Sr. Human Resources Technician, Staffing in the Human Resources Management function of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. I am currently pursuing a degree in Psychology from American University and know first hand the importance of education. Originally from Delaware, I have lived and worked in the Washington D.C. area for the past six years. Recently, my wife, son, and I relocated to Silver Springs, MD from the District’s Adams Morgan neighborhood.
also at the local level by becoming more involved with a number of the schools in the diverse communities that house our lodge halls. Awards will now also be distributed to the District’s teaching staff, acknowledging and rewarding excellence in teaching in a principal-nominated program. Teachers will also be provided the opportunity to take part in two training sessions, which will provide detailed instruction on the “Foundation Documents” including: the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Each lodge will seek out volunteer opportunities to assist in improving the physical conditions of several schools, which will provide us the opportunity to support the schools literally; not just financially. With the continual upkeep needed on area public school facilities, this work is not only much needed, it will promise to be rewarding for those involved. The entire school community can benefit from these physical efforts.
As Masons in the Nation’s Capital, we are in a unique position to exemplify leadership and philanthropy for the next generation of civic leaders.
As Assistant to the Grand Master, I will play an instrumental role in linking the Grand Lodge’s Adopt-A-School initiative with the District’s Public School system and guiding the project as it moves forward. My responsibility is primarily to assess the true needs of D.C. Public Schools and the ways our involvement can impact their futures. Upcoming projects include: scholarships for college-bound high school seniors; a rewards program honoring educators’ excellence; and volunteer opportunities for improvements of the academic environment.
If education is the foundation to building today’s students into tomorrow’s responsible citizenry, then access to education is the cornerstone. The scholarship program is a city-wide opportunity for college-bound public school students to receive financial aid awards to advance their academic pursuits. Merit- and need-based scholarships will be awarded to over a dozen students in the current year from this program alone. Furthering their education by providing relief is in accordance with our values as Masons. The Grand Lodge’s Adopt-A-School Program will assist the District’s public school students, not only on a city-wide scale in the form of scholarships, but
I will be working closely with the Deputy Mayor for Education’s office as Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announces the District’s school improvement plan, which echoes the imperatives of the Grand Lodge. Mayor Fenty is seeking willing public and private organizations to take the lead in mentoring, sponsoring, and assisting the District’s public school students. The Grand Lodge of D.C. has preemptively answered his call. As Masons in the nation’s capital, we are in a unique position to exemplify leadership and philanthropy for the next generation of civic leaders. The importance of supporting public education can not be over-valued; each student requires the type of care and guidance that parallels our Masonic tenants. The Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia is committed to engaging educators, Masons, and the entire Washington D.C. public school community in reform efforts to improve the academic experience continued on page 27 The Voice of Freemasonry
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