The Saddleback Mission Viejo Elks Lodge #2444 celebrated local youth with Youth Appreciation Night on May 11th. The Elk’s recognized them for their accomplishments, contributions of service, and achievements over the past year. Officers and members were joined by parents, Boy Scouts and Scout Leaders from Troop 603, Troop 2020, and Troop 639 in the celebration.
Several of the Elk’s current and former officers shared the podium to highlight various programs that benefit our youth in the community: Dictionary Program and Youth Education – Hal Mattson-PER, Antlers Program – Stuart Urquhart-Officer-at-Large, Drug Awareness Program – Jenny Buford-Esquire, ENF Essay – Tenisha Campanile-Loyal Knight, Elks National Hoop Shoot & Volunteerism – ER Greg Morgan-PER and Scouting – Rick Moscoso-Leading Knight.
Dylan Urquhart was the winner of the 2021 Drug Awareness and Grand Lodge Americanism Essay Contest titled “Drug Abuse, No Excuse”. Hoop shoot participants recognized were Dylan Urquhart and District Winner (12-14) Jack Gerken. In addition, Youth Volunteerism recognition certificates were presented to Dylan and Logan Urquhart, Eli Johnston, Nate Nuelle, Chase Parkan, and Dylan Moscoso. Eli, Nate, Chase and Dylan Moscoso were servers at the Elk’s recent Inaugural Ball.
The evening was capped off with the recognition of 6 area Eagle Scouts:
John McPhie, Troop 2020 – Paracord Bracelets for Operation Gratitude. John was awarded the Veterans of Foreign Wars Outstanding Scout of the Year for California
Anthony Sanchez, Troop 639 – Decorative Rock installation at MV Youth Athletic Field
Donanvan McFann, Troop 603 – Cello Racks for Trabuco Hills Orchestra
Ian Otott, Troop 639 – Rolling storage carts for Trabuco Hills HS Music Program
Joey Souza, Troop 639 – Planted 750 Honeysuckle plants on a hillside in Mission Viejo
Ryan Williams, Troop 639 – Covered Feeding Trough for Zebra enclosure at Rancho Las Lomas Zoological Garden.
The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 50 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 8 lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 152-year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share”. For information regarding Elks programs or Elks membership, call 949 830-3557.
left to right, Dylan Urquhart and Jenny Buford-Esquire
left to right, ER Greg Morgan-PER, Ryan Williams-T639, Joey Souza-T639, Ian Otott-T639, Donavan McFann-T603, Rick Moscoso-Leading Knight
Photo Credits: Saddleback Mission Viejo Elks Lodge #2444
