 |
 |
United Nations 2009
Front Row: L-R Aaron Dunkle (Huntington),
Charles Cox (Boone Co)
Second Row L-R Kaci Murray (Clarksburg),
Courtney Harrison (Boone Co) Kaitlan
Rabi (Boone Co)
Text: The five students are the WV Representatives for
this years, United Nations Pilgrimage. The
group will spend 14 days on tour the north eastern United States,
and parts of Canada. They will visit such cities as
Gettysburg, Philadelphia, New York, Boston,
Toronto, Niagara Falls. The main focus of the tour
will be the being in session of the United Nations for several
days to learn the working of the United Nations. Hence the name
United Nations Pilgrimage.
The funds are basically raised by Odd Fellows and Rebekah Lodges,
and Rebekah Districts. Other organizations and churches,
and individuals can sponsor a candidate. The candidate does not have
to belong
to the order, although many have joined the order after having
gone on the trip. The trip is a scholarship type
tour and the only money the child needs is money for personal
expenses and favors they may purchase. These five join the ranks of
other students who have traveled from over the world since 1951.
These will meet students from Sweden, Denmark, Canada,
countries of South Americas. Many times, students from
Japan,
These five students will be our delegates representing WV in
the next 14 days.
The students will also compete in many different programs, and
the big contest is a winner of a four year scholarship to the
college of their choice to a certain amount.
They will give speeches, reports and many other interesting
things. Most of these students have already met
competition in order to be a delegate and they are
already winners.
These students will travel several thousands of miles while on this
tour. The day starts early and ends late; but it is
something they will remember all of their life.
Some students like certain cities more than others; and for various
reasons.
These will have opportunity (and are urged to do so) to give
reports back to the lodge which sponsored them and the cities from
which they have come. They will also be invited to attend the
Grand Lodge of WV, I O O F, and the Rebekah Assembly of WV.
They will be introduced and will have the opportunity to speak to
the two groups to tell their story of their experience.
It should be noted that the Odd Fellows and Rebekah Lodges of Boone
County has sent delegates each year for many years now.
Our thanks for these brothers and sisters who want to help their
youth of their committee. This writer is told that
the Rebekah Lodge of Boone County made quilts throughout the
year and sold them to help raise the funds for these students.
The Photo was taken by last years Chairman, Rev. Sherman G.
Davidson, who met the group enroute and took the photo.
The two adults Russell Swecker and wife Wanda would not be in
the photo; but they are doing a wonderful job in working with these
youth. If you would like to see more on this tour,
please make your search with The United Nations Pilgrimage for
Youth I O O F. If you would like to help other
students or sponsor students (Junior/Senior) you may do
so
contact http://www.WVIOOF.org
You may contact the webmasters or the chairman listed as an officer.
Info provided by Rev. Sherman G. Davidson, Publicity Director
for the Committee.
http://www.ioof.org/unep.html
Check here for the Sovereign Grand Lodge site.